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AI will most likely win the buzzword award for 2023. ChatGPT and Google Bard have opened the eyes of millions to the potential benefits of AI. Additionally, AI introduces opportunities for organizations to exponentially increase efficiency and cut costs; unfortunately, AI also introduces new risks to these same organizations. In March 2023, over 30,000 individuals, including well known technology leaders, signed an open letter asking organizations to pause their work on advancing AI beyond the capabilities of ChatGPT-4 for at least six months. In their letter, they called for policy makers and AI developers to work together to accelerate the development of strong AI governance. They claimed governance should include the oversight and tracking of high-risk AI systems, research of watermarking technologies to distinguish reality from fiction, robust auditing systems in place, and to enforce risk management of AI-specific risks. While generative AI has caused quite a stir today, regulations around AI have been in the works for quite some time. The European Union (EU), per usual, arrived first at the scene with their wide-sweeping AI Act. Penalties under this law could cost organizations up to 30M euros or 6% of their revenue for non-compliance. Regulators over the financial sectors in the US and the UK have also declared that AI models need the same level of attention and rigor as any other model undergoing model risk management. In addition, the White House has released an AI Bill of Rights, specifically intended to help policy makers draft effective AI regulations, hinting that more regulations are coming to the AI space. Why AI Governance is Needed In short, the purpose of AI governance is to avoid and mitigate harm by building trustworthy AI. Organizations serious about AI governance should consider taking a “do no harm” oath regarding AI. When AI is used to make decisions that affect humans, harm may befall your customers, employees, community, or society. AI governance needs to address the potential impacts and harm to groups during the entire lifecycle of AI. Trustworthy AI has different definitions based on who you ask, but most have the same general premise. The EU AI Act defines trustworthy AI as “legally compliant, technically robust, and ethically sound.” The National Institute of Technology and Standards (NIST) outlines characteristics of trustworthy AI in the AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF), such as valid and reliable, safe, secure and resilient, accountable and transparent, explainable and interpretable, privacy-enhanced, and fair – with harmful bias managed. While we’re speaking of NIST, Archer customers should check out the Archer NIST AI Risk Management Framework app-pack on the Archer Exchange. It enables you to utilize the NIST AI Risk Management Framework to assess your AI implementations and determine the posture of your current AI implementation through a comprehensive risk assessment. It helps you design and implement effective risk mitigation strategies to address the gaps from the current implementation to the target implementation. The idea is that building and using trustworthy AI reduces harm. That’s what we are striving for when instituting AI Governance. How to Govern AI at Your Organization If you have been in risk management for a while, you can guess what general steps are required. At a high level, a general framework of AI governance would include identification and documentation of your AI systems, risk analysis and evaluation, implementation and testing of controls, and ongoing monitoring. Let’s break these down. #1 Identification To start managing AI systems, you have to know what AI systems you are using. NIST and EU AI Act provide good definitions of AI. Basically, any system using machine learning, logic-based, knowledge-based, or statistical approaches are considered to be AI. That covers a lot. And that is much more than just ChatGPT. When you document your AI systems, it’s critical you collect and document specific information. Important details include: Context – the intended purpose, benefits, norms and expectations, people involved, settings in which it’s deployed, goals, instructions on use, etc. Development details – methods and steps used to develop the AI system, key design choices, system architecture, data requirements, validation and testing information, etc. Monitoring information – the incident management process, key performance indicators, review cycles, etc. Risks and impacts – identified risks, how risks are managed, potential impacts to consumers, employees, society, communities, organizations, etc. Change management – historical log of changes to the AI system For more information, review the “map” categories in the NIST AI RMF, as well as the EU AI Act section on technical documentation and summary data sheet. #2 Risk Assessment The purpose of assessing the risk of your AI systems is to understand the potential harm it could cause and to know the level of controls you should apply. Typical information system risk assessments prioritize systems based on the data classification housed and processed within the system, as well as the functional importance of the system to the organization. This same thought process applies for AI systems, but organizations should also take into consideration the usage of the system as well. The EU AI Act for example outright bans certain uses of AI, or AI systems that cause specific impacts. Any systems that might exploit vulnerable groups or violates rights in any way are prohibited in the market. Using AI to socially score an individual or perform real-time biometric identification in public spaces is also prohibited. High risk AI systems might include systems that assist with education, like determining which students to admit to your school, which ones get into certain programs, etc. Any system used for hiring or firing would be considered high risk. Systems that determine who gets access to essential services, like determining your future credit score, would be considered high risk. AI systems that don’t make predictions or decisions are generally less risky. For more information, review the NIST AI RMF “Measure” categories, the EU AI Act on risk levels, the NIST Risk Management Framework, or regulations on Model Risk. #3 Implement and Assess Controls It is