The Future of Integrated GRC: Highlights and Anticipations from the SAP GRC Conference 2024

The SAP GRC Conference 2024 was a resounding success. Held in Brussels, it brought together industry experts, SAP customers, and partners for cutting-edge discussions on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). This groundbreaking event united the former SAP for Internal Controls, Compliance, and Risk Management and the SAP for Cyber Security and Data Protection conferences, exemplifying the increasing convergence of GRC disciplines.

Key Themes and Takeaways

• Business-Integrated GRC:  A recurring theme was the need for GRC to become less siloed and more deeply woven into organizational strategy and decision-making. Leaders emphasized that proactive, integrated GRC can create a competitive advantage rather than function as a necessary overhead cost.
• Automation and AI:  The conference highlighted how automation and artificial intelligence reshape GRC processes. Intelligent tools can take on routine tasks, risk pattern identification, and predictive analytics, freeing GRC professionals to focus on complex issues and strategic planning.
• The Evolving Risk Landscape:  Discussions centered around the evolving risk landscape in the digital age. Topics like third-party risk, supply chain disruptions, and rapidly changing regulatory frameworks were hotbeds of conversation. The necessity for agile GRC systems that can adapt to these shifting dangers was paramount.

Speaker Insights and Highlights

• Michael Rasmussen (GRC 20/20): This GRC thought leader offered a visionary keynote on the future of business-integrated GRC, the role of advanced technologies, and how organizations can leverage GRC for transformation and resilience.
• Charlotte Hedemark (FERMA): The newly appointed FERMA President shared perspectives on risk management in the face of recent disruptions, strategies for building risk maturity, and fulfilling board-level expectations.
• SAP Leadership:  SAP executives unveiled future roadmaps for the SAP GRC suite. They focused on tighter integration across modules, enhanced automation capabilities, and a user-centric approach for better risk insights and reporting.

Beyond the Sessions: Networking and Collaboration

The SAP GRC Conference 2024 thrived on the energy of the GRC community. Networking opportunities allowed for best practice sharing and solution comparisons and sparked potential new partnerships. The vibrant exhibition floor showcased innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of risk and compliance.

Looking Ahead

The SAP GRC Conference 2024 underscored the pivotal moment GRC finds itself in. The focus is shifting from mere compliance to strategic, value-driven GRC that empowers businesses to tackle new challenges and seize opportunities in a dynamic global landscape. GRC professionals must embrace these themes and drive innovation within our organizations to secure our collective futures.