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Authors : Tahmina Day and Vinod Sreedharan Modern enterprises know vendor management is more than signing contracts and checking compliance boxes. As organizations depend more on external partners for critical services, sensitive data, and daily operations, the need for a disciplined, integrated approach has never been greater. The right approach transforms vendor management from a reactive, resource-heavy burden into a streamlined capability that empowers teams to focus on strategic priorities and innovation rather than repetitive administrative tasks. The Cost of Fragmented Vendor Management Many organizations still treat vendor oversight as a collection of disconnected tasks. Due diligence happens in one silo, onboarding in another, and monitoring and contract management in yet others. This fragmentation drains resources and prevents teams from focusing on what creates value: innovation and growth. The consequences are significant: Critical information uncovered during assessments never reach monitoring teams. Performance issues identified during active relationships fail to inform future vendor selection. Contract renewals proceed without a clear relationship history. Early warning signs are overlooked until they escalate into costly disruptions. The result? Organizations miss opportunities to strengthen partnerships and struggle to prove how vendor management supports business success. Scaling Workflows to Scale with Risk Not every vendor carries the same risk and management approaches shouldn’t treat them as if they do. Leading organizations tailor workflows to the relationship: High-risk vendors  undergo rigorous assessment of financial health, cybersecurity, compliance, and resilience. Medium-risk vendors  receive targeted evaluations focused on specific exposures. Low-risk vendors  complete streamlined checks that confirm basic qualifications without unnecessary overhead. This risk-based approach continues throughout the relationship. Critical vendors receive continuous monitoring with real-time alerts for significant changes. Standard vendors undergo periodic reassessment aligned with contract cycles. Low-impact relationships get annual reviews focused on performance and basic compliance. The key is balancing consistency with flexibility—using configurable frameworks that standardize evaluation criteria while accommodating unique relationship requirements. Turning Data into Intelligence Strong vendor management depends on actionable intelligence, not just information. Internal performance reviews tell only part of the story. External data sources fill critical gaps, such as: Security ratings that reveal changes in cybersecurity posture Financial monitoring that signals credit deterioration before service delivery is impacted Regulatory databases that flag compliance violations By connecting this intelligence with internal metrics, contract terms, and business impact assessments, organizations create a full picture of vendor performance. This enables proactive decisions—spotting risks early, spotting performance trends that suggest improvement opportunities, and making informed decisions about renewals and transitions. Automating Routine, Preserving Judgment Vendor management involves countless routine tasks that eat up time without adding strategic value. Automation reduces that burden, coordinating activities like document collection, approvals, and provisioning during onboarding. It also monitors performance indicators and escalates exceptions while filtering out noise. Importantly, automation doesn’t replace oversight. It accelerates decision cycles, providing managers with the intelligence needed to act quickly and confidently when issues arise. Building Resilient Vendor Ecosystems Organizations with mature vendor management develop resilient ecosystems that adapt to changing requirements and external disruptions. That resilience comes from: Diversification:  avoiding dependence on a single supplier for critical services Capability development:  investing in key relationships to improve outcomes Transition readiness:  maintaining alternatives and transition plans for rapid response to vendor failures These organizations develop performance management approaches that strengthen vendor relationships while maintaining accountability. Rather than relying solely on contract enforcement, they create collaborative improvement processes that help vendors succeed while protecting organizational interests. From Operations to Strategic Advantage When vendor lifecycle management is integrated, it becomes a foundation for strategy. Organizations with solid lifecycle management capabilities possess the data, processes, and relationship intelligence required for sophisticated decisions about partnerships, risk tolerance, and ecosystem optimization. This operational strength transforms vendor relationships from cost centers into sources of competitive advantage—whether through innovative partnerships, market expansion, or business transformation. The path forward requires platforms that unify vendor lifecycle management while providing the flexibility and intelligence to optimize every relationship. Ready to transform your TPRM program from compliance burden to strategic advantage? Discover how Archer's third-party governance solutions can centralize your risk management, strengthen vendor partnerships, and drive measurable business value. Learn more about Archer's TPRM capabilities  and contact us for a demo   today.

