Governance, Risk and Compliance (some argue for Control instead of Compliance) is GRC.  This Conference is for everyone who wants to stay updated in these areas and hot topics such as ESG, Cyber, Fraud, AML, Leadership, Communication, Insights etc. In this conference you will able to listen to a mix of the best speakers in these areas from Sweden, Europe and the rest of the world. If you work with risks, economy, controlling, follow up, audit, internal control, compliance and security this is the conference for you. Come and mingle with colleagues and learn more!

THE LARGEST ARENA IN EUROPE FOR GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE

The result of a fruitful co-operation between The IIA Sweden, Compliance Forum and SWERMA, the GRC Conference brings together hundreds of professionals, world-class speakers, senior executives and suppliers within governance, risk and compliance.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr. Kamel Hothi OBE is a global strategist, advisor, and inspirational speaker whose four-decade journey from the UK’s first Asian bank manager to award-winning changemaker champions the courage to lead with empathy, purpose, and humanity.

Dr. Kamel Hothi OBE is a globally recognised leader and changemaker with over four decades of pioneering impact in banking and leadership. From becoming the UK’s first Asian bank manager to shaping industry-wide transformation, she has consistently championed the power of empathy, purpose, and inclusion in driving performance. Awarded an OBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II for her services to diversity, Kamel is celebrated among the UK’s Top 100 Most Influential Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Leaders.

Today, she serves as Chief Strategy Officer at GoldenPoint Global, connecting investments across Riyadh, the USA, UK, and India, and advises global organisations on leadership and culture. She also supports the Lloyd’s of London ESG Committee, The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, and the Alzheimer’s Society. Her story embodies the courage to lead with humanity and purpose in a changing world.

Pia Heidenmark Cook enjoys a portfolio career, dividing her time between board, senior advisory and
keynote speaking roles mainly across Europe and North America. She is serving as non-executive
director on corporate boards across healthcare (Bupa), materials innovation (Origin Materials) and
restaurants (MAX Burgers), and chairs the advisory board of the professional services company The
DO Group. She is also Senior Advisor to the private equity company Eurazeo’s Planetary Boundaries
Impact Fund, and to Teneo (CEO Advisory Firm).

Prior, Pia worked at IKEA/Ingka Group for 13 years. The last five years (2017-2021) as Chief
Sustainability Officer (CSO). At IKEA she led the development and implementation of the IKEA People
and Planet Positive strategy. During this time, IKEA ranked in the top three most sustainable brands1
and managed to decouple carbon dioxide emissions from its commercial growth across the value
chain. Pia has worked with sustainability topics since 1996, across academia, consulting, and business.
She has lived in France and Belgium, is married to a Canadian and lives in Southern Sweden.

Her first book, “Embedding Sustainability” (Kogan Page, 2024) was published in July 2024. She is also
mentoring young professional women. She is also a frequent keynote speaker/lecturer on
sustainability and business transformation at e.g., Lund University (Sweden), Cambridge Institute for
Sustainable Leadership (CISL), INSEAD, Boards Impact Forum and Competent Boards’ Executive
Training in addition to several corporate events and conferences. Pia has been recognized for her TED
talk, “How IKEA is Growing Business Whilst Shrinking Emissions” and in 2024, a survey named her one
of the most sought after speakers on sustainability. Pia has been recognized as one of the world’s top
female leaders in sustainability and one of the world’s leading influences on climate change. In 2023,
she was named Top 20 Sustainability Voices by the CEO Magazine and received the Global 50 Women
in Sustainability Awards by SustainabilityX® Magazine. Pia was named top 10 female leaders in
sustainability by WBCSD in 2018, and top 5 influencers on climate change agenda by the Climate
Group, as well as top 100 climate influencers on Twitter in 2020.

Films:
• Decade of Action Documentary by Wim Vermeulen and Bart Lombaerts, December 2020.
• TEDx Countdown, October 2020.
• More on YouTube and on Spotify (numerous podcasts)

The post GRC Conference 2026 – Interaction for Greater Value appeared first on ECIIA.

Organised in partnership with AuditBoard

70% of risk leaders say the landscape is more complex than it was two years ago. With the rapid adoption of AI, multiplying regulations, and intensifying cyber threats, risk teams are busier than ever. Investment and intent are at an all-time high, yet true resilience remains elusive for many. This phenomenon is known as the “Middle Maturity Trap”: a state where organizations achieve high levels of activity — logging risks, adopting controls, and mapping frameworks — but lack the consistency and governance to turn that activity into foresight.