recommended to put in place strong controls at every stage of the AI lifecycle. This includes stages like design, development, evaluation and testing, deployment, operation, and eventual retirement. Generally, controls should be put in place to respond to and manage identified risks during your risk assessments. The objective is to maximize the benefits of AI, while minimizing the negative impacts. Examples of controls include, but are not limited to: Drafting policies that cover AI values and governance Conducting ethical assessments Keeping up-to-date technical documentation Enforcing data governance Continuously identifying and managing risks and impacts Conducting model reviews, validation, and performance monitoring Creating clear deployment strategies Implementing strong change management Setting clear decommission strategies for AI systems NIST recommends implementing and testing these types of controls based on the risk level of your AI systems. Under the EU AI Act, high-risk AI systems must undergo a conformity assessment to prove that their system has conformed to the highest standard of controls. This conformity assessment covers topics as shown above and more. Without a conformity assessment, you cannot deploy your AI system in the EU market. It’s expected that the US will have similar requirements in future legislation. #4 Ongoing Monitoring Once the risk analysis, evaluation, and control selection has been completed, organizations should continuously monitor their AI systems in production. Ongoing monitoring includes activities like control reassessment, regular reviews, incident tracking and management, and risk identification. Organizations should be proactive in reporting incidents to the proper stakeholders, as there has been greater emphasis on incident disclosure requirements. Trust that it’s better to be ahead of the curve in this space than behind. Organizations should be tracking their own incidents and managing them in an effective way. When logging and reporting incidents, organizations should track things such as the incident summary, reporter, source system, dates of occurrence, impacts of the incident, and the affected stakeholders. These incidents will need to be shared both internally and externally in many cases, so organizations should plan now on their communication strategy. Conclusion Risk managers can leverage current frameworks in place to help govern AI, but will need to adapt to the unique challenges presented by AI. By identifying AI systems, prioritizing them based on risk, applying controls, and monitoring their systems, organizations can build and use more trustworthy AI and avoid negative impacts and harm. Teams working to manage risks posed from AI will also need to be very agile in the rapidly developing regulatory space. For example, the current version of the NIST AI Framework, most model-related regulations, and even the EU AI Act were written to help mitigate risks from traditional AI, not generative AI (GAI). GAI presents its own unique challenges and risks. While these regulations and frameworks have lots of overlap, organizations that don’t adapt to these new AI technologies expose themselves to very large risks. Risk teams need to be looking ahead at what is to come and start their efforts now to institute proper AI governance.

The Archer Summit 2025 agenda is live—and it’s filled with opportunities to learn from industry leaders, connect with peers, and strengthen your organization’s approach to risk and resilience. Taking place September 15–18 in Chicago, Archer Summit brings together hundreds of professionals from around the world who are driving innovation in risk management, compliance, and resilience. Whether you're new to Archer® or looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the agenda offers something for every attendee. Designed Around Real-World Impact More than half of this year’s sessions are led by Archer customers. These are practical, experience-driven conversations from organizations navigating the same challenges you’re facing — and finding success. Speakers include: ·  Amazon , sharing how they developed a resilient, enterprise-wide response strategy across their global sites. · ZS Associates and EY , offering an outline for operationalizing ESG goals with Archer. ·  Nationwide , diving into how they built a flexible, enterprise-wide issues management process. · Risk and compliance leaders from BECU, TD Bank, Mass General Brigham, Corebridge, Quest Diagnostics, CVS, and many more. Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss This year’s program offers more than 60 breakout sessions, learning labs, and product showcases. Every session is designed to deliver real, applicable value you can bring back to your organization: Product innovation sessions featuring new Archer products and upcoming AI capabilities. Customer success stories that span third-party risk, business continuity, information security, ESG, audit, and beyond. Technical deep dives into topics like access control, dashboard design, API integrations, and cloud migration. Hands-on labs and workshops, including a complimentary Archer Associate Certification exam session (pre-registration required) and a Blueprint Workshop for implementing Archer Evolv™ within your organization (add-on to your registration). Peer panels focused on regulatory shifts, GRC challenges, and how teams are adapting to rising board expectations. Beyond the Breakouts Beyond the sessions, Archer Summit is your chance to connect with peers, talk strategy with Archer experts, and enjoy all the energy of downtown Chicago. From morning wellness sessions to evening networking events, we’ve built space into the agenda to recharge and build relationships. Highlights include: The Archer Summit Welcome Reception on opening night Our “Taste of Chicago” dine around at some of Chicago’s best restaurants The high-energy Archer After-Hours party A closing keynote and customer appreciation celebration Explore the full agenda, build your schedule, and get ready to experience Archer Summit 2025 in Chicago. View the Agenda Register now

