Diligent Corporation

https://www.diligent.com

Diligent Corporation is a leading software as a service (SaaS) provider specializing in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions. The company's mission is to empower transformational leaders with technology, insights, and confidence to drive greater impact and accountability through a modern view of governance, risk, and compliance. Headquartered in New York City, New York, U.S., Diligent also maintains a global presence with offices across various continents.

Diligent offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, anchored by its Diligent One Platform, which centralizes board management and GRC activities. Key offerings include board management software (such as Diligent Boards, BoardEffect, and BoardDocs), entity management software (Diligent Entities), and solutions for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, internal audit, IT compliance, and third-party risk management. The company serves a broad market, with over 1 million users from more than 25,000 customers globally, including 65% of Fortune 1000 companies.

Under the leadership of CEO Brian Stafford, Diligent has recently focused on expanding its AI capabilities and GRC offerings. In May 2025, the company acquired Vault, an AI-powered ethics and compliance platform, followed by the acquisition of 3rdRisk in January 2026 to enhance its AI-driven risk management solutions. Diligent has received industry recognition, being named a leader in the 2025 IDC MarketScape and the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Third-Party Risk Management. The company, which was taken private by Insight Venture Partners in 2016 and is now jointly owned by Insight Partners, Blackstone, and Clearlake Capital, is reportedly being considered for a potential sale by its private equity owners, with a valuation estimated around $7 billion.

Latest updates

Diligent Awards Highlight AI's Growing Role in Corporate Governance

Event summary

  • Diligent, a GRC SaaS provider, presented its 2026 Elevate Awards at its conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The awards recognized 100 organizations and 50 executives across various sectors (legal, risk, audit, compliance, boards, public/nonprofit).
  • Award categories included Boardroom AI Innovator, Community Trust Builder, Corporate Changemaker, Governance Pioneer, GRC Conductor, and Mission Trailblazer.
  • Diligent serves over 25,000 customers globally, including a user base of more than 1 million users and 700,000 board members.

The big picture

The Diligent Elevate Awards underscore the growing integration of AI into governance, risk, and compliance functions. This trend reflects a broader shift towards data-driven decision-making and a heightened focus on transparency and accountability within organizations. The awards highlight Diligent's position as a key enabler of this transformation, but also signal the increasing complexity of GRC in an AI-driven world.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The increasing reliance on AI for governance functions will likely accelerate the need for new governance frameworks and ethical guidelines surrounding AI usage within organizations.
Regulatory Headwinds
As AI adoption expands in GRC, regulatory scrutiny around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability will intensify, potentially impacting Diligent's product development and client adoption.
Execution Risk
Diligent's ability to effectively integrate AI into its GRC platform and demonstrate tangible value to clients will be crucial for sustaining its growth and maintaining its competitive advantage.

Diligent Automates Board Functions with AI Agents, Expanding GRC Scope

Event summary

  • Diligent unveiled AI Board Member, an AI assistant for directors, and a network of autonomous agents integrated into the Diligent One Platform.
  • The new agents automate GRC workflows, aiming to replicate the impact of a 'GRC manager' without additional headcount.
  • Diligent serves over 25,000 organizations and 1 million users, including 700,000 board members.
  • Early access to the AI Board Member and autonomous agents is available, with general availability expected in Fall 2026.
  • The announcement was made at Diligent’s Elevate 2026 conference.

The big picture

Diligent's move signifies a broader trend of AI integration into corporate governance, driven by the need for increased efficiency, risk mitigation, and compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. By automating tasks previously handled by human professionals, Diligent aims to reduce operational costs and improve decision-making for its clients, but also introduces new dependencies and potential vulnerabilities. The offering positions Diligent to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered GRC solutions, but its success will depend on addressing concerns around data security and maintaining user trust.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of Diligent's strategy hinges on the willingness of boards and GRC professionals to adopt AI-driven automation, which may be tempered by concerns about data security and control.
Competitive Response
Other GRC software providers will likely accelerate their own AI initiatives, potentially leading to a price war or a consolidation of the market.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Increased reliance on AI in governance functions could draw regulatory attention, particularly regarding transparency, accountability, and potential biases embedded in the algorithms.

GC Workloads Surge as Geopolitical Risk Tops Corporate Concerns

Event summary

  • Diligent Institute's GC Risk Index reveals that 67% of General Counsels report increased workloads related to risk and compliance.
  • Organizations rate overall risk at 7 out of 10, with geopolitical conflicts now the top concern (up from third in October 2025).
  • Nearly half of legal leaders now dedicate up to 40% of their time to enterprise-wide risk and compliance.
  • Only 52% of GCs report significant efficiency gains from AI tools, citing issues like lack of integration and unclear KPIs.
  • 79% of GCs express a lack of confidence in the clarity of board risk reporting.