Join us as we unpack the findings from the inaugural 2025 Risk Intelligence Report. Based on proprietary telemetry from the AuditBoard platform and surveys of over 400 risk leaders, this session will reveal why “surface compliance” is failing and how top-tier organizations are distinguishing themselves. We will explore the five critical dimensions of risk intelligence—from AI automation to cross-functional collaboration—and provide a strategic roadmap to help you move from reactive oversight to competitive advantage.

Learning objectives:

• Identify the “Middle Maturity Trap”: Recognize the signs of high-activity/low-consistency risk management and understand why “check-the-box” compliance no longer ensures resilience.
• Benchmark against the 5 dimensions of risk intelligence: Evaluate your organization’s maturity across the five critical pillars: AI & automation, control maturity, framework coverage, collaboration, and risk discipline.
• Navigate the “Frontline Test” of AI: Understand how leading enterprises are governing AI adoption to balance speed with trust, avoiding the “pilot purgatory” that plagues less mature organizations.
• Operationalize connected risk: Learn specific strategies to break down silos between audit, risk, infosec, and compliance, creating a unified, real-time view of risk.
• Apply a 3-phase strategic roadmap: Walk away with a concrete plan to establish clear governance, drive execution discipline, and scale market leadership within your own organization.

Info

CPE credit(s): 1

Field of study: Information Technology

Instructional delivery method: Group Internet Based

Level: Basic

Prerequisite: None

Advanced preparation: None 

The post Webinar: Navigating the new risk landscape: AI, governance, and the path to maturity appeared first on ECIIA.

Join ECIIA and the European Institute Research Group (EIRG) on Thursday, 27 November at 10:00 CET for an in-depth discussion on Macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.

The Risk in Focus 2026 report highlighted global tariffs on exports creating significant challenges for businesses, with unpredictability becoming the new norm. Coupled with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, these factors have contributed to this risk ranking fourth in this year’s survey. There is also a growing concern about the increasing likelihood of an economic downturn and financial instability. Political and regulatory uncertainty adds further complexity, with domestic politics in Europe emerging as an escalating issue.

During the webinar, attention will be paid to:

• The main audit areas covered in this webinar will include strategic risk interpretation and financial resilience, understanding Geopolitical Risk, Trade Disruption and ESG Pressures.
• The role of internal audit in auditing this risk area as well as ideas for good practice.
• Tips on evolving your audit practice and workforce capability when it comes to auditing this area.

This webinar is an opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights on auditing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty while supporting your organisation on this strategic topic.

Speakers

Ann Brook – Director of Knowledge and Learning, Chartered IIA (UK)

Mamun Madaser – Senior Research Executive, Chartered IIA UK

Hoe-Yeong Loke – Head of Research, Airmic

John Devine – Director, Audit and Risk  Committee, Aberdeen

The post Webinar – Risk in Focus 2026 – An insight into auditing, Macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty appeared first on ECIIA.

This is where audit managers, technical experts, newcomers, and interested parties from the fields of risk management, compliance, and security meet to shape the future of internal auditing.

January 29–30, 2026 · Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen, Vienna

3 streams · International speakers · Intensive specialist program

In January, the IIA Austria’s Audit Competence event in Vienna will take place, offering all internal auditors a platform for knowledge, exchange, and inspiration.

Three parallel streams offer an intensive program with practical specialist presentations and renowned speakers who will share their knowledge and practical experience with you.

This year, there will be a special focus on artificial intelligence and how it will change the work of internal auditing in the long term. From auditing AI systems to the use of generative models and agentic AI solutions, our experts will shed light on the opportunities, risks, and regulatory requirements of this technological development.

What else you can expect:

•    Cutting-edge topics: Family/owner-managed companies, cybersecurity, standards, strategic audit management, and powerful KPIs.

•    Focus on regulatory developments: The Freedom of Information Act (IFG), new regulatory requirements, and their impact on audit practice.

•    Career & competence: Inspiration for your personal development, best practices, and insights into the future of the profession.

•    Networking & exchange: Make new contacts and expand your professional network.

The event will be held in person only. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Full participation will earn 12 CPEs.

The complete program and registration details can be found here: https://www.internerevision.at/veranstaltungen/veranstaltung/audit-competence-konferenz-139/

The IIA Austria is looking forward to seeing you in Vienna!

The post The IIA Austria’s Audit Competence 2026 appeared first on ECIIA.

Across Europe, digital disruption—incl. AI—has jumped to the Top 3 risks for 2026, rising from 4th to 3rd place, while cybersecurity remains #1. CAEs expect digital disruption to accelerate: 58% say it will be a top-five audit focus within three years. At the same time, boards see widening gaps between perceived risk and current audit coverage—especially on new tech and talent.