Archer Summit 2025 was one for the books. From September 15–18, hundreds of Archer clients, partners, and employees came together in Chicago for four days of learning, collaboration, and celebration.  This year’s Archer Summit combined powerful keynotes, client success stories, and engaging workshops with moments to connect and celebrate our community. It was a fitting tribute to two decades of progress, and a launchpad for what’s ahead.  Learning Together  Throughout the week, breakout sessions brought the Archer community face-to-face with the latest thinking in risk, compliance and AI, including:  SaaS journeys : BECU, NXP Semiconductors, and Quest Diagnostics shared their experiences moving to Archer SaaS, highlighting faster time to value, reduced complexity, and stronger scalability.   Risk and compliance innovation : Sessions showcased how organizations like Ally Financial, Manulife, SouthState Bank, and CVS are advancing AI governance, evolving compliance, and embedding risk awareness into daily operations.   Industry focus : Sector meetings and panels provided targeted discussions for public sector, healthcare, financial services, energy, and supply chain leaders.   Future of Archer : Product-focused sessions such as:   “Smarter, Faster, Together: Introducing AI in Archer SaaS,”  “Your Voice in Our Vision: Introducing Product Pulse,”   and “What If? Unleashed with Evolv Intelligence”    These sessions gave attendees a first look at new capabilities while inviting their input to shape what comes next. Every session had one theme in common: organizations are using Archer to simplify complexity, accelerate progress, and align risk programs with strategy.  Celebrating Our Clients and Partners  A highlight of every Archer Summit is recognizing the clients and partners who are leading the way. At the Archer Client Awards, we honored organizations and individuals making a difference, including:   ADNOC  Akira Muranaka  Ally Bank  CME  Corebridge  Dell  EY  Karta  Kellanova  Manulife Financial  NXP Semiconductors  SMBC    These awards celebrate the diversity of our global community and the impact that’s possible when great teams harness Archer to its fullest potential.  Connecting Beyond the Sessions   As day three wrapped up, attendees left with notebooks full of insights and plenty of conversations to carry forward. From SaaS migrations and risk libraries to AI governance and client innovation, Wednesday reinforced why Archer Summit remains the must-attend event for the risk and compliance community.  The day ended on a high note as everyone looked forward to the Customer Appreciation Party—a chance to unwind and celebrate our 20th anniversary together. With Chicago as the backdrop, this milestone Archer Summit is not only showcasing how far we’ve come but also the vibrant community shaping what’s next.  Looking Ahead  Attendees left Chicago inspired, armed with new strategies, and excited about what’s ahead for Archer and the risk management community.  As we close the book on Archer Summit 2025, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you  to our clients, partners, and employees. Your passion, insights, and collaboration made this 20th anniversary celebration a success.  We can’t wait to build on this momentum and welcome you back next year. See you at Archer Summit 2026 in Orlando!

Without effective policy management, organizations face significant challenges. Inadequate management of critical content can lead to outdated or inconsistent policies, creating confusion and increasing the risk of non-compliance with external and internal policies. This makes it challenging to meet regulatory demands and can lead to discrepancies during audits, resulting in penalties and reputational damage. The inability to quickly adapt policies in response to new regulations can leave enterprises vulnerable to legal and financial risks. Effective policy management is not just a choice; it's necessary for enterprises striving to maintain compliance and mitigate risk. The ability to efficiently manage critical content using robust workflows and advanced editing capabilities is vital; it's a comprehensive solution. This ensures that policies are always up-to-date and aligned with current regulatory demands, enabling organizations to swiftly respond to new requirements and pass audits with confidence. By adopting a comprehensive policy management strategy, enterprises can streamline their processes, enhance governance, and safeguard their reputation in an increasingly complex environment. The solution is to adopt a centralized policy management system that includes workflows to streamline the review and approval process, ensure version control to keep track of changes and ensure consistency, and robust editing capabilities to facilitate all policy updates. This strategy not only ensures that you are securely managing your critical documents and keeping your policies up to date, but also significantly reduces the risk of non-compliance and improves overall operational efficiency. With this system in place, you can rest assured that you have a reliable and scalable solution to navigate the complexities of changing policies and regulations. We're excited to announce that Archer Document Governance is now integrated with Archer, offering a seamless policy user experience. Archer customers who have Document Governance will be automatically logged into Document Governance when they are logged into their Archer instance, making policy creation a breeze. With Document Governance, you can effortlessly ensure you have a robust governance process managing your critical documents and effectively managing your policies. Features at a Glance Modern policy life cycle management dashboard Archer authentication for seamless login to Document Governance Approval workflow and Archer record creation Collaborate to draft policy content Benefits Streamlined policy program management Maintain a clear chain of custody throughout the policy lifecycle Respond to audit requests promptly Improved control and compliance across critical documents and content Contact us  to learn more about how Archer Document Governance can securely manage your critical documents and policies.

