AI's Impact on Internal Audit: Challenges and Transformation - (Freemium)
In this episode, we explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the internal audit profession. While there’s widespread agreement that AI won’t replace human auditors, it’s clear that it will transform their roles. We look at real-world perspectives from auditors who are already using AI to automate repetitive tasks like risk assessments and report drafting, freeing up time for more complex, value-added work. At the same time, we discuss AI’s current limitations, especially in areas that demand human judgement, critical thinking, and direct client engagement. Drawing on insights from leading industry voices, we highlight why embracing AI is essential for the future of internal audit—despite challenges such as data privacy, skill gaps, and access to quality data. Ultimately, the episode paints a picture of a collaborative future, where auditors harness AI to enhance their impact, focus on strategic advisory roles, and continuously upskill to stay ahead in an evolving technological landscape.
The FATF (Financial Action Task Force) Toolkit provides a comprehensive framework for conducting National Risk Assessments (NRAs) on money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF), and proliferation financing (PF). It includes practical quick guides for evaluating complex areas such as corruption, virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs), legal persons and arrangements, and the informal economy. The toolkit also features cross-country comparisons of ML threats, classifications of vulnerabilities, and access to NRA tools and global data sources from organisations like the World Bank, IMF, and Council of Europe. A key theme is the need to tailor risk assessments to each country’s unique context, ensuring a nuanced understanding of threats. Importantly, the guidance emphasises not only mitigating financial crime risks but also considering the wider social and environmental impacts of these crimes, promoting a more holistic approach to financial integrity.
In this episode, we explore the evolving role of Internal Audit under the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS 2024). Once seen primarily as a compliance checkpoint, internal audit is now transforming into a strategic, forward-looking partner within organisations. We discuss key shifts, including moving from static annual plans to agile, rolling models and transitioning from simply reporting problems to delivering actionable insights and foresight. The future of internal audit is deeply connected to organisational culture, leveraging analytics and AI to address real-time risks such as cybersecurity, ESG, and emerging technologies. Ultimately, the episode highlights how great auditors will go beyond identifying issues—they’ll uncover root causes and actively help shape strategies for long-term success.
--------
6:20
--------
6:20
Freemium - Navigating Risk: From Certainty to Resilience
In this episode, we explore the complex and often uncomfortable world of risk management, especially for those with a perfectionist mindset. Unlike compliance, which operates with clear rules and definitive answers, risk management lives in the grey areas of uncertainty. We discuss why business growth actually depends on embracing this uncertainty rather than trying to eliminate it. The episode highlights how effective risk management is about building resilience—making informed decisions with incomplete information while staying open to opportunities that emerge from the unknown.
--------
4:52
--------
4:52
Freemium - Swiss AML Debate: Credibility vs. Competitiveness
In this episode, we dive into Switzerland’s heated debate over proposed anti-money laundering (AML) reforms driven by FATF recommendations. Lawmakers are pushing back against stricter rules for lawyers, advisers, and trusts, arguing that excessive regulation could weaken Switzerland’s financial competitiveness and autonomy. This resistance comes despite warnings from the Federal Department of Finance that failing to act could harm the country’s international credibility. We explore how these political tensions have led to key exemptions, including non-profit organisations and certain trust structures being left out of a new transparency register. The debate is unfolding at a critical time, as global competition intensifies—particularly with Hong Kong expected to overtake Switzerland as the world’s leading cross-border wealth management hub by 2025.
Become a Paid Subscriber: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/cos-playbook/subscribe
Compliance Officers Playbook is your trusted companion in the world of compliance. Whether you’re a new to Compliance or a Junior Professional aiming to fast-track your journey to becoming a successful Chief/Compliance Officer, or you are a new or a seasoned Chief/Compliance Officer looking to sharpen your skills and broaden your expertise, this podcast delivers actionable insights, industry best practices, and thought-provoking discussions to elevate your career. Join us as we uncover the strategies and tools that empower compliance professionals to lead with confidence and integrity.
Ireland