Risk Management Show Evaluating Governance Gaps and AI Readiness in 2026 with Richard Chambers
Jan 11, 2026
In this discussion, Richard Chambers, a senior advisor at AuditBoard and a former CEO of The IIA Global, dives into the future of audit leadership amidst AI's rise. He explores how AI is transforming the audit landscape, the importance of governance, and the human skills that remain irreplaceable. Chambers highlights the urgent need for boards to address oversight gaps and adapt to technology-driven risks. He also discusses the challenges of stagnant audit budgets while emphasizing AI's potential to enhance efficiency and influence in the role of auditors.
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AI As A Unique Inflection Point
- AI presents unprecedented transformative power for internal audit compared with past inflection points.
- Richard Chambers warns this moment brings both major risk and opportunity for the profession.
AI Adoption Lags Inside Audit
- Adoption of AI in internal audit lags: only ~25% actively use it and ~50% pilot.
- Chambers stresses inability to leverage AI is the profession's top strategic risk.
Validate Data Before Using AI
- Ensure AI governance before embedding AI into audit work to avoid faulty conclusions.
- Validate data accuracy, bias controls, and reliability to protect audit credibility.