The EU NIS 2 Directive is sparking heated debates across the European Union. Is its scope too wide, burdening small businesses or is it a necessary shield against evolving cyber threats? Are strict incident reporting requirements essential or do they create unnecessary burdens for minor incidents? Does the high cost of compliance stifle innovation or is it a critical investment in security?   No matter where you stand on these arguments, one thing is clear: GRC (governance, risk and compliance) can be your powerful ally in navigating the NIS 2 landscape. Let's explore how.   Addressing the Scope Challenge If you're concerned about the broad scope of NIS 2, particularly as a small business, GRC can help you identify and prioritize your most critical assets and vulnerabilities. Automated risk assessment tools can streamline this process, ensuring you focus your resources where they matter most.   On the other hand, if you believe the wide scope is necessary, GRC can empower you to monitor and secure a broader range of systems and processes. Cloud-based security solutions offer scalability and flexibility, adapting to your evolving needs as threats emerge.   Streamlining Incident Reporting Whether you see strict incident reporting as essential or burdensome, GRC can make the process more efficient. Automated incident response platforms can help you detect, analyze, and report incidents quickly and accurately. This reduces the manual effort required and ensures compliance with NIS 2 requirements.   In addition, machine learning algorithms can help you filter out false positives and focus on genuine threats, easing the burden of reporting minor incidents.   Balancing Cost and Innovation If you're worried about the high cost of compliance hindering innovation, consider that GRC can drive cost savings in the long run. By automating security processes, you can reduce the need for manual intervention, freeing up resources for innovation.   Moreover, cloud-based security solutions often offer lower total cost of ownership. By eliminating the overhead of technical resources and assets, they're more affordable for smaller businesses. This allows you to invest in security without breaking the bank, leaving room for innovation and growth.   Leveraging GRC The EU NIS 2 Directive may be polarizing, but GRC offers solutions for both sides of the debate. Whether you're a small business concerned about the scope, struggling with incident reporting, or worried about the cost of compliance, GRC can help you overcome these challenges.   By embracing innovative solutions, you can not only comply with NIS 2 but also enhance your overall security posture and drive innovation. Instead of viewing NIS 2 as a burden, consider it an opportunity to leverage GRC for a safer and more resilient future.   For more information on the EU NIS 2 Directive, read the Gartner® report “Quick Answer: How to Effectively Prepare for NIS 2 ,” compliments of Archer for a limited time.   We also encourage you to speak with one of our experts  to explore how Archer can support you in initiating or advancing your operational resilience program.      GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.   Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

There is a famous quote from Mike Tyson: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”  If you are headed into the ring against a world champion, you certainly must have trained hard and built a plan. The hope is that even after that first punch, that plan remains intact and you can continue to execute, regardless of the obstacles – namely Mr. Tyson’s fist. Is it too early to think about the next step in your risk management journey? Absolutely not. As a GRC professional, you may feel like you are standing in the ring facing a heavy-duty fighter. The uncertainty your organization is hoping you help navigate is daunting. Environmental concerns collide with financial risks as investors inspect the long-term viability of companies with regards to climate change. Companies expand their digital footprint battling issues such as privacy and social responsibility while entangled with the already daunting challenge of digital crime and fraud. Economic shifts, societal upheaval, strained systems, geopolitical strife – these potential risks cast a deep shadow. It is imperative to keep an eye on trends that can help you deliver impactful inputs to your organization’s risk management strategy. The risk and compliance landscape continues its rapid transformation, presenting both opportunities and challenges for organizations striving to stay ahead. Companies like yours are facing heightened cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and the need to integrate advanced technologies seamlessly. As you review your risk management strategy, there are emerging trends that will reshape GRC in 2025 that you can begin preparing for now, including the integration of AI for streamlining risk analysis and improving decision-making, a user experience revolution in leveraging seamless workflows and intuitive design, and the heightened impact of assurance and resilience in delivering significant value. I invite you to join Forrester’s Cody Scott from Forrester  and me for a June 18 webinar, “Way-Too-Early GRC Predictions for 2025” for a discussion about these trends and insights that will help you formulate your risk management strategy for 2025 and beyond.

