8 Key Takeaways from Drata's State of GRC 2025 Report
According to Drata's latest research report, The State of GRC 2025: From Cost Center to Strategic Business Driver, GRC teams are stepping into a new era where they don’t just protect the business—they propel it forward.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) is undergoing a profound transformation. According to Drata's latest research report, The State of GRC 2025: From Cost Center to Strategic Business Driver, GRC teams are stepping into a new era where they don’t just protect the business—they propel it forward. We’re diving into some key insights from the report and exploring GRC’s evolution into a powerhouse for strategic growth.
1. GRC is Gaining Executive Attention
High-profile breaches and rising compliance fines are spotlighting GRC like never before—96% of companies cite these events as major reasons for the increased focus. Business leaders are recognizing the strategic importance of GRC, with 98% agreeing that showcasing GRC achievements boosts customer trust and helps demonstrate business impact.
2. Shift Left is Becoming the Standard
Of companies surveyed, 99% have implemented or plan to implement a Shift Left approach within the next 12 months. By integrating compliance processes earlier in development, businesses can reduce costs, catch security issues sooner, and speed up time to market. Trust Management Platforms are accelerating this shift, helping teams seamlessly embed GRC into product lifecycles.
As this approach becomes the norm, companies are discovering new ways to refine and scale Shift Left practices. Beyond security and compliance, embedding GRC early encourages collaboration between engineering, security, and compliance teams, fostering a culture of shared responsibility. This proactive alignment not only mitigates risk but also empowers teams to innovate confidently, knowing compliance is built into every stage of development.
3. The Compliance Load is Growing, But So is Automation
On average, GRC teams manage eight compliance frameworks, with 60% juggling at least five. The pressure is mounting, as companies anticipate adding six more frameworks in the next year. Thankfully, automation is easing the burden: while GRC is still a blend of manual (28%) and automated (40%) processes, 93% of companies want to automate more aspects of their GRC functions to reclaim an average of 14 hours per week.
4. AI is Reshaping GRC Operations
AI adoption is skyrocketing. 100% of companies expect employees to increase AI usage in the next year, but only 10% feel fully prepared to manage the associated GRC challenges. The upside is massive: 46% believe AI will improve regulatory compliance, 44% expect increased data security, and 40% predict better decision-making through predictive insights.
However, concerns linger. 43% worry about AI biases influencing GRC decisions, and 39% fear AI hallucinations leading to inaccurate guidance. Balancing AI's potential with governance remains a key challenge—here are some security practices for implementing AI.
5. GRC is Driving Business Growth
GRC is no longer just a safeguard—it's a growth engine. 38% of companies cite business growth as the primary GRC focus, while 33% prioritize reputation protection. Sales and customer success teams are leveraging GRC achievements to build trust, streamline security reviews, and accelerate deal cycles.
Organizations are increasingly using GRC as a strategic differentiator, especially in competitive markets where trust and security can be deciding factors for customers. By showcasing proactive risk management and compliance transparency, companies can turn GRC into a selling point, positioning themselves as reliable, security-first partners that stand out in crowded marketplaces.
6. Trust Management Platforms Are Unifying GRC
As GRC programs mature, Trust Management Platforms are becoming essential. These platforms consolidate continuous monitoring, risk mitigation, compliance management, and stakeholder communication into a single system. The result? Real-time insights, faster audit processes, and more efficient security reviews.
This centralization is especially valuable as companies navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. With evolving standards and cross-border requirements, having a unified platform ensures teams can adapt quickly, stay audit-ready, and maintain a single source of truth across departments. It streamlines decision-making and fosters collaboration, turning compliance into an integrated, seamless function of daily operations.
7. The Talent and Knowledge Gap Persists
Despite technological advances, human expertise remains critical. 36% of companies fear talent shortages, while 52% feel overwhelmed by identifying and integrating new frameworks. Keeping up with evolving regulations is another hurdle, as 48% struggle to maintain pace with updates and pinpoint areas needing attention.
8. The Future of GRC: Resilience, Trust, and Competitive Advantage
GRC leaders are ushering in a future where compliance isn't just about checking boxes but driving organizational resilience. 42% anticipate streamlined security reviews and enhanced risk management, while 37% foresee a simplified audit process. As GRC becomes more proactive (74% of programs are already there), its role as a strategic business driver will only grow stronger.
This evolution is already unfolding as companies leverage GRC to build a foundation of trust that permeates every aspect of their business. From securing investor confidence to fostering stronger vendor relationships, GRC is becoming a linchpin of sustainable growth. The companies that invest in modern, agile GRC strategies today will be the ones best positioned to thrive in an unpredictable future.
Ready to dive deeper? Download the full State of GRC 2025 report to explore the latest trends, benchmarks, and strategies for transforming your GRC program into a catalyst for growth and trust.