Despite rapid technological advancements across nearly every sector, risk management information systems (RMIS) have seen little to no meaningful innovation in over a decade. Many organizations still rely on outdated systems, manual processes, and fragmented data to navigate increasingly complex risk challenges. That needs to change. Risk is more complex than ever Today, businesses face a growing web of risks that are more unpredictable and interconnected than ever before. The challenges are relentless, from a surge in claims and geopolitical instability to cyber threats, regulatory shifts, supply chain disruptions, climate-related disasters, and economic volatility. Traditional RMIS tools, designed for simpler times, are ill-equipped to handle evolving risks. Relying on outdated technology is like navigating a storm with a broken compass — it leaves your organization exposed and unable to respond effectively. RMIS solutions are stale—and in dire need of change For years, companies have been locked into legacy systems that fail to harness modern technological capabilities. Many RMIS platforms lack real-time data processing, predictive analytics, and seamless integration with other enterprise systems. This results in data silos, slow decision-making, and missed opportunities to mitigate risk. Furthermore, manual processes often dominate risk management workflows. Risk teams spend valuable time compiling reports, tracking incidents, and analyzing fragmented data rather than focusing on strategic decision-making. Without innovation, businesses remain vulnerable and reactive. It’s time for a shift. Fresh thinking and the adoption of modern, AI-powered solutions can bring RMIS into the digital age. AI and data-driven analytics: the future of RMIS Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics are revolutionizing industries worldwide. In risk management, these technologies provide organizations with the tools to anticipate threats, respond swiftly, and make data-backed decisions. Next-generation RMIS platforms leverage AI to transform the way businesses manage risk by enabling: Real-time risk monitoring:  AI continuously scans global events, regulatory updates, and emerging threats, delivering instant alerts so organizations can respond proactively. Predictive analytics:  By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, AI-driven systems can forecast potential financial, operational, or reputational risks. Automated compliance management: Regulatory tracking becomes streamlined with automated updates and compliance checks, reducing human error and ensuring adherence to evolving regulations. Unified risk visibility:  Advanced RMIS platforms break down data silos, offering a comprehensive view of risks across the enterprise, supporting better collaboration and informed decision-making. Imagine a system that not only flags a developing supply chain disruption but also models its potential financial impact and suggests mitigation strategies. That’s the power of AI-driven RMIS. Embracing the future of risk management The future of risk management is not just about keeping pace with emerging threats—it’s about gaining a strategic advantage. Organizations that adopt AI-powered RMIS solutions can reduce costs, enhance operational efficiency, and protect their reputation. It’s time to break free from outdated systems and embrace a data-driven, proactive approach to managing risk. Interested in learning more? Download our whitepaper, "Next-Generation RMIS: Revolutionizing Risk Management" ,  to explore how modern RMIS solutions can transform your organization’s approach to risk management. Want to see Archer RMIS AI in action? Visit us in Booth #1375 at RISKWORLD, May 3-5 in Chicago to discover how next-generation RMIS can strengthen your risk management strategy. Register now!

Many companies still treat sustainability as a reporting exercise. Metrics are collected, frameworks are checked, and disclosures are filed. But if your organization stops there, it's missing the point. Sustainability is no longer a side initiative. It's a strategic capability. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts are now directly tied to business resilience, brand reputation, investor confidence, and risk exposure. In IDC’s 2025 MarketScape for Worldwide Sustainability Management Platforms , nearly 30% of organizations identified "strategic advantage" as a top driver behind their ESG technology investments. These priorities send a clear message: organizations want more than dashboards - they want tools that support action.   Action starts with better decision-making. That requires data you can trust and systems that turn risk indicators into meaningful outcomes. IDC’s report highlights that many sustainability platforms still fall short. Some can't aggregate data across the organization. Others stop at reporting, without helping leaders take action when something goes wrong.   What Today’s ESG Platforms Need Top-performing platforms differentiate themselves by incorporating ESG considerations within their comprehensive risk management strategies. For example, Archer was recognized in the IDC MarketScape  for helping organizations detect issues early and connect ESG metrics to concrete responses. If a carbon emissions target is exceeded, the platform can raise an alert, assign responsibility, and launch a resolution workflow. This kind of functionality turns ESG from a static scorecard into a dynamic tool for managing risk in real time.   Another critical capability is tying ESG performance to financial materiality. Archer’s ESG Management solution helps teams evaluate the business impact of ESG risks and opportunities, considering timelines and probability. This approach supports evolving regulatory demands like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and ensures efforts focus where they deliver the most value.   Bringing ESG Into the Risk Conversation The evolution from reporting to proactive management is a sign of ESG maturity. Integrating ESG factors into the broader governance and risk framework drives increased business value. Organizations can identify root causes, strengthen resilience, and align sustainability with core strategic goals.   ESG should never be siloed. It belongs alongside operational risk, third-party risk, and business continuity in the conversation, and IDC’s findings show more organizations are making that connection.   Want to learn more? If your ESG reporting still depends on manual collection and delayed response, now is the time to rethink your approach. Contact Archer today  to learn how Archer ESG Management  can help you build a more connected, accountable ESG reporting process.

