The Future of Governance, Risk and Compliance: 2026 Trends
Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) is in a state of structural transformation. With AI adoption proliferating faster than governance can keep up, cyber risks accelerating in volume and complexity, siloed compliance approaches falling short, and sweeping labour and data reforms on the horizon, leaders face a new era of business-wide responsibility.
In this white paper from Axiom GRC, you’ll discover the four dominant trends shaping the future of GRC in 2026 and beyond, based on research with global organisations and expert insights from across our specialist divisions.
Featuring Insights From Thought Leaders in GRC
This white paper includes expert contributions from across Axiom GRC:
- Caspar Bullock, Group Strategy Director at Axiom GRC
- Shmuli Goldberg, Head of AI, VinciWorks
- Lenitha Bishop, CEO, The DPO Centre
- Luke Peach, Head of Information Security Operations, Bulletproof Cyber Security
- Phillip Jones, COO, Vantify
- Paul Cadwallader, GRC Strategy Director, CoreStream GRC
- Angela Carter, Director of Legal Services, WorkNest
- Olumide Alade, Lead Auditor, IMSM
- Matt Reid, Managing Director, Barbour EHS
What’s Inside: Key Themes
Whether you're a board member, GRC leader, cyber risk professional, HR or data protection specialist, this white paper delivers the strategic guidance and operational tools you need to stay compliant, resilient, and ready for change.
1. AI is Outpacing GRC – Amplifying Future Risks
AI adoption is accelerating across organisations, yet governance has not kept pace – 84% are already using AI tools, but only 13.5% have formal policies in place. This widening gap signals both a strategic risk and a transformative opportunity. GRC leaders who understand how to harness AI responsibly can reshape compliance from a reactive function into a proactive, data-driven capability.
2. Cyber Security is the #1 Concern for GRC Leaders
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), risk-rich supply chains, and human error are driving unprecedented cyber exposure. This section explores resilience strategies including Zero Trust, role-based access, continuous threat monitoring and secure-by-design architecture.
3. Why the Single Vantage Point is Now a Strategic Imperative
Avoid blind spots and inefficiencies by unifying health and safety, supply chain, risk and compliance data into one platform. Discover how integrated GRC frameworks reduce risk and drive better decision-making.
4. The New Labour and Data Laws Redefining Compliance in 2026
Embed data protection into every process, product, and system from the outset with specialist outsourced support that ensures personal data is protected, risks are managed early, and trust is strengthened by default.