Papers and Studies

Audit readiness starts long before an audit begins. Preparing for Audits & Examinations provides practical guidance to help TPRM teams prepare for and navigate the pre-audit, fieldwork, and post-audit phases with greater confidence and consistency. From maintaining reliable data and documentation to managing auditor interactions and acting on findings, the paper shows how organizations can […]

Third-party risk leaders are being asked to communicate more than program activity–they are being asked to communicate business impact. During Shared Assessments’ June All Committees Call, Inside Third-Party Risk Board Reporting: Best Practices and Lessons Learned, practitioners, executives, and board advisors came together for an open community discussion on how organizations can elevate board reporting […]

As third-party risks grow, evaluating vendor insurance coverage is a critical part of effective TPRM oversight. This paper highlights best practices for assessing, validating, and monitoring insurance protections, emphasizing collaboration, clear contractual expectations, and alignment with actual risk exposure.  Key areas of focus include:  – Partnering with internal insurance leaders to understand required coverage types […]

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in third-party products and services, Planning and Due Diligence have become critical stages for identifying risks before they are locked into contracts or operations. This paper highlights leading practices for organizations seeking to strengthen early-stage oversight of AI-enabled suppliers. It emphasizes the need for cross-functional collaboration, clear alignment with […]

As third-party risk continues to grow across industries, resourcing challenges are emerging from all directions. With increasing reliance on third parties, rising regulatory pressure, and rapid advances in AI and automation, Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) programs are being stretched in new ways. This briefing paper explores why traditional staffing models for TPRM are struggling to […]

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into third-party products and services, traditional contract terms may no longer be sufficient to manage emerging risks. This paper highlights key contractual and governance considerations for organizations seeking to strengthen oversight of AI-enabled suppliers. It outlines important issues to be aware of when evaluating AI-related engagements and preparing contracts […]

As third-party ecosystems grow more complex, continuous risk monitoring has become a vital component of mature TPRM programs. This paper explores how organizations are maximizing the value of their monitoring tools to improve supply chain visibility, strengthen compliance, and drive smarter risk decisions. The purpose of this paper is to: – Explore how leading TPRM […]

As organizations increasingly rely on third-party vendors, having a well-defined approach to vendor terminations becomes essential for maintaining operational continuity and mitigating risks. This paper outlines how organizations can implement pre-determined, vendor-specific plans that facilitate smooth transitions and protect business continuity. By proactively managing termination risks, companies can minimize disruptions and safeguard critical operations. Key […]

This paper delves into how operational resilience and business continuity planning are key to building a robust, risk-resilient supply chain. It shows how organizations can enhance their Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) by using measurable metrics to assess supplier performance, identify risks, and close gaps. By aligning vendors with resilience goals, companies can fortify their supply […]

The SIG Questionnaire is used to evaluate the risk controls of an organization’s vendors and service providers. When scoping your Vendor Risk Questionnaires, which SIG should you use? The SIG offers three tiering structures – the SIG Lite, the SIG Core, and the SIG Detail Questionnaire. This paper defines each of the tiers and their […]

This guide introduces and defines 21 of the most critical and current risk domains within four key areas. The guide describes why organizations need to acknowledge each risk domain and offers concrete suggestions of how organizations can account for risks presented by each domain.

As complex supply chains become commonplace, understanding their intricacies and interconnectedness is essential. This paper offers valuable insights into the evolving regulatory environment and highlights the importance of proactive risk management strategies. Learn how to identify and mitigate risks across your entire supply chain—not just with third-party vendors—ensuring your organization remains resilient amid disruptions. Discover […]