On October 31, 2025, the professional conference INTERNAL AUDIT & CONTROL – 2025, organized by Business-Format Group, took place in Kyiv at the Favor Park Hotel. The event brought together internal auditors, risk managers, compliance professionals, and heads of control functions to discuss the transformation of internal audit in an environment of heightened uncertainty.
The Ethicontrol team joined the conference as an expo partner, engaging with representatives of the professional community and sharing practical solutions for the digitalization of internal control, incident management, and whistleblowing reporting systems.
The conference focused on the evolving role of internal audit — shifting from a traditional control function to a strategic business partner. Key discussion areas included:
risk-based approaches and adaptability in the context of war and geopolitical shocks;
ethics, professional courage, and the independence of internal auditors;
digital transformation, AI, and data analytics in internal audit;
balancing trust and control;
emerging global risks for 2026.
Risk in Focus 2026: Key Risks for Internal Auditors
The presentation provided a global overview of the risks internal auditors are expected to face in 2026.
The key message highlighted a world of high uncertainty, where geopolitical, macroeconomic, digital, and regulatory risks are increasingly interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
Special attention was given to the changing role of internal audit — moving beyond inspections toward strategic advisory support for management. Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, human capital, and organizational adaptability were identified as priority areas for internal audit functions.
Ivan Levkivskyi (Head of Internal Audit Department, UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group)
Effective Internal Audit Tools in the Face of Modern Challenges
The speaker focused on practical tools that help internal audit remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment. Topics included risk-based planning, the use of data analytics, and flexible approaches to building audit plans.
Particular emphasis was placed on developing internal audit team competencies, their ability to address technological and regulatory risks, and effective cooperation with other lines of defense.
Yevheniia Iliukhina (Head of Internal Audit Function, Yednist Group)
Internal Audit as a Strategic Business Partner: New Expectations and Reality
The presentation explored the transformation of internal audit in line with the updated IIA Standards. The focus was on strategic positioning of the function, resource and technology management, and meeting stakeholder expectations.
The speaker emphasized the importance of a clear internal audit strategy, strong coordination of assurance activities, and transparent reporting to supervisory bodies as the foundation of trust in the function.
Valeriia Kozak (Head of Internal Audit, SCM)
Procurement Audits: Key Risks, Common Mistakes, and Practical Insights
The session addressed the most problematic areas in procurement, including planning, process organization, and supplier selection. Common violations, procedural exceptions, and weaknesses in internal controls were discussed.
It was emphasized that procurement remains one of the functions most vulnerable to fraud, requiring internal audit to apply benchmarks, performance metrics, and a systematic risk assessment approach.
Vitalii Krasnozhon (Internal Auditor, Board Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Ukraine (IIA Ukraine))
Applying CAAT and Data Analytics in Internal Audit: From Idea to Control
The speaker demonstrated how computer-assisted audit techniques (CAATs) can be integrated into all stages of the audit process — from planning to reporting. Practical examples of working with data were presented.
A separate focus was placed on organizing the analytics function within internal audit, including standardization of approaches, data governance, and the development of auditors’ analytical skills.
Kateryna Lukianenko (Manager, Risk Consulting Practice, KPMG in Ukraine)
Ethics in Internal Audit: GIAS 2024 Requirements and Professional Courage
The presentation focused on the updated international internal audit standards and the role of ethics in the profession. Key principles discussed included professional courage, independence, and objectivity.
The speaker stressed that modern internal auditors must not only comply with standards but also actively shape an ethical culture within their organizations.
Balancing Trust and Control as a Key Challenge for Internal Control and Audit
The presentation explored the complex relationship between trust and control in governance systems.
Excessive control reduces efficiency, while insufficient control increases risks.
A practical approach was proposed for achieving balance, taking into account process complexity, risk levels, and types of control activities.
Nadiia Pavlova (Managing Partner, Attorneys Law Office)
Key Trends in the Internal Audit Profession in the Near Future
The presentation addressed systemic challenges facing the profession, including a crisis of trust, security risks, and increasing auditor responsibility. The importance of evidence-based conclusions and professional judgment was emphasized.
The speaker also raised issues related to regulating the status of internal auditors and the potential introduction of professional liability insurance.
Emerging Trends and Challenges in Internal Audit and Risk Management
The speaker examined the impact of digital technologies and automation on the organizational risk landscape, with a particular focus on AI audits, IT controls, and digital processes.
It was emphasized that internal audit must expand its technical expertise to effectively assess emerging technology risks.
Oksana Hloba (Senior Manager, Internal Audit of Digital Businesses (Helsi, Uklon), Digital Products & Financial Audits, Kyivstar Group Ukraine)
Implementing Artificial Intelligence Tools in Internal Audit: From Vision to Execution
The presentation focused on the practical application of AI in internal audit — from planning to continuous auditing. It demonstrated how technology enables full-scope data analysis.
Additional attention was given to organizational maturity, AI risk management, and preparing teams to work with advanced tools.
Stella Spaska (Head of Internal Audit, Interstarch Ukraine LLC)
Fraud Detection: Practical Cases and Red Flags for Internal Auditors
The speaker shared real-life fraud investigation cases and common indicators of high-risk situations. The fraud triangle and behavioral red flags were discussed in detail.
Special attention was given to due diligence tools, counterparty analysis, and non-standard methods of verifying information.
Volodymyr Tkachenko (Director, Active Audit Agency)
Vulnerability Management: The Role of Internal Audit in Cyber Control Systems
The presentation covered vulnerability management in line with international standards and regulatory requirements, including frequency, tools, and role allocation.
The speaker emphasized the role of internal audit in assessing the maturity of cybersecurity processes and the effectiveness of vulnerability response mechanisms.
Iryna Tretiak (Co-founder and Managing Partner, Mono Capital)
Internal Audit and Tax Risks: A Preventive Approach Instead of Penalties
The presentation focused on tax risks and the role of internal audit in their early identification. Common mistakes leading to additional tax assessments and penalties were reviewed.
Preventive audit was highlighted as an effective tool for reducing financial and reputational losses for businesses.
The INTERNAL AUDIT & CONTROL conference confirmed that internal audit is rapidly evolving — from a compliance-checking function to one that helps businesses adapt, remain resilient, and create value. More and more organizations are investing in digital tools, automation, and continuous risk monitoring.
The Ethicontrol team thanks Business-Format Group for a meaningful event and the opportunity for live professional exchange. We will continue to support initiatives aimed at developing internal control, audit, and a culture of integrity within Ukrainian organizations.
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