FTI Consulting Partners with IAB to Improve Vendor Due Diligence in Advertising

FTI Consulting Partners with IAB to Enhance Vendor Due Diligence in Advertising

In a significant development for the digital advertising landscape, FTI Consulting, Inc. collaborates with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) to launch the IAB Authorized Assessor Program. Announced on January 21, 2026, this initiative aims to provide standardized vendor due diligence services to IAB members, marking a pivotal step in enhancing data privacy compliance across the industry. FTI Consulting becomes the first authorized assessor licensed to utilize the IAB Diligence Platform, a tool powered by SafeGuard Privacy, which facilitates comprehensive vendor reviews and the creation of tailored risk-based privacy frameworks.

The program emerges in response to heightened regulatory scrutiny, particularly following the California Privacy Protection Agency's implementation of new risk assessment regulations on January 1, 2026. These regulations include liability shifting provisions, making it essential for brands, agencies, and publishers to adopt rigorous vendor assessment practices. FTI Consulting's involvement not only brings its global team of data privacy and advertising technology specialists into the fold but also enhances the operational efficiency of the diligence process. With access to expert advisory services, IAB members can conduct in-depth reviews of vendor responses, ensuring compliance with evolving data privacy laws.

Furthermore, the collaboration emphasizes the importance of industry-specific diligence. FTI Technology's expertise in Digital Insights & Risk Management serves as a backbone for the program, providing resources that verify high-risk vendor responses. This initiative is particularly relevant as the demand for transparent vendor due diligence continues to grow among stakeholders in the digital advertising ecosystem. The integration of SafeGuard Privacy as the exclusive technology provider bolsters the program's credibility, establishing a standardized and auditable diligence process that is crucial for maintaining trust in digital advertising practices.

In addition to the program's launch, FTI Technology's reputation as a leading consultancy in data privacy and risk management is further solidified. The firm serves a robust client base that includes the world's top 100 law firms and a majority of Fortune Global 100 corporations, many of which are also IAB members. This strategic partnership not only supports the needs of IAB members but also aligns with the broader industry trend toward enhanced data privacy practices.

As the digital advertising ecosystem navigates an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, FTI Consulting's role in the IAB Authorized Assessor Program positions the firm at the forefront of driving compliance and operational excellence in vendor due diligence. This initiative reflects a collective commitment to fostering a secure and transparent advertising environment for all stakeholders involved.