May 2026

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 31, 2026 · Curated 2 months ago

The Gardener of Governance: Redefining Internal Audit's Role for Future Relevance

This interview with Dr. Rainer Lenz, Chief Internal Auditor and thought leader, explores the evolving identity of internal audit, advocating for a shift from a "policing" role to a collaborative "Gardener of Governance." It challenges traditional notions of objectivity and independence, emphasizing empathy, human intelligence, and a focus on nurturing organizational health to prevent governance failures and ensure long-term relevance.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 27, 2026 · Curated 2 months ago

University of Pretoria Announces 2026 Gardener of Governance™ Award Winners for Internal Audit Excellence

The University of Pretoria's annual Gardener of Governance™ Award recognizes outstanding internal audit research and practice. This year's winners, Elzandie van Zyl and Zanri Hanekom, highlight the critical role of internal audit in fostering strong corporate governance through stakeholder engagement, trust, transparency, and continuous improvement. Their work underscores internal audit's function as a "gardener" nurturing organizational health and sustainability, a concept vital for audit professionals seeking to elevate their strategic impact.

News & Blogs · Sub-Saharan Africa Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 21, 2026 · Curated 2 months ago

Integrated Assurance: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

This article highlights the persistent challenge of implementing truly holistic Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Integrated Assurance models within organizations. It announces an upcoming conference presentation and a university research initiative aimed at exploring the obstacles and opportunities in translating integrated assurance concepts into practical application. For audit and assurance professionals, this underscores the ongoing need to develop and adopt more effective strategies for integrated assurance to enhance organizational oversight and value.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 18, 2026 · Curated 2 months ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz Announces Global Speaking Engagements on Internal Audit and Governance

Dr. Rainer Lenz has released his upcoming speaking schedule, featuring presentations across Europe, Africa, and a global virtual conference. These engagements cover critical topics for internal audit and assurance professionals, including integrated assurance, AI's role in internal audit, and governance in a changing geopolitical landscape. This offers valuable opportunities for professionals to gain insights from a leading expert and stay abreast of evolving industry trends.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 15, 2026 · Curated 2 months ago

The Gardener of Governance: A New Metaphor for Internal Audit's Role in Cultivating Organizational Health

This book review highlights "The Gardener of Governance" by Dr. Rainer Lenz and Barrie Enslin, which challenges the traditional view of governance as mere control. For internal audit professionals, this reframing is crucial, advocating for a shift towards a more nurturing, ecosystem-based approach to governance. It encourages auditors to see themselves as cultivators of organizational health, fostering flourishing rather than simply enforcing rules, thereby enhancing their strategic value and impact.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 12, 2026 · Curated 2 months ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz Appointed Honorary Professor at University of Pretoria, Bolstering Internal Audit Education

Dr. Rainer Lenz has been appointed Honorary Professor in the Department of Auditing at the University of Pretoria. This appointment signifies a strengthening of academic ties between leading professionals and higher education, offering valuable opportunities for students and practitioners in internal audit and governance to engage with cutting-edge research and practical insights. Audit and assurance professionals should note the potential for enhanced thought leadership and capacity building in the field, particularly in the South African context.

News & Blogs · Sub-Saharan Africa Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 10, 2026 · Curated 2 months ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz Celebrates Four Articles Among EDPACS' Top 10 Most-Read of All Time

Dr. Rainer Lenz, a prominent voice in internal audit, announced that four of his co-authored articles have achieved a remarkable feat, ranking among the top 10 most-read articles ever published in EDPACS. This recognition highlights the significant impact and relevance of his work on the future of internal auditing, governance, and the evolving role of the internal audit function. For audit and assurance professionals, this underscores key discussions and thought leadership shaping the profession's trajectory.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

fintech.global · Curated 2 months ago

Diligent Unveils AuditAI to Revolutionize Internal Audits with AI-Driven Automation

Diligent, a leading provider of GRC software, has launched AuditAI, an innovative AI-powered solution designed to transform internal audit functions. Introduced at The Institute of Internal Auditors’ GAM 2026 conference, AuditAI aims to shift auditing from manual, reactive processes to a proactive, strategic approach, leveraging AI to automate time-consuming tasks and provide continuous risk monitoring. This new product promises significant operational efficiencies, allowing audit teams to focus on higher-value analysis and advisory work.

Tools & Technology · Global Read more

wolterskluwer.com · Curated 2 months ago

Internal Audit's Crucial Role in Navigating the EU AI Act: A Global Compliance Imperative

The EU AI Act, set for full enforcement by 2026, establishes a comprehensive, risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems, with significant extraterritorial reach. This legislation mandates robust governance, control, and documentation for AI, particularly for 'high-risk' applications, making AI risk a regulated domain for organizations worldwide. Internal audit functions are uniquely positioned to provide assurance over AI governance, risk classification, data quality, human oversight, and third-party AI risks, ensuring compliance and mitigating significant operational and reputational exposure.

News & Blogs · Europe Read more

consultancy-me.com · Curated 2 months ago

Reimagining Internal Audit: Leveraging Technology and AI for Future-Ready Assurance

Internal Audit functions face increasing pressure to adapt to a rapidly changing risk landscape, driven by geopolitical volatility, ESG regulations, and emerging technologies like Generative AI. This article, authored by Deloitte's Dina Fakih and Fady Sameh, argues for a fundamental transformation of internal audit through technology enablement to enhance its impact, efficiency, and strategic value. It highlights the need for internal audit to move beyond reactive, transactional approaches to become a proactive, insightful partner in organizational resilience.

News & Blogs · Global Read more