Against this backdrop, our session brings real-world perspectives to explore how Internal Audit can add tangible value: from AI governance and assurance over models and data, to third-party and vendor risks, and the digital skillset needed across the three lines. We will translate Risk in Focus insights into practical tools—governance patterns, a lightweight AI use-case inventory, and a starter assurance map—so audit functions can move from awareness to assurable, repeatable oversight in 2026.

Facilitator

• Daniele Del Monaco, Group Internal Audit Head | Angelini Holding S.p.A.

Panelists

• Andrea Cirillo, Head of Audit Data and Advanced Analytics | Group Chief Audit Officer Area – Intesa Sanpaolo

• Daniel Ponz Lillo, Responsable de Auditoría de Tecnología y Ciberseguridad – Iberdrola

Concept and Objectives

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a transversal driver that deeply influences processes, controls, and organizational models, acting both as a source of innovation and a new area of risk.  This webinar aims to explore how Internal Audit function is addressing and supporting the transformation brought by AI and emerging technologies, with a particular focus on governance, competencies, and assurance models.

The session will:

• Analyze how organizations are integrating AI initiatives into their strategic and operational plans, identifying key internal sponsors and governance models;
• Examine the impact on audit methodologies and control frameworks, in light of evolving regulations (AI Act, DORA, NIS2, Data Act);
• Discuss data governance, vendor management, and the new digital skillset required across the three lines;
• Share practical experiences and lessons learned from European organizations.

Upcoming Webinars in the RiF 2026 Series

Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming sessions:

• Cybersecurity: click here to register
• Human Capital : click here to register
• Climate Change
• Geopolitical Uncertainty

Follow ECIIA on LinkedIn to stay informed about the release of each upcoming webinar.

The post Risk in Focus 2026 – Auditing what matters next: AI, new tech and the controls that count appeared first on ECIIA.

Below you will find a concise synthesis of the key insights and discussions shared during the Risk in Focus 2026 Cybersecurity roundtable, reflecting practitioners’ perspectives on emerging threats, audit challenges and priorities for the year ahead.

Join ECIIA and the European Institute Research Group (EIRG) on Monday 17 November at 12:00 CET for an in-depth discussion on auditing Cybersecurity in 2026.

The 2026 edition of Risk in Focus (RiF) highlighted new trends in Cybersecurity. Join our discussion to explore emerging cybersecurity risks and how organisations can mitigate them.

During the webinar, attention will be paid to:

• The main evolutions of cybersecurity risks in 2026 around new cyber threats, new AI threats, geopolitics & sovereignty in cyber…
• Good practices, key do’s and don’ts when auditing these topics.
• Tips to upgrade your expertise and align audit priorities with organisational strategy.

This online session is an excellent opportunity to engage with European industry leaders, ask questions, and gain valuable insights on auditing Cybersecurity.

Attendees will also earn 1 CPE credit.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, 17 November 2025
• Time: 12:00 – 13:00 CET
• Format: Online event
• Price: Free

Follow ECIIA on LinkedIn to stay informed about the release of each upcoming webinar.

The post Risk in Focus 2026 – Addressing new 2026 Cybersecurity challenges appeared first on ECIIA.

Join ECIIA and the European Institute Research Group (EIRG) on Wednesday 19 November at 10:30 CET for an in-depth discussion on auditing Human Capital.

The 2026 edition of Risk in Focus (RiF) highlighted Human Capital again as the second biggest risk. However, the internal audit effort on this topic still isn’t aligned with its importance. Chief Audit Executives expect a rise in the time their IAF will spend on this topic in the coming years and this webinar will help you prepare for that.

During the webinar, attention will be paid to:

• The main audit topics in the area of human capital, such as the impact of AI on skills (up- and deskilling), the governance of strategic HR planning, employee wellbeing, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
• Good practices, key do’s and don’ts when auditing these topics.
• Tips to upgrade your expertise and align audit priorities with organizational strategy.

This online session is an excellent opportunity to engage with industry leaders, ask questions, and gain valuable insights on auditing human capital while supporting your organization on this strategic topic.