In today's complex cyber threat landscape, organizations face an ongoing challenge to have robust security measures to detect and respond to threats effectively. It has become critical to have visibility into your organization's security landscape to protect your network assets from cybersecurity threats. The ability to create a detailed inventory of network assets to address the cyber threat challenge not only allows your security teams to prioritize remediation efforts effectively but also empowers them to take control of the situation. A significant cybersecurity challenge is the lack of visibility into network assets. Organizations need help maintaining an accurate inventory of all devices, systems, and applications connected to their networks. This is a serious challenge because any unknown assets can become cyberattack entry points. Organizations must understand everything that needs to be secured. Organizations' ability to obtain a comprehensive inventory of all network assets, including endpoints, servers, IoT devices, and applications, will provide a more robust view of their landscape. This complete asset inventory, as the foundation of their cybersecurity strategy, will ensure that no device or system goes unnoticed and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited due to oversight. Identifying and understanding vulnerabilities within network assets is another critical challenge. Vulnerabilities can vary widely in severity and impact, making knowing which vulnerabilities to address first is challenging. However, getting detailed insights into potential security flaws and assessing their severity can enable you to understand how they can be exploited. This information equips your security teams to understand the scope and nature of the cyber threats facing your organization, making decision-makers feel informed and responsible. Organizations must have a prioritization strategy for risk remediation to ensure that critical assets are not exposed. To ensure important issues are addressed first security teams should prioritize remediation efforts based on the criticality of each asset. Organizations can mitigate the most pressing risks first by focusing on fixing vulnerabilities that pose the highest risk to the most critical systems and data. Continuous monitoring is not just a necessity but a proactive measure in the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Scanning your network helps ensure that any new vulnerabilities are identified and that remediation efforts are tracked and adjusted. This allows you to maintain a robust security posture. Archer can help you reduce your cyber risk by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities and prioritizing risk remediation efforts. Archer's recently released integration with Rapid7 InsightVM   enables organizations to catalog network devices and assess vulnerabilities.   Contact us  for more information or to speak to an Archer expert.

We're thrilled to announce the launch of Archer Carbon Management  powered by Compare Your Footprint (CYF) on May 20, 2024. This innovative software solution enables organizations to streamline their emissions and sustainability reporting, making it easier than ever to measure your environmental impact and achieve your sustainability goals. Archer Carbon Management's innovative offering arrives at a critical time. With consumers becoming increasingly eco-conscious and regulations such as the European Union Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), California's Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, and the recent SEC Climate Disclosure rule all requiring emissions reporting, the pressure on organizations to act is greater than ever. The Growing Need for Carbon Emission Reporting One of the biggest challenges organizations face today is the accurate calculation of their carbon emissions. This process involves juggling disparate data sources, from energy bills to travel logs and waste management records, a task that is not only cumbersome but fraught with potential for errors and inconsistencies. Archer Carbon Management eliminates these obstacles by providing automated emissions calculation and reporting for scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, ensuring alignment with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. This enables organizations to easily identify their "carbon hotspots," making it easier to target and strategize emission reduction efforts effectively. Archer Carbon Management: Cut through the Complexity of Emissions Reporting Archer Carbon Management cuts through this complexity. This powerful, user-friendly platform is designed to be your comprehensive emissions-reporting solution. Archer Carbon Management equips you with actionable insights and comprehensive reporting capabilities. Through intuitive dashboards and robust analytics, organizations can achieve a deeper understanding of their environmental impact. This holistic view aids in effective decision-making and risk management and sets the stage for achieving Science-Based Targets (SBT) and advancing towards Net Zero goals. Features at a Glance Streamline input data collection across from internal and external sources Measure scope 1, 2, & 3 carbon emissions based on the GHG Protocol Track emission progress, trends, and hotspots with ease Leverage over 10,000 global carbon factors for accurate calculations Use carbon emissions data for regulatory reporting   Benefits for Your Organization Ensure compliance with evolving regulatory reporting requirements Boost your organization's resilience and su stainability by effectively managing your carbon footprint Say goodbye to manual emissions calculations and data entry, empowering your sustainability team to concentrate on strategic goals and targets Ready to unlock the power of Archer Carbon Management? To learn more about Archer Carbon Management, please join us on Friday, May 31, 2024, for a free webinar and demonstration of this new offering.

