At SAPInsider EMEA 2025 in Copenhagen, SAP unveiled the roadmap for the next major evolution of SAP’s Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) suite—SAP GRC 2026 also known as SAP GRC for SAP HANA. Far from a simple version update, this release marks a complete consolidation and modernization of SAP’s GRC portfolio, built natively on SAP S/4HANA and HANA meaning no more Netweaver (NWBC) and infused with AI, automation, and cloud-ready capabilities.
A Unified GRC Platform for the HANA Era
SAP GRC 2026 introduces a unified platform designed to manage GRC processes across financial, operational, compliance, and cybersecurity domains. The suite integrates risk management, process control, audit management, access governance, and data protection within a single, harmonized environment.
Image courtesy of SAPInsider EMEA presentation 2025
Key highlights:
- Early Adopter Release: March 2026 (Meant for a selected customers that have registered for early release)
- General Availability: Early Q3 2026 (Meant for all other customers and potential new customers)
- Simple upgrade paths: Existing GRC v12 S/4 (OP/PCE) customers can upgrade without contract conversions
- Support Horizon: Aligned with SAP HANA lifecycle—extended until 2040
SAP emphasized that this is not an end-of-life announcement for the current GRC suite, but a next-generation version designed for long-term evolution.
Intelligent Governance: AI at the Core
AI and automation are deeply embedded across all modules, enabling smarter analytics, automated risk detection, and more efficient decision-making.
Some standout innovations include:
Unlike many competitors that claim to have a flat and family-like culture, Expertum truly is that way. The lines are short, no one is unreachable, and everyone is willing to help. From leadership to sales and from office management to marketing, every person here puts their heart into their work and into supporting others. That’s something we all value and actively protect.
- AI-driven access reviews and recommendations for SAP Access Control
- Generative AI (via SAP Joule) for rule creation, diagnostics, and audit report summaries
- Conversational AI for access requests, using natural language to automate provisioning
- AI-supported audit reporting, enabling custom summaries and insights
These AI capabilities aim to reduce manual effort, enhance accuracy, and deliver real-time governance insights.
Without a doubt, the people I work with. Whether it’s at the client site or internally, I believe your own mindset and spirit greatly influence those around you. If you approach work with a healthy, positive attitude, that’s exactly what you get in return. At Expertum, we aim to keep that energy alive every day.
Modernized user experience with Fiori
SAP continues its commitment to Fiori-based design across all GRC applications. New and enhanced apps will unify navigation, simplify role assignments, and bring data visualization to the forefront.
Examples include:
Super practical, but still true: consultancy allows you to learn a lot very quickly (and to build a strong network). Give it a try, if it turns out not to be your thing, you’ll still walk away with a backpack full of new, valuable experience. We should know many of us at Expertum come from freelance or end-customer roles and haven’t looked back since.
- My Compliance Tasks and Manage Assessments apps for Process Control
- Business Role Management and Emergency Access Management with passwordless login
- Audit Coverage Overview and Detection Run apps for Assurance & Compliance
- Fiori-based Policy Builder for UI Masking configurations
The result is a consistent, intuitive interface that enhances adoption and productivity.
Deeper Integration Across SAP and Beyond
A major theme in the roadmap is connectivity. SAP GRC 2026 will deliver:
- Seamless integration with SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance and Microsoft Entra ID
- Extended integration scenarios using the SAP Integration Suite
- Unified workflows across SAP Process Control, Risk Management, and Audit Management
- Broader compatibility with SAP Business Technology Platform and non-SAP systems
This interoperability strengthens the GRC ecosystem, allowing organizations to manage risk and compliance holistically across hybrid environments.
Security and Data Protection Reinvented
The roadmap also introduces powerful updates in data masking, UI logging, and threat detection:
- Enhanced UI Masking Policy Framework with fallback actions and alerting
- OData V4 support for broader data protection
- Centralized configuration management and multilingual support for global rollouts
- Real-time alerting and log analysis via Fiori-based tools integrated with SAP Enterprise Threat Detection
Together, these enhancements safeguard sensitive data while streamlining compliance with global privacy standards.
The Road Ahead: Transformation, Not transition
In closing, SAP reinforced that SAP GRC 2026 is a forward-looking evolution, not a disruptive overhaul. The unified, AI-augmented platform on HANA is designed to simplify architecture, improve performance, and extend value for customers well into the next decade.
Key takeaways:
- Next-gen, not next end: GRC 2026 continues SAP’s investment in GRC innovation
- AI-first design: Automation and intelligent insights drive efficiency
- Unified experience: Fiori apps and centralized management enhance usability
- Cloud and integration readiness: Built for hybrid landscapes
- Future-proof support: Extended until 2040
For organizations running SAP GRC today, the message is clear: the future of governance, risk, and compliance is intelligent, unified, and built on HANA.
How can Expertum help you further?
At Expertum, we believe security is more than just compliance,it’s the foundation for trust, resilience, and sustainable growth. Our GRC & Security team combines deep SAP expertise with a pragmatic approach to help organizations strengthen their governance, manage risks, and ensure control over critical business processes.
Whether you’re assessing your current security posture, preparing for an S/4HANA transformation, or looking to enhance identity and access management, we guide you every step of the way. From SAP GRC and Access Control to advanced authorization concepts and audit readiness,we help you stay secure, compliant, and in control.
With our collaborative mindset, proven best practices, and hands-on experience across industries, Expertum enables your business to turn compliance into confidence.
Chris is here to listen.
Get in touch with him.
Chris is based in The Netherlands.
