Published on June 04, 2025
On May 16, 2025, Tata Communications hosted the ninth edition of the Tata Group Internal Audit (IA) Forum in Mumbai. The event brought together over 40 internal auditors from more than 30 Tata companies, offering a platform for peer learning, idea exchange, and deep reflection on how internal audit must evolve in today’s fast-changing business environment.
Shaping IA as a value-creating function
A clear theme emerged across the day: Internal Audit must move beyond a compliance-led model to become a strategic partner to business. This shift was highlighted by Sanjay K Mathur, VP, Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance, Tata Communications, who shared the company’s journey in repositioning IA as a value centre. The organisation’s in-house AI-powered fraud detection tool stood out as a tangible example of innovation in risk mitigation.
Kabir Shakir, CFO, Tata Communications, built on this by urging audit professionals to “influence without hierarchy.” He encouraged a mindset focused on problem-solving, adaptability, and lifelong learning, especially in light of emerging technologies and the expectations of younger generations entering the workforce.
The need for continuous and contextual oversight
Across sessions, there was strong consensus on the need to move from periodic audits to continuous monitoring and real-time insights. Internal audit must be more agile and embedded within the flow of business, able to flag risks early and contextually. Speakers noted that this requires not just better tools, but better integration between audit teams and business units.
Sujit Kumar Verma, Independent Director, Tata Communications, called for audit to take on a more proactive role in breaking down organisational silos and identifying enterprise-wide risks, especially in tech-led functions. He emphasised the value of diverse teams with cross-functional experience and a culture of ongoing skill development.
Managing emerging risks with rigour
New risk vectors, especially those linked to artificial intelligence, were a key area of discussion. Arpinder Singh and Yogen Vaid, Forensic & Integrity Services, EY, explored the rise of AI-generated fraud and the growing importance of integrity in financial reporting. They also highlighted techniques for managing Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) and shared examples of AI-led forensic analysis.
The forum also addressed increasing legal exposure for internal audit teams. Legal expert Prerak Ved, AZB & Partners, cautioned against conducting investigations without proper expertise and stressed the importance of audit documentation, especially when using historical or sample-based data. He reminded participants that even informal communication platforms like WhatsApp are subject to legal discovery.
Governance as culture, not just control
The broader role of IA in enabling a culture of governance and accountability was underscored in a session led by Venkatesh S, Head, Risk and Control, Siemens. He shared how Siemens integrates governance and internal control systems into everyday business culture, aiming to embed risk awareness into the organisational mindset.
In his closing address, Devraj Chattaraj, GM, Tata Business Excellence Group, thanked the speakers and participants for their active contribution and commitment to raising the bar in internal audit.
The forum reinforced the need for IA function to stay agile, technologically adept, and deeply aligned with business ethics and enterprise risk.
About Tata Internal Audit Forum
In line with Group focus areas, TBExG has instituted Group-level forums on internal audit, supply chain, manufacturing excellence, data excellence, data privacy, cyber excellence, treasury, and investment management. TBExG, with the support of Group companies, organises quarterly best practices sessions on subjects of interest for the respective forum. These forums have brought together over five hundred subject experts from more than fifty Group companies. Many companies have been able to leverage the learnings from these sessions to improve their existing processes.
The Tata Internal Audit Forum was formally instituted by TBExG in 2023. It is now a congregation of internal audit heads from more than 40 Tata companies. The session at Tata Communication, Mumbai was the 9th meeting of this forum.