Navigating the intricate web of regulations and risks in today's business environment is challenging. With constantly evolving laws, information scattered across departments, and the daunting task of distilling actionable insights from large amounts of data, effective risk management can feel like an impossible task. Making mistakes can be costly in both time and money, resulting in fines, penalties, and tarnished reputations. Adopting a simpler and more efficient approach to risk management can help you navigate today's complex web of regulatory changes and scattered information, avoid expensive fines, and reduce risks. Unified View for Informed Decisions: Embracing an end-to-end assurance program enables you to gain invaluable insights into your organization's myriad risks. From operational vulnerabilities to compliance gaps, a unified view empowers decision-makers with the clarity and foresight necessary to manage and mitigate risk. Efficiency Through Automation: The relentless onslaught of new regulations poses a formidable challenge to stay abreast of ever-shifting legal frameworks. By using AI-driven automation, you can go beyond the limitations of manual monitoring. Automatically tracking and analyzing regulatory changes saves time and resources and mitigates the risk of overlooking regulatory updates and changes that could expose the organization to compliance breaches and penalties. This advanced technology ensures a high level of accuracy, making you feel more secure in your risk management processes. Quantitative Risk Assessment: Not all risks are created equally; prioritizing them is critical to effective risk management. Understanding the priority of risks is critical for effective risk management. Identifying and prioritizing the most significant risks is vital to allocating resources effectively and safeguarding against potential pitfalls. Through quantitative enterprise risk management, organizations can quantify the impact and likelihood of various risks, enabling a targeted approach to risk mitigation. Businesses can optimize their risk management by focusing on the most consequential and costly risks. An end-to-end assurance program, automated regulatory change management, and quantitative enterprise risk management can create value for your risk management efforts. To learn more, register today for our May 14 webinar, hosted by OCEG, “ Mastering Risk & Regulatory Change with AI Automation and Risk Quantification ,” on May 14 at 11:00 AM ET, to: Learn how a unified view of your company allows you to effectively understand the risks your company faces. Discover how automatically monitoring new and upcoming regulations can save you time and money. Learn how quantitative assessments can enable you to focus on the most important and expensive risks.

Navigating the increasingly complex web of risks today -- from business disruptions and economic uncertainties to cyber threats and physical incidents -- requires a sophisticated approach to risk management. Managing the extensive details of risks, controls, incidents, and claims has also become increasingly challenging.  Multiple teams, separate systems, and data silos make it difficult to gain a comprehensive view of the risks at hand. It's akin to solving a puzzle with missing pieces, made even more challenging with the growing amount of data from various sources. So, how do you coordinate all of the details to minimize losses while also trying to improve your processes and controls? Enter Archer RMIS AI, the only solution that combines RMIS, artificial intelligence (AI) and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) capabilities to help you build a more coordinated risk management process. Archer RMIS AI provides workflows and predictive analytics that help you implement smarter processes and controls. It positions you to build a comprehensive view of your organization’s risk landscape so you can act effectively and make more strategic decisions. Need a quick summary of everything that’s happened since you last reviewed the data?  Need to analyze trends in incidents, loss events, and claims? Concerned about that one claim that could impact your entire company? Archer RMIS AI is the answer. It's time to embrace the evolution of risk management with Archer RMIS AI to navigate the challenges of today's world with confidence and resilience. To learn more, register today for our April 23 webinar, hosted by RIMS, the Risk Management Society, “ Advancing RMIS: Strategies for Modern Risk Management , ” on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 11:00 am ET. Attendees will learn about: The critical need to transition from traditional RMIS solutions to advanced systems capable of navigating the complexities of today's risk landscape. The strategic benefits of aligning RMIS with GRC strategies to drive new insights and operational efficiencies. The enhanced decision-making and operational risk management made possible with the integration of incident and loss data with RMIS technologies.   Be sure to use promo code “RIMSARCHER50” to waive the $50 fee.