Many ESG teams spend most of their time gathering data. They chase spreadsheets, emails, and disconnected systems to meet disclosure deadlines. That process might satisfy minimum reporting requirements, but it’s not enough to build trust or meet the growing expectations from regulators and stakeholders.   According to the recently published 2025 IDC MarketScape for ESG Reporting and Compliance Management Applications , the most advanced platforms do more than collect ESG metrics. They support traceability, automate tasks, and trigger action when thresholds are breached. These capabilities help shift ESG reporting from a static activity to a live management function.   Compliance Isn’t the Finish Line One of the key trends highlighted in IDC’s report is the pressure on companies to meet requirements such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This includes collecting auditable and verifiable ESG data and connecting it to clear, transparent disclosures. But meeting a disclosure framework isn’t the end goal. The real value lies in using ESG data to inform decisions and manage risk.   Auditability and Traceability Matter The IDC report emphasizes the growing focus on assurance. As regulations mature, external audits of ESG data will become more common, which means that teams need to do more than simply publish numbers. They will need to prove how the numbers were calculated, which systems they originated from, and whether the data was altered along the way.   Systems that offer automated tracking, evidence logs, and AI-assisted review of disclosure responses are better equipped to handle this level of scrutiny. They help ESG and sustainability leaders respond to regulator questions, investor concerns, and internal reviews with speed and clarity.   ESG Reporting Is Becoming a Team Sport The IDC report makes it clear that ESG reporting no longer belongs to a single department. Finance, legal, risk, compliance, HR, and procurement all play a role. Platforms that support cross-functional workflows and shared visibility are better equipped to reflect how ESG risks and opportunities show up across the business.   If your ESG reporting still depends on manual collection and delayed response, now is the time to rethink your approach. Contact Archer today  to learn how Archer ESG Management  can help you build a more connected, accountable ESG reporting process.

Businesses are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for innovation and growth. A recent Gartner survey found that 44% of companies are now using AI in some capacity, up from 37% last year. But with this growth comes responsibility. Without proper oversight, businesses risk mismanaging the use of AI tools, potentially leading to ethical concerns and regulatory issues. Strong AI governance is no longer optional but an essential consideration for any business looking to thrive in the AI era. The use of AI brings new challenges for risk managers Risk managers face numerous challenges in managing and governing AI technologies. One of the biggest hurdles is the absence of centralized AI oversight. With AI systems deployed across various departments, the task of tracking AI assets and ensuring cohesive management becomes a formidable obstacle. This fragmentation can lead to unmanaged deployments, escalating the risk of ethical lapses and regulatory non-compliance, fines, and penalties. New AI regulations will have a substantial impact on how organizations use AI. Navigating the intricate requirements of the European Union (EU) AI Act and other regulatory frameworks can be daunting. Risk managers must continuously update policies and controls to adhere to evolving standards, which can be resource intensive and prone to errors.  Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, including biases in AI models, is critical to avoid legal and reputational damage. However, risk management programs tend to lack the necessary tools and expertise to conduct thorough risk assessments and audits, leaving them vulnerable to unintended consequences of AI usage.  Transparency and explainability of AI processes are crucial yet challenging to achieve. Stakeholders often struggle to understand and trust AI decision making due to the opaque nature of many AI models. Without clear explanations, gaining stakeholder buy in and ensuring accountability becomes difficult.  Furthermore, data governance is a critical area where many organizations falter. Ensuring data quality, integrity, and security throughout the AI lifecycle is essential. Maintaining high standards and complying with data protection regulations requires robust governance practices that many organizations find challenging to implement effectively.  What is AI Governance? The purpose of AI governance is to avoid and mitigate potential harm and build trustworthy AI systems that serve the interests of your customers, employees, community, and society. AI governance is a framework of policies, processes, and controls designed to ensure that AI systems are developed, deployed, and used ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with legal and societal norms.   When AI systems are employed to make decisions affecting individuals, there is a risk of unintended harm to customers, employees, communities, or broader society. AI governance must consider the potential risks and impacts at every stage of the AI lifecycle.   Trustworthy AI has varied definitions based on perspective, yet most converge on a set of core principles:   The European Union (EU) AI Act defines trustworthy AI as being "legally compliant, technically robust, and ethically sound." The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) outlines characteristics of trustworthy AI in its AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF), including valid and reliable, safe and secure, accountable, transparent, explainable, privacy-enhanced, and fair with regard to managing harmful bias. Five questions to ask your risk management team to evaluate your AI readiness How do you manage and track all AI assets across your business? What steps have you taken to ensure compliance with the EU AI Act? How do you assess and mitigate risk and biases in your AI models? How transparent are your AI decision-making processes to stakeholders, and what tools do you use to ensure explainability?  How scalable are your AI Governance practices to ensure compliance with new and changing AI Governance regulations? The answer to these questions is not a simple yes or no.  They require a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of the AI initiatives in use and the policies and processes in place to govern them. This evaluation should involve collaboration between risk managers, IT leaders, data scientists, and other key stakeholders to ensure a holistic understanding of AI usage across the organization. 83% of business leaders believe they need to adopt AI governance frameworks to ensure ethical AI usage and reduce bias. World Economic Forum May 2024 By regularly evaluating and adapting AI governance practices, the risk management function can anticipate potential risks and stay ahead of regulatory changes. Employing a robust AI Governance program also demonstrates a commitment to stakeholders and promotes trust in the organization's use of AI technologies. Introducing Archer AI Governance Archer AI Governance  empowers risk managers to tackle these challenges and ensure responsible AI use throughout the organization. Aligned with the stringent requirements of the EU AI Act, Archer AI Governance provides a robust suite of features that help to manage AI risks effectively, maintain compliance, and promote ethical AI practices.  Interested in learning how Archer AI Governance can help your organization effectively manage AI usage risks?  Archer clients and partners are invited to join us on October 4 for a Free Friday Tech Huddle .

