Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services, today announced the launch of a new report Paving the Way to Integrated Assurance: A Proactive Approach.” This report outlines the critical role integrated assurance plays in risk management and organizational success in today’s complex business environment.
Based on a comprehensive global survey of 850 audit and assurance professionals, the report highlights the need for sustainable approaches to breaking down “silos” within risk management and assurance functions, which can result in inefficiencies, duplicative efforts, and incomplete reporting.
Key findings
- Only 16% of organizations have aligned their risk management efforts effectively with clear communication across their functions
- 40% of organizations struggle with duplicative assurance efforts, and 64% maintain multiple risk libraries
- Over half (56%) indicated a “strong” or “critical” need for greater alignment, communication, coordination, and collaboration
Jim Pelletier, Lead Product Manager at Wolters Kluwer TeamMate, said: “Integrated assurance isn’t just a concept. It’s an essential approach for organizations to achieve clarity in how risks are managed and reported in order to enable informed decision making. Organizations that invest in advanced technologies, drive coordination and alignment and empower leadership from internal audit will be better positioned to understand, align and act on their risk management and assurance strategies.”
Key Insights
- Adoption of the Three Lines Model: 93% of organizations have adopted the Three Lines Model to some extent, reflecting its near-universal acceptance and the value it brings in delineating the critical roles played by each of the three lines.
- Partial/incomplete versions of the truth: Only 16% of respondents feel their risk management efforts are “clear and fully aligned.” At the same time, 31% lack a common risk taxonomy and 57% have different risk rating methodologies. This can lead to fragmented risk and assurance information with multiple versions of the truth. Consistent, unbiased evaluations of enterprise risk are critical in enabling informed decision-making by boards and executive leadership.
- Assurance fatigue and the impact on the bottom line: 40% of respondents report challenges with duplicative assurance efforts. In addition, the majority aren’t coordinating their assurance activities (61%) and are managing multiple risk libraries in their organization (64%). The lack of coordination causes inefficiency, particularly across the second and third lines. This places a greater burden on the first line which can draw focus from their primary commercial and operational responsibilities.
- Need for Greater Collaboration: The survey indicates a strong need for improved communication, coordination, and collaboration, with 56% of respondents highlighting a “strong” or “critical” need for change. Agile and aligned collaboration and communication is a vital driver in enabling and accelerating organizational response when new risks emerge.
