The GRC Market: Growth, Trends, and Career Opportunities
As we navigate through 2025, the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) landscape is evolving faster than ever before. Driven by increasing regulatory complexity, expanding cyber threat vectors, and rising stakeholder expectations around ESG and risk transparency, the GRC market is experiencing significant transformation.
This growth isn’t just reshaping how organizations manage risk and compliance — it’s also creating a dynamic job market filled with opportunities for professionals who can navigate this multidisciplinary domain.
In this blog post, we explore the current state of the GRC market, its projected growth, the sectors driving demand, and what this means for careers in GRC.
GRC Market Growth in 2025: A Look at the Numbers
The global GRC market is on a strong upward trajectory.
According to recent research by MarketsandMarkets and Grand View Research:
The global GRC market size was valued at approximately USD 48 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach USD 84 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of around 11.2%.
The growth is largely fueled by:
Heightened regulatory pressures (e.g., GDPR, DORA, SEC cybersecurity rules)
Increased focus on cybersecurity governance and third-party risk management
Expansion of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements
Growing adoption of GRC platforms and automation technologies
Major sectors contributing to this boom include banking and financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, where the stakes around compliance and risk visibility are high.
Key GRC Trends Shaping 2025
Several strategic trends are influencing the direction of the GRC market:
Integrated GRC Platforms: Organizations are shifting from siloed tools to unified platforms that provide enterprise-wide visibility and decision-making capabilities across risk, compliance, and audit functions.
AI & Automation in GRC: Advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI are being embedded into GRC solutions to streamline compliance tracking, risk forecasting, and incident response.
Cybersecurity and IT Risk Focus: With regulations like the SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule and NIS2 in effect, companies are investing more in IT risk management and cybersecurity governance frameworks.
Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM): Increasing supply chain complexity and vendor reliance have made TPRM a top priority, with companies adopting standardized due diligence frameworks and automated assessment tools.
ESG and Sustainability Compliance: ESG-related disclosures and governance are now essential parts of GRC strategies, especially with incoming regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
The GRC Job Market in 2025: In-Demand Roles and Skills
The job market for GRC professionals is thriving. As organizations realize that GRC is not just a compliance necessity but a strategic enabler, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
Top In-Demand Roles:
GRC Analyst / Specialist
IT Risk Manager
Third-Party Risk Analyst
Compliance Officer (with cybersecurity focus)
Internal Auditor (with integrated GRC platform knowledge)
ESG Risk & Compliance Analyst
GRC Automation Consultant / Solution Architect
High-Growth Skill Areas:
Familiarity with GRC platforms (e.g., ServiceNow GRC, MetricStream, Archer)
Knowledge of key frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001, COSO ERM)
Data privacy and cybersecurity regulation expertise
Experience with TPRM assessments and vendor risk scoring
Understanding of AI and automation in compliance monitoring
ESG regulatory reporting and assurance practices
Certifications Boosting Careers:
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US or CIPP/E)
ISO 31000 Risk Management Certification
Governance, Risk, and Compliance Professional (GRCP)
Opportunities Across Industries
GRC hiring is no longer limited to finance and heavily regulated sectors. Increasingly, we are seeing cross-industry demand, including:
Tech companies building internal compliance programs for privacy and product governance
Startups and SMEs preparing for regulatory audits and investment due diligence
Healthcare firms focusing on HIPAA compliance and security risk assessments
Retail and eCommerce companies strengthening data governance post-GDPR
Final Thoughts: A Market Ripe with Potential
GRC is no longer just a back-office function. It’s a strategic pillar that helps organizations navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and drive sustainable growth. With a strong market outlook and a surging demand for skilled professionals, now is the ideal time to invest in a GRC career or enhance your organization’s GRC strategy.
Whether you’re an organization looking to mature your GRC function or a professional looking to break into or grow in the field, 2025 offers a wealth of opportunity.
At GRC PROS, we provide thought-provoking content on cutting-edge industry practices, robust frameworks, and real-world business cases to enhance your GRC knowledge.
Whether you’re a seasoned GRC strategist or just starting out, our blog offers valuable insights and practical tools to broaden your perspective.
What You Can Expect:
Deep dives into Cybersecurity
GRC management approaches and concepts
Real-world examples of GRC management practices
Regulatory and information security standards
Stay updated with our regular posts covering everything from the fundamentals of GRC frameworks to in-depth explorations of specific compliance regulations across various industries.