For many organizations, third-party risk management remains a compliance-driven function—an exercise in checking boxes to satisfy regulatory requirements. While compliance is crucial, this narrow focus can leave significant value untapped, making third-party risk management reactive rather than proactive in anticipating and mitigating risks. This reactive stance can lead to blind spots in supply chain vulnerabilities, emerging risks, and missed opportunities for competitive advantage. When third-party risk management is limited to compliance, valuable insights that could enhance decision-making and operational resilience are overlooked. For example, supplier assessments that focus solely on financial stability and cybersecurity may miss broader risks, such as geopolitical instability, climate-related disruptions, or ethical sourcing concerns. These hidden risks can escalate quickly, affecting business continuity, brand reputation, and regulatory standing.  Leveraging third-party risk management for strategic growth   To unlock the full potential of third-party risk management, organizations must shift from a compliance-first mindset to a holistic approach that integrates third-party risk management into broader enterprise risk management (ERM). This means viewing third-party relationships as more than just potential liabilities but also as sources of innovation, efficiency, and competitive differentiation.  By integrating third-party risk management data with business strategy, organizations can make informed decisions about supplier partnerships, expand into new markets, and prioritize investments. For example, an organization tracking ESG performance across its supply chain can identify partners aligned with its sustainability goals, reducing long-term regulatory and reputational risks.  Transforming third-party risk management data into actionable insights   The key to maximizing third-party risk management’s value lies in turning risk data into strategic intelligence. Most organizations already collect vast amounts of data on their vendors, but few leverage it beyond risk scoring and compliance reporting. Advanced analytics and AI-driven tools can help transform this data into actionable insights that drive resilience and growth.  Proactively using third-party risk management intelligence not only mitigates risk but also creates opportunities, whether by identifying emerging markets, streamlining operations, or fostering innovation through stronger third-party collaborations.  To move from a compliance function to a strategic enabler, organizations can take several key steps:  Integrate third-party risk management with ERM  by establishing direct links between third-party risk management insights and broader enterprise risk discussions to ensure alignment with business objectives.  Leverage technology , such as AI and automation, to enhance risk assessments, monitor real-time third-party risks, and generate predictive insights.  Expand risk metrics  to include financial, cybersecurity, operational resilience, reputational, and climate risks.  Strengthen cross-functional collaboration  by engaging stakeholders across finance, procurement, IT, and legal teams to ensure a comprehensive risk management approach.  A well-executed third-party risk management strategy does more than mitigate risk—it becomes a driver of long-term business resilience and competitive advantage. By expanding beyond compliance, organizations can transform third-party relationships into a powerful asset for sustainable growth.  Watch the webcast " From Compliance to Confidence: Elevating the Strategic Impact of Third-Party Risk Management "  with Shared Assessments to discover how you can go beyond reporting and compliance to unlock the full strategic value of your TPRM program.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is reshaping how organizations report on sustainability, and the pressure is on. The new reporting requirements are complex, resource-intensive, and unclear for many organizations, especially large corporations and banks. But with the right approach, CSRD compliance can become more than just a checkbox, it can be a driver of long-term value. Defining CSRD Challenges As the CSRD regulation rolls out, organizations are faced with the challenge of navigating the complexity of sustainability reporting. This includes conducting double materiali ty assessments and understanding the multifaceted impacts of operations on society and the environment, as well as how external sustainability factors affect the business. With the sheer volume of data that must be gathered from different departments, subsidiaries, and supply chains, structured, consistent, and auditable data management adds an additional layer of difficulty. Without the right tools, companies often find it challenging to identify the necessary specific data points and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information reported. Organizations, particularly those without established processes for sustainability data collection, are left unsure about where to begin and how to manage the ongoing reporting burden effectively. Streamlining CSRD Compliance CSRD presents a clear challenge to organizations. There is a need to capture vast amounts of data and to create accurate, consistent reports that meet stringent standards. Collecting this data manually and assessing sustainability impact, risks, and opportunities (IROs) can be overwhelming. For many companies, relying solely on manual resources for CSRD reporting can be costly and unsustainable, especially since reporting is required annually. That’s where Archer ESG Management comes in by delivering a comprehensive, automated solution that helps navigate CSRD compliance through a consistent, effective approach to risk management. Archer ESG Management provides a comprehensive, end-to-end process for tackling the complex requirements for CSRD. With Archer, organizations can: 1. Conduct double materiality assessments Double materiality assessments are a key component of CSRD compliance. The Archer Double Materiality Calculator (DMC) use case simplifies this process by providing guidance through a structured workflow. This tool enables businesses to evaluate both the impact of ESG factors on their operations and the impact their business has on the environment and society.  