SAP users are confused about the future of GRC. With so much change across the landscape and mixed messaging in the marketplace, we’re fielding more questions than ever before.
From our close tracking of the GRC 12.0 roadmap, it’s clear how your concerns and questions have emerged and how they have influenced migration expectations. But one thing remains clear: SAP GRC is not being retired.
For absolute clarity:
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You have time to make your decisions around your approach to GRC.
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You won’t be forced into cloud adoption or rushed migration timelines.
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GRC 2026 is a re-versioning and technical modernization of GRC 12.0, not a full replacement.
To give you the most informed and up-to-date picture, we’ve answered your more frequent and pressing high-level questions here — and will continue to update this blog throughout 2026 as new updates and technical details emerge.
GRC 2026 frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1: So, SAP GRC definitely isn’t being retired?
No. SAP GRC 2026 is a re-versioning of GRC 12.0, which means your existing investment will be protected long-term, with mainstream maintenance is guaranteed through 2040. Customer ramp-up for GRC 2026 should start in Q2 2026, with full general release by Q4.
2: What does GRC 2026 include?
GRC 2026 will form a single platform environment, with separate functional capabilities and a standardized technical architecture. Co-hosted capabilities will include Access Control, Process Control, Risk Management, Audit Management, Business Integrity Screening, UI Masking, and UI Logging, all consolidated to a single platform with improved functionality. This will be exclusive to HANA database.
3: Does this mean we’ll have to migrate to the cloud?
Not if you don’t want to. On-premise solutions will remain fully supported, with options for a private cloud version, and a public cloud version in the form of multi-tenant SaaS. Existing customers with a HANA database can migrate as if it were a “Support Pack Upgrade”, while those without will need to migrate to HANA database at additional cost.
4: Will the upgrade cause disruption to our operations?
Not as much as you might think. Existing customers with GRC on HANA should migrate very smoothly, as long as they’re on HANA Foundation 2025 level, with existing processes protected and evolved. As an ABAP component, all correctly executed customizations will be available as normal post-upgrade.
5: What’s the migration timeline?
For existing GRC customers, mainstream maintenance on current implementations will run until the end of 2027. It’s also worth considering that the first release of GRC 2026 will likely contain only minimal enhancements, with more expected later. We’ll share more details of those improvements here as they emerge.
6: What are our choices for GRC post-modernization?
You can stay on-premise, move to private cloud, or adopt multi-tenant SaaS. When making this choice, don’t forget to consider hybrid approaches and third-party tool integration. These can reduce the complexity of the SAP ecosystem and avoid overlapping functionality and multiple tool versions.
7: How can my organization use this change as a springboard for improvements?
You can seize the opportunity to innovate and expand automation across more processes. Start by evaluating current processes and identifying potential wins. More widely, GRC modernization can be aligned with broader digital transformation. Just remember to assess your options holistically and avoid jumping into reactive decisions.
8: What should a GRC tool selection assessment include?
A robust GRC tool selection assessment should start with an objective baseline assessment of current GRC maturity, with options mapped against specific requirements and a strategic alignment review in the context of your broader business direction. This can help generate evidence-based recommendations grounded in data and analysis.
9: What are the key strategic considerations in the GRC decision-making process?
Start by understanding your current technology foundations and existing investments, and how GRC can align with your business strategy over the next five years. Then consider regulatory and compliance changes, and evaluate integration and automation requirements, to distinguish between short-term operational issues and long-term strategic goals.
10: Why are third-party tools a good idea for SAP GRC?
Select external tools may serve some functions better than your core SAP-native investment, especially if you have key requirements that you want to align with your wider organizational strategy. However, you would be hard-pressed to find an integrated solution with the breadth of SAP GRC.
11: Can I ‘mix and match’ the best bits of my existing GRC solutions with GRC 2026 features?
Yes. When the official release is published, you’ll be able to choose which new features you’d like to incorporate into your existing GRC processes.
12: What happens if I don’t migrate by the end of 2027?
SAP has said that this migration deadline has already been extended beyond 2027, and in any case, the enhancements in the first release of GRC 2026 will be minimal. You have time and space to make strategic, informed decisions about your SAP GRC future, based on a thorough assessment of your current position and future needs. If necessary, you can always pay for extended maintenance beyond 2027 as a backstop.
13: What’s the difference between GRC 2026 and SAP IAG?
GRC 2026 is the newest version of GRC, re-versioned into a single, co-hosted environment. SAP IAG, on the other hand, is a tool for managing user access and maintaining compliance within SAP systems. IAG is used primarily for cloud applications, while GRC 2026 is used for SAP ABAP systems.
14: Can I run GRC 2026 on-prem, private cloud, or hybrid?
Yes. GRC 2026 can run in any of these set-ups and can also run on-prem or private cloud with the option of additional public (IAG) for Cloud apps. GRC 2026 and GRC 12.0 only have one cloud app integration scenario, which is SuccessFactors — all others would need IAG.
In summary: the choice is yours
The most important thing to remember from all of this is that you are in control of your GRC 2026 journey.
You don’t need to rush into any adoption decisions, and you can choose from on-prem, private cloud, public cloud (SaaS), hybrid, or complementary third-party tools. We encourage you to see GRC modernization as a golden opportunity to make real improvements across processes, controls, integration, automation, and overall governance maturity.
If you’re looking for more clarity on the best GRC options for your organization, then try the Turnkey SAP GRC Modernization Assessment for vendor-agnostic recommendations in line with your business reality and growth plans.
For more information on GRC 2026, contact the Turnkey Consulting team, and keep an eye on this blog for updates throughout the year.
