As regulatory landscapes grow increasingly complex, organizations are turning to governance, risk and compliance (GRC) programs as a force-multiplier. When implemented effectively, GRC can drastically improve an organization's ability to efficiently navigate rules and requirements while becoming more risk-intelligent. However, capturing these benefits requires taking a holistic, strategic approach from the outset.
On April 7, 2024, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released a discussion draft of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA). This bipartisan, bicameral draft legislation seeks to unify the fragmented landscape of sectoral-based and state-specific data privacy laws in the United States.
As a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) analyst, I've always been fascinated by the intersection of global politics and corporate strategy. In fact, if I could redo my career, I'd be tempted to become a geopolitical risk manager. But as I delve deeper into the world of GRC, I realize that geopolitical risk management isn't just fascinating—it's imperative.
In today's rapidly evolving business environment, organizations face an increasingly complex and dynamic risk landscape. Traditional approaches to risk management, which focus on identifying and implementing controls for known risks, are no longer sufficient. Risks are constantly changing and adapting, requiring a level of vigilance and agility that many organizations struggle to achieve.
The famous philosopher Francis Bacon once stated, "Knowledge is power." This phrase, first coined in his 1597 work Meditationes Sacrae, has proven to be true time and again, particularly in the modern business world. In today's data-driven landscape, organizations are quickly recognizing that one of their most valuable assets is data and information. However, as the volume of data continues to grow exponentially, companies are struggling to manage and leverage this "power" effectively.
In today's globalized economy, supply chains span continents, connecting a vast network of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. While this intricate web fuels economic growth, it also introduces significant risks, including the often-overlooked issue of workforce exploitation. As regulators tighten scrutiny and consumers demand ethical sourcing, organizations must prioritize labor rights throughout their supply chain.
The escalating cybersecurity threat environment is keeping compliance professionals on their toes, according to the latest Wall Street Journal survey. An overwhelming majority of companies (90%) reported an increase in cybersecurity risks over the past year, with nearly half describing the risk as having shot up substantially.