The latest enhancements to Archer DMC ensure that companies stay aligned with regulatory guidance, making the entire assessment more efficient and actionable. 2. Efficiently collect and report metrics Once material topics are identified, organizations must collect relevant metrics and disclosures. Archer ESG Management provides over 1,400 pre-populated CSRD metrics, allowing for direct collection within the Archer platform or the Archer Engage solution. This reduces the complexity of data gathering and ensures compliance with specific requirements of the regulation. 3. Ensure audit-ready disclosures The Archer ESG Disclosure Management use case is pre-populated with over 1,300 disclosures that align with CSRD. By automating the reporting process, Archer makes it easier for companies to submit accurate, audit-ready disclosures, reducing the risk of errors and omissions. 4. Stay on track with end-to-end CSRD automation Archer ESG Management provides pre-built, automated workflows that guide sustainability managers through the entire CSRD compliance process. This comprehensive framework eliminates guesswork, ensuring the business can stay on track and meet reporting obligations efficiently.   The Time to Act on CSRD is Now CSRD compliance may seem daunting, but it presents a unique opportunity for organizations to align sustainability with risk management and long-term strategy. Archer ESG Management helps simplify compliance, enhance data accuracy, and ensure audit-ready reporting. By automating key processes and integrating risk management, Archer can help you meet regulatory requirements and efficiently manage sustainability risks and opportunities. To learn more about CSRD and what it means for your organization, download the eBook, CSRD Explained: What You Need to Know.

As the complexity of regulations grows and global oversight becomes increasingly stringent, businesses find themselves navigating a labyrinth of compliance demands. For compliance officers and risk managers, keeping track of these rapid changes while ensuring organizational adherence can be an overwhelming challenge. Enter regulatory intelligence.     This emerging field is revolutionizing how organizations handle compliance, providing tools that not only track regulatory changes but also integrate them seamlessly into business operations.     What is Regulatory Intelligence ?   Regulatory intelligence refers to systems and technologies designed to manage the vast and evolving landscape of regulations. At its core, regulatory intelligence helps businesses stay informed, make strategic decisions, and ensure compliance by:   Tracking regulatory changes : Keeping up with amendments and new legislation across different jurisdictions  Contextualizing regulations : Highlighting the relevance of specific regulations to an organization’s industry or operations  Implementing regulatory requirements : Mapping changes into internal processes to ensure compliance    This goes beyond simply monitoring regulations; it’s about offering actionable insights and creating scalable, automated compliance strategies.     Why is Regulatory Intelligence Essential Today?    Growing oversight, geopolitical upheavals, and stakeholder demands for operational transparency characterize today's business environment. Compliance teams face growing pressure to demonstrate the effectiveness of their strategies. Key challenges include addressing the volume and complexity of regulatory updates—from sustainability directives like the CSRD to cybersecurity mandates like the SEC Cyber Disclosure Rules.     Traditional methods of regulatory management, such as outsourcing to law firms or relying solely on in-house teams, can’t keep pace with this dynamic landscape. Regulatory intelligence tools fill this gap by enhancing efficiency, cutting costs, and improving compliance programs.     Top Use Cases for Regulatory Intelligence    Leading organizations are adopting regulatory intelligence systems across multiple business functions. Here are a few key applications:    Centralized oversight   Regulatory intelligence allows teams to consolidate regulations and build centralized repositories. This approach aids in operationalizing requirements systematically while creating an audit trail for risk management.     Automation    With AI and machine learning, regulatory intelligence tools automate tasks like data aggregation, regulatory impact assessments, and change alerts. For example, advanced platforms offer features like generative AI to interpret the implications of laws, allowing faster implementation of regulatory mandates.     Prioritization of risks    These tools enable businesses to focus on high-priority risk domains. Whether ensuring compliance with financial services regulations or cybersecurity laws, organizations can align their strategies with the most critical areas impacting their bottom line.    Cost efficiency    Companies are moving away from heavy dependency on costly external legal counsel by leveraging regulatory intelligence to manage compliance internally. This shift not only reduces legal overhead but also fosters a proactive, scalable compliance strategy.     