June 2026

radicalcompliance.com · Jun 29, 2026 · Curated 5 weeks ago

CCO Compensation: High Pay Amidst a Stagnant Job Market

A recent survey reveals that Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) are earning substantial compensation, yet the job market for compliance professionals is experiencing a significant slowdown. This creates a paradoxical situation where CCOs are staying put in their roles, leading to fewer opportunities for those seeking new positions and driving up compensation for the few highly sought-after candidates. Internal audit and assurance professionals should note these trends as they impact talent acquisition, retention strategies, and the overall compensation landscape within governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) functions.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

cpajournal.com · Curated 5 weeks ago

Managing Fraud Risks in Not-for-Profits: A Comprehensive Guide for Assurance Professionals

Not-for-profit organizations are increasingly vulnerable to fraud due to limited resources and a culture of trust, making them "cyber-poor but target-rich." This article highlights common fraud schemes, the importance of regular fraud risk assessments, and the implementation of robust internal controls. It also provides guidance on responding to suspected fraud and addresses emerging risks like digital fundraising and AI-driven scams.

News & Blogs · North America Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Jun 22, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz to Lead Advanced Course on Governance & Internal Auditing

Dr. Rainer Lenz will lead an advanced masterclass on Governance & Internal Auditing, exploring how internal audit contributes to value creation and sustainability within organizations. This course is crucial for audit professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of internal audit's evolving role, practical challenges, and its strategic importance in corporate governance, moving beyond technical aspects to encompass leadership, communication, and judgment.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Jun 21, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

Habibe Kaya Wins Gardener of Governance™ Award 2025 for Relational Coordination in GRC

Habibe Kaya has been awarded The Gardener of Governance™ Award 2025 for her paper on applying Relational Coordination Theory (RCT) to enhance collaboration within the GRC arena, particularly in the context of the IIA's Three Lines Model. This research is crucial for internal audit and assurance professionals as it addresses a critical gap in how governance frameworks, while defining roles, often fail to provide mechanisms for effective inter-functional coordination, thereby impacting overall governance effectiveness.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Jun 16, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

The Gardener of Governance™: Cultivating a Global Dialogue in Internal Audit

Dr. Rainer Lenz reflects on the growing international adoption and impact of "The Gardener of Governance™" metaphor within internal auditing and governance. This concept, initially a presentation idea, has evolved into a global ecosystem fostering dialogue, teaching, and practical application, emphasizing critical thinking and independent judgment among audit professionals and students. For internal audit professionals, this signifies a shift towards a more holistic and human-centric understanding of their role, encouraging deeper engagement with governance principles beyond mere compliance.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Jun 15, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz Offers Complimentary Session for Organizations Adopting 'The Gardener of Governance'

Dr. Rainer Lenz, co-author of "The Gardener of Governance," is offering a complimentary one-hour virtual session to organizations that purchase 100 or more copies of the book. This initiative aims to foster deeper engagement with the book's principles, providing a practical forum for Chief Audit Executives and their teams to discuss real-world application and challenges in governance. This presents a valuable opportunity for internal audit functions to gain direct insights from the author, enhancing their understanding and implementation of effective auditing practices.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Jun 15, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

Relational Coordination Theory to Bridge GRC Silos: A New Research Abstract

A new abstract, "Relational Coordination Theory: Connecting the Truths in the GRC Arena," co-authored by Dr. Rainer Lenz, Habibe Kaya, and Prof. Kato Plant, explores how Relational Coordination Theory (RCT) can enhance Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) functions. This research is particularly relevant for internal audit and assurance professionals seeking to improve collaboration and information flow across organizational silos, ultimately strengthening the overall GRC framework and fostering a more integrated approach to assurance.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Jun 14, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz Honored by Turkish Academics Union for Contributions to Internal Audit and Governance

Dr. Rainer Lenz has received a Distinguished Contribution Award from the Turkish Academics Union for his significant impact on internal auditing, governance, and organizational resilience. This recognition highlights his thought leadership in evolving internal audit to address sustainability, digital transformation, AI, and emerging risks, underscoring the profession's critical role in strategic value creation.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Jun 14, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

Relational Coordination Theory: A Promising Lens for Governance and Internal Auditing

Dr. Rainer Lenz highlights Relational Coordination Theory (RCT) as a critical framework for enhancing governance and internal auditing, particularly in achieving integrated assurance. This approach emphasizes the need for improved cross-functional communication and collaboration to overcome siloed functions within organizations, aligning with modern corporate governance demands for integrated thinking and a holistic view of risk and control. Internal auditors, acting as "Gardeners of Governance," can leverage RCT to connect disparate elements within the GRC arena, fostering a more cohesive and effective assurance ecosystem.

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zhaomichelle.substack.com · Jun 27, 2026 · Curated 1 month ago

Mapping AI Risks Across the Lifecycle: A Comprehensive Guide for Internal Audit

This article provides a crucial framework for internal audit and assurance professionals to understand and assess AI risks. By organizing potential technical and governance failures across the AI lifecycle, from inception to retirement, it offers a structured approach to identifying vulnerabilities and designing effective audit procedures. This detailed map is essential for developing robust AI governance and ensuring responsible AI deployment within organizations.

News & Blogs · Global Read more