Navigating risk in third-party onboarding

Navigating risk in third-party onboarding

Most large businesses have thousands of suppliers or third-parties from whom they purchase goods and services. Yet big or small, many buying organisations are unable to manage all the information on those third-parties and ensure they are compliant with their company’s policy guidelines.

Ideally, all suppliers should have gone through an ‘onboarding’ process to become an approved vendor. It is an essential part of running an efficient, effective business because it enables payment to flow between the parties and mitigates exposure to financial or reputational risk.

Due diligence should cover everything from ensuring suppliers follow required regulations; the personal and political affiliations of shareholders; and watchlist checks to make sure there are no sanctions against them.

However, this is easier said than done for many. All too often, checks consist of asking suppliers to self report on important information and too few organisations have strong, clearly defined policies that they want suppliers to align to. This CIPS Download whitepaper, produced in partnership with Dun & Bradstreet, explores some of the dangers of poorly managed due diligence and the advantages of a more strategic, automated approach.

Related Expert Reports

Time to Lead: CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply 2026

Geopolitical volatility. Rising risk. AI acceleration. ESG accountability. Procurement and supply professionals are navigating a landscape of shifting pressures and expanding expectations. The CIPS Global State of Procurement and Supply 2026, supported by GEP, reveals a profession at a defining moment and leaders stepping closer than ever to the heart of organisational strategy.

Assessing and managing AI risk in third-party relationships

As organisations turn to AI for competitive advantages, relying on third-party vendors introduces new complexities and risks. This new white paper from S&P Global is essential for executives, risk managers, procurement professionals, and anyone managing third-party relationships who wants to harness the power of AI responsibly and confidently.

share