The big picture

The findings underscore a growing trend of legal departments being pulled into broader enterprise oversight roles, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, regulatory complexity, and the evolving risk landscape. This shift is straining existing resources and highlighting the need for integrated GRC systems and more effective AI implementation, potentially creating a competitive advantage for organizations that can adapt quickly. The persistent lack of confidence in board reporting signals a systemic challenge in translating risk insights into actionable decision-making at the highest levels.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The disconnect between GCs’ risk perceptions and board reporting suggests a widening governance gap that will require more transparent and actionable risk communication strategies.
Regulatory Headwinds
The rapid rise of geopolitical risk as a primary concern indicates that legal departments will need to proactively adapt to increasingly complex and unpredictable regulatory landscapes.
Execution Risk
The inconsistent AI adoption rates highlight the risk that organizations will fail to realize the promised efficiency gains without addressing foundational issues like data integration and governance frameworks.

Diligent Launches Proxy Data Feed, Challenging Advisor Dominance

Event summary

  • Diligent launched 'Diligent Stewardship Intelligence,' a proxy and voting data solution.
  • The solution delivers data up to 70% faster (6 days vs. competitor timelines) after proxy filings.
  • Diligent Stewardship Intelligence provides over 525 compensation data points and 300 governance fields per company.
  • The data is available via the Snowflake Data Marketplace and integrates directly into client systems.
  • Jeffery Davis, Head of Diligent Market Intelligence, emphasized the need for depth and quality in data for informed voting decisions.

The big picture

Asset managers face increasing pressure for transparency and defensible voting policies, creating a significant operational burden. Diligent’s offering directly addresses this by providing structured, timely data, potentially disrupting the traditional reliance on proxy advisory firms. The move signals a broader trend of asset managers seeking greater control and automation in their stewardship processes, leveraging data and AI to enhance decision-making.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of Diligent Stewardship Intelligence hinges on asset manager adoption; initial claims of adoption by 'leading global asset managers' need validation through demonstrable client growth and usage metrics.
Competitive Response
Existing proxy advisory firms will likely respond to this accelerated data offering, potentially through price adjustments or enhanced services, impacting Diligent’s market share and pricing power.
Snowflake Dependency
Diligent’s reliance on Snowflake as a distribution channel introduces a dependency that could affect scalability and pricing flexibility if Snowflake’s marketplace terms change.

Diligent Ascends Gartner Leaderboard with AI-Driven TPRM

Event summary

  • Diligent has been named a Leader in Gartner’s 2026 Magic Quadrant for Third-Party Risk Management Tools.
  • The recognition follows Diligent’s 2025 Leader designation in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Governance, Risk and Compliance Tools.
  • Diligent acquired 3rdRisk, an AI-native third-party risk management solution, and has rapidly integrated it into its platform.
  • Diligent recently launched Third-Party Risk Intel, an agentic due diligence and intelligence solution, complementing 3rdRisk.
  • Gartner highlights Leaders’ ability to influence market direction and provide a holistic TPRM process.

The big picture

Diligent’s recognition as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant underscores the growing importance of AI-powered third-party risk management in a climate of increasing regulatory scrutiny and sophisticated cyber threats. The acquisition of 3rdRisk and the launch of Third-Party Risk Intel signal a broader trend towards continuous, automated risk assessment, moving beyond traditional, periodic evaluations. This positioning puts Diligent in direct competition with established players and emerging specialists in the expanding GRC market.

What we're watching

Market Adoption
The speed at which Diligent can translate its ‘Leader’ positioning into tangible market share gains will be a key indicator of its success, particularly given the competitive landscape of GRC tools.
Integration Risk
Diligent’s ability to fully integrate 3rdRisk and Third-Party Risk Intel into the Diligent One platform without disrupting existing workflows or alienating current customers will be critical to realizing the promised benefits.
Competitive Response
Other vendors in the TPRM space will likely accelerate their AI investments and strategic partnerships to challenge Diligent’s position, necessitating ongoing innovation and differentiation.

Diligent Bolsters Risk Management with 3rdRisk Acquisition, Launches AI-Powered Intel Tool

Event summary

  • Diligent launched Third-Party Risk Intel, an agentic due diligence and intelligence solution.
  • The launch follows Diligent’s acquisition of 3rdRisk, an AI-native third-party risk management solution.
  • Third-Party Risk Intel aims to automate up to 80% of time-consuming tasks for compliance, legal, and procurement teams.
  • The tool integrates with Diligent’s existing Diligent One Platform.
  • Diligent serves over 1 million users and 700,000 board members across its GRC SaaS solutions.

