The State of Compliance 2026: Insights from 1,000+ Professionals

2026 Compliance Benchmark Report: Key Takeaways 

Compliance is no longer just a box-checking exercise. As we move further into 2026, organizations are facing more audits than ever before, technology is becoming the baseline expectation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rewriting the rules of risk management. 

In our recent webinar, Elizabeth Strickert and Stephanie Rankin dove deep into the data from A-LIGN’s 2026 Compliance Benchmark Report to understand how compliance programs are evolving. They explored the critical trends shaping the industry and provided actionable advice for navigating the year ahead. 

Let’s look at the key themes discussed in the session. 

The criticality of audit quality 

One of the most significant findings in this year’s report is that audit quality is paramount. 80% of respondents now say audit quality is “extremely important,” a significant jump from 70% last year. 

Compliance professionals are becoming more discerning. They aren’t just looking for a certificate; they are looking for a rigorous process that adds value. A high-quality audit experience is defined by: 

• Auditor experience: Working with partners who understand your specific industry  
• Depth of testing: Moving beyond surface-level checks to deep, specific control testing  
• Risk mitigation: A final report that clearly demonstrates how risks are being managed  

Choosing a “budget” auditor often comes with hidden costs. In fact, more than half of the respondents have faced rejected reports due to issues like incomplete documentation or insufficient testing. A rejected report doesn’t just mean redoing work; it can damage trust and lose business. 

Overcoming barriers to audit harmonization 

As organizations grow, so does their compliance burden. The report found that 97% of organizations conduct at least two audits per year, with 74% of enterprise organizations conducting four or more. The solution to this complexity is audit harmonization.  

Harmonization involves consolidating audits to reduce duplicative work and meetings. While 99% of organizations believe consolidating audits could save them time and money, many haven’t made the switch. The barriers are often perceived rather than actual — 27% don’t know how to start, and 24% cite limited time. 

Switching your process isn’t the hurdle it seems to be. With the help of a trusted partner, streamlining your audit cycle can drive immediate results across your organization.