In an era of heightened concerns over climate change, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are taking on greater importance for the world's leading financial institutions. For global banks, ESG objectives are more than just a compliance requirement; they are a critical priority that calls for innovative technological solutions.   With the increasing focus on environmental responsibility, bank CIOs play a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives within their organizations. A recent Gartner report stated that "by 2027, 25% of all CIOs across industries will have their compensation tied to their sustainable technology impact."  This pivotal role involves not only ensuring the company's technology infrastructure minimizes emissions but also bolsters the business's resilience against climate-related disruptions. One of the critical responsibilities of bank CIOs in driving sustainability initiatives is leveraging data analytics for measurement and reporting. By analyzing data related to energy use, emissions, and other environmental impacts, CIOs can identify areas for improvement and track progress toward sustainability goals. This data-driven approach not only helps banks stay accountable but also allows them to make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and their bottom line. In addition to data analytics, bank CIOs lead the efforts to adopt sustainable technology within their organizations. This includes leveraging AI and cloud computing services to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with traditional on-premises infrastructure. AI will significantly impact the banks' ability to minimize their environmental impact, and the CIO will be at the forefront of these efforts. The pressure will be on the CIO to choose the right ESG technologies and platforms to help the business achieve these goals. The right ESG platform can significantly elevate a company's sustainability program, streamlining data collection and analysis automation, enhancing scalability, flexibility, and integration with existing enterprise risk systems, and leveraging AI for compliance and analytics. Archer ESG Management solution can help CIOs meet these challenges, providing the tools needed to deliver on sustainability commitments, carbon emission reporting, double materiality assessments, and adherence to leading ESG frameworks like TCFD, SASB, and GRI.   As the world faces increasing climate-related challenges, banks must prioritize ESG objectives and work towards a more sustainable future. With CIOs leading the way, financial institutions can position themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship while also meeting the demands of socially responsible consumers and investors. Interested in learning more? Read the Gartner report, “ Environmental Sustainability: Top ESG Trend for Bank CIOs in 2024 ,” compliments of Archer and only available for a limited time.   We also encourage you to speak with one of our experts  to explore how Archer can support you in initiating or advancing your sustainability and risk management programs.   Gartner, Environmental Sustainability: Top ESG Trend for Bank CIOs in 2024, Derek Frost, 14 December 2023.   GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.   Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

The environmental, social and governance (ESG) world is entering a new era characterized by regulatory compliance, with multiple jurisdictions either adopting or finalizing sustainability reporting regulations. This shift brings both benefits and challenges. On one hand, companies gain standardized rules for aligning their reporting activities. On the other hand, they face the task of setting up efficient and cost friendly ESG reporting programs. The issue lies in leveraging technology to automate reporting compliance processes while ensuring scalability. At Archer, we recognize this challenge. To address it, we have developed ESG Management solution to help companies collect, manage, and report data for regulatory ESG frameworks. Our latest ESG release introduces core capabilities designed to facilitate compliance with regulatory standards, such as CSRD ESRS and IFRS Sustainability Standards. EU CSRD The European Commission (EU)'s adoption of the Delegated Act on European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) on 31 July 2023 marks a significant milestone. ESRS, mandated by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), applies to over 50,000 organizations globally, on a various scale, from 1 January 2024. Archer's phased release of the ESRS reporting framework aims to support companies in meeting the requirements of this regulation. As part of this journey, companies must conduct a double materiality assessment to identify important disclosure topics from both impact and financial materiality perspectives. Archer's Double Materiality Calculator (DMC), released in September 2023, empowers companies to kickstart their sustainability efforts by identifying most material topics. In our latest ESRS release, we are excited to introduce enhanced capabilities aligned with companies' reporting requirements. These capabilities include the reporting framework for ESRS 1, ESRS 2, Environment (E)1, and Social (S)1, translating complex regulatory requirements into a structured, automated workflow for efficient reporting. Furthermore, Archer's ESG solution enables the collection of diverse set of information, including metrics and disclosures according to ESRS guidelines. Integrating with Archer's existing risk and issue management modules, companies can identify and act upon impacts, risks, and opportunities (IRO) effectively and all from one place. Moreover, companies can in real time track their progress in completing ESRS as they advance through different stages of reporting. In the next upcoming phases, we’ll be releasing the remaining topical ESRS standards across E, S and G.   IFRS Sustainability Standards The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation introduced two key sustainability standards, namely IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, in June 2023. IFRS S1 focuses on disclosure requirements that enable companies to effectively communicate sustainability-related risks and opportunities to investors. On the other hand, IFRS S2 outlines specific climate-related disclosures, intended to complement, and be used alongside IFRS S1. While IFRS Sustainability Standards do not constitute a regulatory framework in themselves, their widespread recognition has prompted several countries to express interest in integrating these standards into their national sustainability reporting frameworks. Among these countries are the U.K., Brazil, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, and more, reflecting a global movement towards adopting comprehensive sustainability reporting practices. With the latest capabilities introduced in our ESG Management solution, companies can effectively report based on IFRS S1 and S2. Our dedicated reporting framework enables companies to streamline their IFRS S1 and S2 reporting, enhancing data collection, structuring, analysis, and risk management capabilities. Take Actions Accelerate your ESG regulatory reporting journey with Archer for improved efficiency, seamless integration, and a comprehensive approach. Register to join us on April 19, 2024 for the Free Friday Tech Huddle (FFTH) dedicated to the latest ESG solution release. To learn more and see the latest functionality in action, contact your dedicated sales representative today to discover how Archer can help you to comply with sustainability regulations.