Attendees will also earn 1 CPE credit.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
• Time: 10:30 – 11:30 CET
• Format: Online event
• Price: Free

Facilitator:

• Chiara Velenich, Responsible for an audit division in Stellantis

Speakers:

• Daniele Federici, Head of Global Internal Audit at Lanis+Gyr
• Laurent Perret, CAE at Capgemini
• Vanesa Rodriquez Ferrero, Internal Audit at BBVA
• Rob Vossen, Internal Audit at Achmea

Upcoming Webinars in the RiF 2026 Series

Stay tuned for more information (topics, dates, and registration links) about the other sessions in this series:

• Cybersecurity
• Digital Disruption
• Climate Change
• Geopolitical Uncertainty

Follow ECIIA on LinkedIn to stay informed about the release of each upcoming webinar.

The post Risk in Focus 2026 – Webinar on Human Capital appeared first on ECIIA.

This year’s theme, “Antifragile: Turning Risk into Strength”, invites participants to go beyond resilience and embrace antifragility – a concept introduced by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Antifragility is not only about resisting shocks, but also about growing, adapting, and improving through them.

Why attend?

The IFACI Conference is the flagship event for the French internal audit and risk community, featuring:

• Over 100 speakers and more than 50 sessions, including plenaries, masterclasses, partner sessions, and workshops.
• Insights from thought leaders in politics, economics, technology, sustainability, ethics, and AI.
• Best-in-class case studies and member experiences showcasing practical solutions and innovative approaches.
• Interactive soft skills sessions, addressing human behaviour, values, and leadership in uncertain times.
• Networking opportunities with peers and partners, both on-site and online.

Hybrid experience

Participants can join the conference in person at CNIT La Défense or remotely via livestream and replay, ensuring accessibility and interaction for everyone.

A European perspective

As a member of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and of the ECIIA, IFACI connects French professionals with the broader European and international audit community. This event strengthens collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the profession’s ability to address complex and interconnected risks highlighted in the latest Risk in Focus 2025 report.

Join the movement towards antifragility

The IFACI Conference 2025 is not just an event—it is an invitation to rethink how organisations can transform uncertainty into a strategic lever. From executive committees to R&D centres, from industrial sites to audit teams, being antifragile means learning, adapting, and turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

Dates: 24–25 November 2025
Location: CNIT Paris La Défense (and online)

Click here to register: conf-ifaci.com

The post IFACI Conference 2025: Antifragile – Turning Risk into Strength appeared first on ECIIA.

This year’s theme, “Auditing the World: the auditor’s perimeter in turbulent times,” will explore the evolving role of internal auditors in today’s complex and fast-changing environment.

The event will bring together professionals from Internal Audit, Internal Control, Governance, Compliance, Risk Management, and Quality, both from the public and private sectors. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and insights to strengthen their profession and enhance the resilience of their organisations.

Key topics include:

• The state of the internal audit profession worldwide
• The IIA’s Topical Requirements: A Catalyst for the Profession
• Geopolitical and economic trends
• The new global cyber threat landscape through a geopolitical lens
• Strengthening crisis management and business continuity planning
• Data governance – protecting your most valuable asset in turbulent times
• The AI-enhanced auditor: leveraging GenAI for efficiency and insight
• The “S”: addressing the social challenge in ESG

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. For professionals holding the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) or other international certifications, the event grants 7 CPEs.

Please note: the certificate of attendance does not cover the training requirements of the Economic Chamber of Greece (Ν.4849/2021).

Venue: Athens Concert Hall
Date: Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Info: +30 210 8259 504 | info@hiia.gr | www.hiia.gr

Click here to register

The post IIA Greece Annual Conference – 11 November 2025, Athens appeared first on ECIIA.

Dates: 18–19 November 2025
Location: Kap Europa, Frankfurt am Main

This year’s congress will feature:

• A wide range of keynote speeches, expert lectures, workshops, and panel discussions led by renowned practitioners and academics.
• Insights into innovative approaches and new technologies that support the optimisation of audit processes and increase departmental efficiency.
• Plenty of opportunities to network with peers and expand your professional community across industries.

Keynote Speakers include:

• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Marc Eulerich – Chair of Internal Auditing, University of Duisburg-Essen
• Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg – Futurist & Keynote Speaker, BrightShift Media Group
• Lennart Richter – Executive Vice President Internal Audit, Schwarz Corporate Solutions (Schwarz Group)
• Lutz Cauers – Chief Audit Executive & Chief Compliance Officer, Deutsche Bahn AG
• Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick – President, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel)

The congress will take place at Kap Europa, the world’s first convention centre awarded the platinum certificate of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), offering an inspiring and sustainable environment at the heart of Frankfurt.

For registration, agenda and more information, please visit the official DIIR website.

The post DIIR Congress 2025 – 18–19 November, Frankfurt am Main appeared first on ECIIA.