Strategic internal audit initiatives CAEs are prioritizing in 2026

“One of our key strategic initiatives this year is incorporating advanced data analytics in all audits and advisory projects. We are enhancing our ability to provide meaningful insights and trend analysis.  This shift strengthens internal audit’s relevance and positions us as a proactive partner in risk management and performance improvement rather than just a control checker. It also ensures our individual audit plans are closely aligned with the organization’s top strategic and operational risks, so we are focused on what matters most to leadership and the business."

“Our audit strategy and innovation agenda is grounded in leadership by example while strongly modeling the standards of excellence that we hold the organization accountable to. We adopted the new Global Internal Audit Standards early in 2025 and were independently assessed as fully in conformance with the 52 standards. This gives us the moral authority and legitimacy to lead the transformation. Risks are moving faster than audit cycles, and because we practice excellence, we can demand change with authority. 2026 will accelerate our drive to deliver an organization-wide assurance map, continuous monitoring, and improvement through digital transformation and deeper risk intelligence at the speed of risk and the evolving business landscape.”

“We continually strive and challenge ourselves to bring value to management as trusted strategic advisors.   This year, we will leverage targeted data analytics and automation to elevate audit quality and provide a higher level of assurance. We look forward to this being an important steppingstone in our broader journey in an increasingly data-driven world.”