On March 6, 2024, the SEC finalized its much-anticipated climate disclosure rule for public companies.   The final ruling introduces new mandatory reporting requirements and presents a significant shift for public companies, impacting the entire C-Suite (CFOs, CIOs, CSOs, CCO). Here's a breakdown of the key things executives need to know to prepare for these new mandatory disclosures. What the New Rule Requires: Material Climate-Related Risks. Companies must identify and disclose the present and predicted impact of climate change on their business. This includes physical risks (extreme weather, rising sea levels) and transition risks (regulatory changes, carbon pricing). Risk Mitigation Strategies. Outline the actions your company is taking to mitigate or adapt to climate-related risks. This could involve investments in clean energy, supply chain resilience strategies, or climate-resilient infrastructure. Board Oversight and Management Role. Demonstrate how the board oversees climate-related risks and how management integrates these considerations into strategic decision-making. Climate-Related Targets and Goals (if material). If your company has set climate targets (e.g., net-zero emissions by 2050), you'll need to disclose those, as well as any progress made towards achieving them. Financial Statement Impacts. Companies will need to disclose the financial implications of climate change, including capitalized costs associated with severe weather events and potential write-downs of assets affected by climate risks. Action Steps for Your C-Suite: Cross-functional Collaboration. Effective ESG reporting requires collaboration between finance, IT, sustainability, and legal teams. Establish a clear ESG task force with representatives from each department. Data Gathering and Management. Climate disclosures hinge on robust data. Assess your current data collection and aggregation practices. Identify any gaps in your information and manual processes that could hinder the efficient collection of data related to climate risks and opportunities. Standardization and Consistency. Ensure consistent application of ESG metrics across the organization. For metrics and guidance, consider leveraging frameworks like the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) or the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Technology Integration. ESG software solutions can significantly improve data collection, reporting, and scenario modeling. Evaluate and implement software that simplifies compliance and streamlines ESG integration into existing workflows and your enterprise risk management platforms. Internal Communication and Training: Educate your team on the new SEC rules and their impact on different departments. Foster a culture of transparency and accountability around ESG practices. How Archer ESG Solutions Can Help: Automated Data Collection. Archer ESG Management can quickly and efficiently gather, aggregate, and analyze ESG data internally and across your supply chain, empowering decision-makers with actionable, accurate, and timely data. Streamlined Reporting. Generate standardized ESG reports that comply with the SEC's new regulations and streamline disclosure processes.  Archer ESG Disclosure Management is a comprehensive solution that addresses the growing demand for transparency in ESG reporting and allows for systematic and efficient capture of climate-related disclosures. Materiality Assessment.  Archer Double Materiality Calculator helps you quickly and easily assess, calculate, and report on double materiality impacts. Pre-configured assessments based on the E.U. ESRS framework allow for the evaluation of impact and financial materiality assessment. Integrate to the ERM Suite.  The Archer platform allows you to connect to governance, risk, and compliance use cases for a holistic and programmatic approach.  This connectivity provides an integrated view that ensures that ESG is not treated in isolation but rather as an integral part of a broader corporate ERM strategy. The Road to Sustainability The SEC's new climate disclosure rules mark a significant step towards greater transparency in corporate sustainability practices. By taking a proactive approach, prioritizing collaboration, and leveraging technology solutions, your organization can comply with regulations and demonstrate leadership in the evolving ESG landscape. Archer’s ESG solution enables organizations to collect and centralize ESG data into a single platform, evaluate the impact of risks and the opportunities on business strategy, understand 3rd party ESG risks, set ESG goals, and produce auditable reporting all from one integrated platform. If you would like to learn more about how Archer ESG Management Solutions can help your organization address the SEC’s latest rule on climate-related disclosures, download the whitepaper, ESG Reporting: From Data to Action.   For more information or if you would like to speak to an Archer ESG expert, you can contact us here.