The industry of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) has witnessed a noteworthy surge and advancement in the past few years. This development has been attributed to the ever-growing intricacy of regulatory requisites and the critical need for businesses to proactively manage risks. The dynamic GRC landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends and emerging market scenarios driving the industry forward. In this regard, it is essential to understand the current industry trends and market scenarios in GRC to ensure organizations stay ahead of the curve and remain compliant with ever-changing regulations.
Let’s look at some of the current industry trends and market scenarios in GRC below:
Increasing Adoption of Cloud-Based GRC Solutions: Cloud-based GRC solutions are becoming popular as they provide cost-effective, scalable, and easily accessible solutions that are suitable for organizations with multiple locations or remote teams. They are typically more affordable than on-premises solutions and offer greater scalability, making them ideal for small and medium-sized companies that experience fluctuations in their compliance and risk management needs. Cloud-based GRC solutions also provide enhanced security through dedicated security teams and infrastructure, making them suitable for organizations handling sensitive data or operating in highly regulated industries. Furthermore, they offer greater flexibility and customization options, allowing users to configure solutions to meet their specific compliance and risk management needs. The growing adoption of cloud based GRC solutions reflects the increasing demand for more flexible, cost-effective, and secure compliance and risk management solutions.
Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML integration is a growing trend in GRC technology that has the potential to automate and improve risk assessments, compliance monitoring, and decision-making processes. By analyzing large volumes of data, AI and ML algorithms can identify potential risks and patterns that may have gone undetected by traditional methods. GRC solutions integrated with AI and ML can help organizations predict and prevent potential risks before they occur, as well as automate compliance monitoring, freeing up resources for other tasks. This technology can revolutionize GRC by improving processes and enabling organizations to make more informed decisions. We can expect to see more organizations adopting GRC solutions with AI and ML integration in the future.
Focus on Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Organizations are under pressure to protect sensitive data and comply with stringent regulations due to cyber threats and data breaches. GRC tools can streamline cybersecurity and data privacy programs by automating processes, providing real-time visibility, and enabling compliance with regulatory requirements. Templates and workflows for tasks like vulnerability and patch management can be integrated into centralized platforms for quick identification and remediation of risks. Real-time reporting, analytics, and risk assessment tools allow organizations to stay on top of cybersecurity and data privacy risks. GRC technology can also manage third-party risk by tracking compliance and contractual obligations.
Greater Collaboration and Integration: GRC technology is increasingly integrating with other business systems, such as ERP and CRM, to provide a holistic view of compliance and risk management. Collaboration between different business functions is also on the rise, with GRC technology breaking down silos within organizations. GRC technology enables stakeholders to collaborate and work together in real-time to manage risk and compliance. A centralized platform, workflow automation, and integration with other enterprise systems are key aspects of this collaboration. GRC technology can also facilitate collaboration with external stakeholders such as auditors and regulators. In summary, greater collaboration and integration enable effective risk and compliance management.
Growth of GRC Consulting Services: The demand for GRC consulting services is rising as organizations seek to enhance their compliance and risk management practices. These consulting services offer specialized expertise to help businesses implement effective GRC strategies and solutions. Services offered by GRC consulting firms include strategy development, risk assessment and management, compliance management, technology implementation, and training and education. As regulatory compliance and risk management become more complex, GRC consulting services can assist organizations in navigating these challenges. By leveraging the expertise of GRC consulting firms, businesses can develop tailored GRC strategies and processes to address their specific needs and objectives.
The global GRC market is expected to grow from $14.9 billion in 2022 to $27.1 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 12.6%, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets. The growth can be attributed to the increasing complexity of regulatory requirements and the rising number of risks that organizations must manage. North America is expected to dominate the market due to a large number of GRC vendors and a high level of awareness about the importance of risk management and compliance. Europe and Asia Pacific are also expected to experience significant growth.
As the GRC market continues to expand, businesses of all sizes and industries are expected to invest in GRC solutions to better manage risks and comply with regulations. This presents a significant opportunity for GRC vendors and consultants to offer innovative solutions and services that meet the evolving needs of their clients.
By Sandhya Sukumar, CyberSecurity Practitioner| NTX ISSA Member