In today’s hyper-connected and high-risk business environment, SAP Governance, Risk, and Compliance has moved from a background function to a strategic priority. Once seen as a necessary obligation, GRC is now recognized as a foundation for business continuity, trust, and long-term growth.
At the Tac Insights Internal Controls conference in Budapest earlier this year, Richard Hunt spoke about the importance of redefining security as an enabler and moving away from the narrative that this function is something that prohibits instead.
With the introduction of FUE licensing on S/4 and SAP Joule emerging in the AI space, businesses are starting to adopt the idea that strong security principles within ERP can facilitate a strategic advantage.
The GRC Market Is Booming
The numbers tell a compelling story. The global GRC market is expected to grow from $47 billion in 2023 to $134 billion by 2032 according to Market Research Future. In Europe, rapid regulatory changes including GDPR, NIS2, and CSRD are driving organizations to adopt a proactive approach to compliance. GRC is no longer just a safeguard but has become a competitive differentiator that builds confidence among regulators, investors, and customers.
Cybersecurity Shakes Up Boardrooms
Many organizations have learned the hard way that one security incident can bring operations to a sudden halt and damage brand reputation overnight. Today, 77% of organizations list cybersecurity risk as their top GRC priority according to Deloitte's Global Risk Management Survey. More than half of SAP customers have already faced at least one security incident in the past two years according to the Onapsis SAP Threat Report. The question has shifted from "if" an incident will happen to "when."
Automation and Real-Time Monitoring Take Center Stage
Audit and risk teams that still rely on spreadsheets and periodic manual checks are struggling to keep up. In a world of continuous threats and constant regulatory updates, manual approaches no longer work.
By 2026, 68% of large enterprises plan to implement Continuous Controls Monitoring according to Gartner's GRC Market Guide. SAP solutions like GRC Process Control and Identity Access Governance make it possible to detect and manage risks in real time rather than waiting for annual audits to highlight gaps.
S/4HANA Migration Brings Fresh GRC Challenges
More than 60% of SAP customers are planning or completing their migration to S/4HANA by 2027 according to SAP's Annual Report. While most organizations focus on operational readiness and technical fit, many underestimate the need to redesign access models and risk frameworks for a new hybrid landscape. These migrations offer a unique opportunity to build stronger GRC foundations from the start rather than bolt on fixes later under pressure.
A Tight Talent Market Creates New Possibilities
Demand for SAP GRC specialists is outpacing supply, especially across Europe, with rates for experienced freelancers and consultants have increased by up to 30% since 2020.
Specialists with skills in S/4HANA security, cloud-based GRC, and continuous monitoring are in high demand and often have multiple opportunities to choose from. Experienced consultants are starting to leverage this demand by moving to freelance and are in turn benefitting from increased rates and few breaks between projects.
Practical Takeaways
For managers, GRC should be integrated into every stage of transformation programs including S/4HANA projects. Investing in automation and continuous monitoring will strengthen compliance and operational resilience. Securing the right expertise early can help avoid costly delays and compliance failures later.
For candidates and freelancers, skills in continuous controls monitoring, SAP IAG, S/4HANA security, and hybrid GRC landscapes are increasingly valuable. Focusing on these areas can unlock premium opportunities and provide greater bargaining power in a competitive market.
Looking Ahead to 2026
By 2026, SAP GRC will no longer be viewed as a back-office safeguard but as a real-time resilience engine. Organizations that embed continuous monitoring, automation, and AI-driven analytics will be positioned to anticipate risks rather than simply react to them.
The convergence of regulatory pressure (NIS2, DORA, CSRD), accelerated S/4HANA migrations, and talent shortages will separate leaders from laggards. Those who invest early in modern access models, hybrid GRC frameworks, and cross-functional expertise will not only reduce risk but gain a strategic advantage.
The next 18 months will be decisive: companies that treat GRC as a board-level enabler of trust and agility will set the benchmark for the rest of the decade.
Want to learn more about how we support delivery of impactful SAP GRC solutions in more detail? Check out our latest case study, here.