The big picture

The acquisition of 3rdRisk and the launch of Third-Party Risk Intel signal Diligent’s aggressive push to consolidate its position as a leader in the GRC space. This move addresses the growing complexity of third-party risk management, driven by expanding global jurisdictions and heightened regulatory expectations. The integration of AI-powered automation is crucial for organizations seeking to streamline compliance processes and mitigate risk in an increasingly complex vendor landscape.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of Third-Party Risk Intel hinges on rapid adoption by Diligent’s existing customer base and attracting new clients, which will determine the tool’s impact on overall revenue growth.
Competitive Landscape
The market for AI-powered GRC solutions is becoming increasingly crowded; Diligent must demonstrate a clear differentiation in functionality and data quality to maintain its competitive edge.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Increased regulatory pressure on third-party risk management, particularly concerning data security and supply chain resilience, will likely drive demand for solutions like Third-Party Risk Intel, but also increase compliance burdens for Diligent itself.

Diligent Stakes Claim as AI Drives GRC Transformation

Event summary

  • Diligent's Elevate 2026 conference will be held April 22-24, 2026, in Atlanta, GA.
  • The conference expects over 700 GRC professionals to attend, with registration priced at $1,695 for corporate attendees.
  • The event will feature 60+ sessions across various GRC tracks and a debut of the Diligent Elevate Awards.
  • Noelle Russell, Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute, will be a keynote speaker.

The big picture

The announcement underscores the growing imperative for GRC professionals to leverage AI to manage increasingly complex regulatory landscapes and operational risks. Diligent’s focus on practical AI implementation reflects a broader shift away from AI hype and towards demonstrable ROI within the GRC space. The conference signals Diligent’s intent to solidify its position as a key enabler of this transformation, particularly within the mid-market segment.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The success of Elevate 2026 will hinge on Diligent’s ability to demonstrate tangible AI applications for GRC, moving beyond theoretical discussions to actionable workflows.
Competitive Landscape
Diligent’s positioning as an ‘AI leader’ will be tested as other GRC software providers increasingly integrate AI capabilities, potentially eroding Diligent’s differentiation.
Adoption Rate
The pace at which mid-market companies adopt Diligent’s AI-powered GRC solutions will determine the long-term impact on their revenue growth and market share.

Diligent Automates Internal Audit with AI, Aims to Bridge Boardroom Visibility Gap

Event summary

  • Diligent launched AuditAI at the IIA GAM 2026 conference.
  • AuditAI integrates with Diligent Boards' Smart Prep 360 and builds on existing ACL AI capabilities.
  • Early adopters of AuditAI have seen a 70% reduction in audit administration time, cutting cycles from 120 to 35 hours.
  • Smart Prep 360 identifies anomalies in board materials, which AuditAI then translates into actionable audit tasks.

The big picture

Diligent's AuditAI addresses a growing pressure on internal audit functions to expand scope and provide more proactive risk assurance while facing headcount constraints. The integration with Smart Prep 360 highlights a broader trend toward closing the feedback loop between board oversight and operational risk management, particularly in the wake of recent corporate governance failures. This move positions Diligent to capitalize on the increasing demand for AI-powered GRC solutions, a market estimated to reach billions in the coming years.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of AuditAI hinges on internal audit departments’ willingness to adopt agentic AI, which may require significant training and process re-engineering.
Integration Depth
Diligent’s ability to demonstrate seamless integration between AuditAI, Smart Prep 360, and the broader Diligent One Platform will be crucial for driving user adoption and justifying the investment.
Competitive Response
Other GRC software providers will likely accelerate their AI development efforts in response to Diligent’s AuditAI, potentially leading to a price war or feature parity.

Activist M&A Demands Surge, Signaling Shift in Investor Tactics

Event summary

  • M&A-focused activist campaigns increased by 29% in 2025, reaching a five-year high.
  • Over 70 U.S. companies faced activist pressure to pursue strategic transactions, up from 56 in 2024.
  • Shareholder resistance to M&A also peaked, with over 30 U.S. companies facing pushback.
  • Settlements accounted for 89% of board seat gains in 2025, a significant shift from proxy contests.

The big picture

The shift towards M&A-focused activism signals a recalibration of activist strategies after a period dominated by other agendas. This resurgence is driven by improved market conditions and financing, but also exposes a growing tension between boards and investors regarding value creation. The increased shareholder resistance to deals highlights a demand for greater accountability and a willingness to challenge management decisions.

What we're watching

Deal Momentum
The continued resurgence of M&A activity in 2026 will depend heavily on sustained favorable market conditions and regulatory environments, potentially creating a bifurcated landscape of targets.
Governance Risk
The rise in shareholder resistance to M&A suggests boards must proactively engage with investors to manage expectations and mitigate potential opposition, or risk costly proxy battles.
Short Campaign Trends
The proliferation of activist short campaigns, particularly targeting AI-focused tech stocks, indicates a growing willingness to publicly challenge valuations and strategies, potentially accelerating market corrections.