Cross-functional collaboration    By integrating compliance processes with other functions, such as enterprise risk management (ERM) or audit, businesses can operate more cohesively. Regulatory intelligence ensures that teams work from the same rulebook, from legal to operations.     The Future of Compliance    The Gartner® Market Guide for Regulatory Intelligence Solutions estimates a 20.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the global regulatory technology market, which it expects to grow from $7.6 billion in 2021 to $19.5 billion by 2026. For businesses, this makes selecting the right tools essential.     Organizations must adopt a risk-based approach to build a robust compliance program, balancing in-house efforts with advanced tools. This ensures they are not only meeting regulatory demands but also enhancing operational efficiency and trust with stakeholders.     Learn More About Regulatory Intelligence    To explore the latest analysis and regulatory intelligence trends,  read the Gartner Market Guide for Regulatory Intelligence Solutions today , compliments of Archer for a limited time.      Gartner, Market Guide for Regulatory Intelligence Solutions, Lauren Kornutick ,  Lexi VerVelde , 15 October 2024   GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

In today's complex environment, audit functions must strike a balance by retaining autonomy while integrating with compliance and risk functions. This balance ensures that organizations follow policies, manage risk, and comply with regulatory requirements. Audit autonomy is critical to ensure objectivity, provide unbiased assessments, preserve the credibility of audit findings, and maintain trust with internal and external stakeholders. At the same time, integration with other business functions is essential to gain a holistic view of risks across the organization, monitor emerging risks, and anticipate risks to take proactive measures. Importance of Audit Autonomy Audit autonomy is critical for effective auditing and is essential to maintaining objectivity, credibility, and trust, which are crucial for the audit function's success. Autonomy ensures auditors can perform their responsibilities objectively without undue influence from any business functions they are auditing. This autonomy is essential for providing unbiased assessments of risk management, control, and governance processes. In addition, auditors can evaluate policies without pressure, leading to accurate and reliable findings. For an effective audit function, auditors must be trusted by stakeholders, including the board, senior management, and external regulators. Stakeholders who trust auditors' integrity and independence are likelier to act on audit recommendations and findings. This trust is foundational for fostering a culture of accountability and improvement in an organization. An independent audit function can detect issues, inefficiencies, and non-compliance. When auditors lack autonomy, they might be pressured to overlook or downplay negative findings. With autonomy, auditors can conduct investigations and report candid findings to ensure that issues are addressed and risks are mitigated before they escalate. Ensuring auditors can operate independently while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the audit process ensures organizations manage risks, improve compliance, and strengthen governance. Importance of Integration with Other Functions While audit autonomy is critical, integrating with risk and compliance functions is equally important. This integration enhances the audit process. Integration with other business functions allows auditors to have a comprehensive view of risks across the organization. When understanding an organization's risks, auditors can provide more proactive measures and strategic recommendations. With integration and better information sharing, auditors perform more efficient audits and more effective risk management. Integration enables auditors to access critical data and improve the quality of audit outcomes. Getting insights from visibility into other functions allows for better risk management by addressing issues before they escalate. Auditors help develop proactive strategies to mitigate risk instead of reactive management. Auditors can ensure that policies are enforced consistently across the organization, reducing the risk of non-compliance and helping avoid penalties. Integration with audit, risk, and compliance functions allows an organization to manage risks effectively, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency. Maintaining autonomy while integrating audit functions with risk and compliance functions enhances the organization's ability to effectively identify, assess, and mitigate risks. By implementing these strategies, organizations can achieve a proactive approach to risk management, compliance, and governance, ensuring resilience and sustainability in today's business environment. This integration is critical for conducting effective audits that provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making and regulatory compliance. The Archer Solution With Archer Audit Management you have the flexibility to define your audit universe independently or by leveraging the controls defined in the rest of the system. Archer is uniquely positioned to allow for flexibility based on how your company operates. With the introduction of Audit Engagement Templates companies now have a faster way to go from zero to engagement. The new process reduces the dependencies on other departments all while allowing for integration where and when it is needed. Contact us  to learn more about how Archer Audit Management can give your audit teams autonomy without losing visibility into other functions for proactive and risk-based audits.

