Data Analytics Integration in Internal Audits at ING

This technical report details the integration of data analytics into the internal audit processes at ING, a global financial institution headquartered in the Netherlands. The internal audit function comprises over 400 individuals across 36 teams, focusing on more than 1,350 auditable entities with an average audit cycle of nearly three years. The report outlines how ING aims to enhance its data-driven approach, utilizing the KNIME Analytics Platform to automate and streamline audit procedures. It explains the challenges faced in handling diverse data types and sources while ensuring consistency across audits. The report also describes the development of workflows that automate document scanning and cross-referencing against sanctions lists, significantly reducing manual effort. Additionally, it highlights the use of process mining to analyze business processes through event log data, enabling auditors to benchmark actual processes against compliance standards. The findings indicate substantial efficiency gains, allowing auditors to complete tasks in significantly less time.