Boardroom Scenario Planning Overwhelmed as AI Adoption Lags

Event summary

  • A survey of 200 U.S. public company directors reveals 84% have significantly altered their scenario planning approach.
  • Only 10% of directors are currently utilizing AI tools to manage the increased complexity of scenario planning.
  • 42% of directors anticipate technology adoption and integration as their top capital allocation priority for 2026.
  • Crisis planning is heavily focused on cyber events (63%), economic shocks (58%), and regulatory shifts (56%).
  • Directors cite more frequent board risk discussions, clearer risk-strategy alignment, and enhanced AI use as key improvements for risk oversight.

The big picture

The findings highlight a growing strategic gap: public companies are prioritizing AI and technology investment while their boards struggle to leverage these tools for core governance functions like scenario planning and risk oversight. This suggests a potential misalignment between corporate strategy and operational execution, which could expose organizations to unforeseen risks and limit their ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The lack of AI adoption also underscores a broader challenge in bridging the digital skills gap within boardrooms.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The disconnect between corporate AI strategy and boardroom implementation will likely widen, creating operational inefficiencies and potentially hindering risk mitigation efforts.
Regulatory Headwinds
Increased regulatory scrutiny of AI deployment, particularly within governance and risk oversight, could slow adoption and necessitate significant investment in compliance frameworks.
Execution Risk
The pace at which boards can integrate AI tools will be constrained by the need for robust safeguards and governance frameworks, potentially delaying the realization of anticipated benefits.

Sodali, Olshan Dominate Proxy Advisory, Legal Rankings Amid Global Activism Surge

Event summary

  • Diligent's 2025 Advisor Awards recognize proxy advisory and law firms involved in shareholder activism.
  • Sodali & Co ranked #1 among proxy solicitation firms globally, while Olshan Frome Wolosky topped the law firm rankings.
  • The rankings are based on data from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, considering factors like representation volume and market capitalization.
  • Sodali reported that less than 50% of its campaigns occurred in the U.S. in 2025, indicating a significant increase in global shareholder activism.
  • Olshan Frome Wolosky advised clients on over 100 campaigns during the review period.

The big picture

The Diligent Advisor Awards underscore the growing complexity and globalization of shareholder activism. As institutional investors become more assertive and companies face increasing pressure to enhance governance, the demand for specialized advisory services—both in proxy solicitation and legal representation—is likely to remain robust. The shift in Sodali's campaign focus demonstrates a broader geographic scope for activism, potentially driven by differing regulatory environments and investor priorities across markets.

What we're watching

Geographic Shift
The increasing globalization of shareholder activism, as highlighted by Sodali’s campaign data, suggests a broadening scope for proxy advisory and legal firms beyond traditional U.S. markets.
Client Success
Sodali's claim of client victories in U.S. campaigns warrants scrutiny; sustained success will be crucial for maintaining its top ranking and attracting future business.
Regulatory Landscape
Olshan’s reference to an ‘unpredictable policy environment’ signals potential regulatory changes that could significantly impact shareholder activism strategies and the demand for specialized legal counsel.

Diligent Bolsters GRC Platform with AI-Native 3rdRisk Acquisition

Event summary

  • Diligent, a GRC SaaS provider, acquired 3rdRisk, a Netherlands-based AI-native third-party risk management platform.
  • The acquisition aims to strengthen Diligent's position as a leader recognized by all five major industry analyst firms.
  • 3rdRisk's platform automates vendor profiling, assessment workflows, and contract analysis using AI.
  • Diligent has been on a run of AI-focused product launches, including GovernAI, AI Risk Essentials, and ACL AI Studio.
  • District Capital Partners and WizeCap served as financial advisors, while Goodwin Procter LLP and deBreij served as legal advisors.

The big picture

The acquisition underscores the growing importance of third-party risk management in a world of increasingly complex vendor ecosystems and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Diligent’s move signals a broader trend of GRC providers leveraging AI to automate and scale risk management processes, moving beyond traditional, manual approaches. This acquisition positions Diligent to capitalize on the rapidly expanding IT vendor risk management segment, which is experiencing significant growth driven by evolving cyber threats and regulatory demands.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of the acquisition hinges on Diligent’s ability to effectively integrate 3rdRisk’s AI capabilities and workflows into its existing platform, avoiding disruption to existing customers.
Competitive Response
Other GRC providers will likely accelerate their own AI investments and acquisitions to counter Diligent’s strengthened market position, potentially leading to a period of intense competition.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Increased regulatory focus on third-party risk, particularly in financial services, will continue to drive demand for solutions like 3rdRisk, but also increase the pressure on Diligent to demonstrate compliance and security.
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