In today’s geopolitical environment, organizations must be more agile than ever in managing risk. This is especially true for defense companies that provide products or services for the government since political uncertainty creates ripple effects that can disrupt supply chains, contract negotiations, and long-term defense strategies. Policy shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving international alliances can dramatically impact global defense operations. Defense organizations that fail to monitor and adapt to these changes risk being blindsided by sudden market shifts, compliance challenges, and unforeseen exposures. Impact of political uncertainty on the defense industry Changing policies, fluctuating defense budgets, and shifting global priorities heighten risks for defense contractors, arms manufacturers, and cybersecurity firms. These uncertainties influence procurement strategies, regulatory requirements, and strategic defense initiatives, making comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation planning essential. Geopolitical tensions and evolving security alliances add further complexity. Defense companies operating in international markets must navigate procurement delays, shifting compliance standards, and new regulatory requirements. In such a dynamic environment, maintaining strategic agility is critical. The ability to anticipate and respond to policy shifts is essential for sustaining operations and securing long-term contracts. Defense companies must proactively evaluate risk exposures and plan for multiple scenarios to stay ahead. This requires real-time data, predictive analytics, and scenario modeling—all key functionalities of a robust RMIS. Why modern RMIS Is essential for defense organizations A risk management strategy is only as effective as the tools that support it. There are several reasons why it is vital for defense companies to ensure their RMIS is optimized for today’s volatile world: 1. Real-time monitoring and risk alerts Political events and policy changes unfold rapidly, and delayed responses can be costly. A modern RMIS should integrate with global intelligence sources, policy updates, and financial indicators to provide real-time alerts on critical developments. By linking these insights to their claims and risk profile, defense companies can shift from reactive to proactive risk management. 2. Scenario planning for policy & funding changes With uncertainty surrounding defense budgets and shifting national security priorities, companies supplying military equipment, cybersecurity solutions, and defense technologies must be able to model different risk scenarios. A fully integrated RMIS connected to a robust GRC solution enables an organization to simulate the potential impact of policy shifts on operations, insurance costs, and supply chains. 3. Regulatory compliance and adaptation New sanctions, export controls, and evolving compliance requirements make regulatory alignment a moving target. An up-to-date RMIS equipped with AI-powered compliance tools automates regulatory tracking and ensures adherence across multiple jurisdictions, reducing the risk of non-compliance. 4. Centralized data for informed decision-making Managing risk data — from geopolitical threats to cyber risk — requires a single source of truth for enterprise-wide visibility. A well-maintained RMIS, integrated with a strategic GRC framework, centralized this data, empowering leadership teams to make informed, strategic decisions in an unpredictable world. Future-proofing risk management in the defense industry Political uncertainty isn’t going away. Shifts in global alliances, evolving defense strategies, and economic volatility will continue to challenge defense organizations. The key isn’t just having a risk management system -- it’s ensuring it is continuously updated, powered by real-time insights, and capable of scenario planning for ever-changing conditions. Defense companies that invest in modern, data-driven RMIS will thrive in uncertain times.Interested in learning more? Read the whitepaper “ Next-Generation RMIS: Revolutionizing Risk Management ” Visit Archer in Booth #1375 at RISKWORLD, May 3-5, to see how Archer RMIS AI can help you improve your risk management strategy. Register now.

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, companies are under immense pressure to maintain compliance and manage risk effectively under tight budgets. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) software has become an indispensable tool in achieving these objectives, and Archer provides world-class solutions. Many organizations are finding that their legacy on-premises GRC systems are not sufficient to meet their needs. Transitioning to a leading-edge SaaS solution like Archer is critical and here’s why: 1.      Scalability and Flexibility. On-prem systems are often rigid and expensive to scale. Companies experiencing growth or navigating complex regulatory landscapes can quickly outgrow their existing infrastructure. SaaS solutions, on the other hand, are inherently scalable. 2.      Cost Efficiency. The total cost of ownership for on-prem GRC systems is often underestimated. These systems can require significant upfront investments in hardware, software licenses, and IT personnel for maintenance. SaaS solutions are subscription-based, spreading costs over time and eliminating the need for costly infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. This shift from capital expense (CapEx) to operating expense (OpEx) provides financial flexibility and predictable budgeting. 3.      Rapid Deployment and Updates. Traditional on-prem systems often have lengthy implementation processes, delaying time-to-value. SaaS solutions can be deployed much faster, enabling businesses to start leveraging their benefits almost immediately. 4.      Improved Collaboration and Accessibility. Modern businesses operate in increasingly distributed environments. Remote work, global teams, and third-party collaborations demand tools that are accessible anytime, anywhere. Your GRC tool should be no different. 5.      Data Integration and Analytics. SaaS platforms are designed to integrate easily with other business tools, enabling organizations to create a unified view of risk and compliance. Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities help companies derive actionable insights, identify trends, and make informed decisions. 6.      AI-Powered Insights and Automation. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into SaaS GRC platforms is revolutionizing how organizations manage risk and compliance. For example, AI should monitor and respond to regulatory changes, associate regulatory intelligence to control implementations, establish controls aligned with business requirements, and integrate with audit and compliance processes. 7.      Enhanced User Experience. User experience (UX) is a critical factor in the adoption and effectiveness of any software solution. Modern SaaS GRC platforms should be designed with user-centric interfaces that simplify complex processes and reduce the learning curve for users. Intuitive dashboards, customizable workflows, and self-service options empower users to navigate with ease. By prioritizing UX, SaaS solutions increase user engagement, reduce errors, and drive greater productivity across the organization. Conclusion The pace of technological change is not slowing down and migrating from on-prem GRC software to a SaaS solution is no longer a question of “if” but “when.” The scalability, cost-efficiency, security, and adaptability of SaaS platforms position them as the optimal choice for forward-thinking organizations. By embracing this transition, companies not only enhance their risk and compliance capabilities but also drive agility and innovation in an increasingly complex business environment. To learn more about Archer Evolv, Archer’s premier SaaS offering, read the press release on www.ArcherIRM.com .