The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has introduced the IAB Authorized Assessor Program, a new initiative that delivers standardized, expert-led diligence services for its members. Launching with FTI Consulting's Technology segment as the first authorized assessor, the program combines specialized advisory expertise with the IAB Diligence Platform—powered by SafeGuard Privacy—to create a consistent, auditable framework for vendor due diligence across the digital advertising ecosystem.
Quick Intel
This initiative marks a significant step toward elevating privacy standards and trust in the digital advertising supply chain. With increasing regulatory pressure and the need for consistent vendor evaluations, the program provides a scalable alternative to fragmented, one-off assessments. FTI Consulting's global team of data privacy, advertising technology, and governance experts works directly with clients to build tailored risk frameworks, rigorously review vendor responses, and stress-test high-risk areas within the IAB Diligence Platform.
The collaboration streamlines compliance for brands, agencies, and publishers by integrating expert advisory with a privacy-first technology platform. This ensures thorough, documented diligence that accelerates vendor onboarding while minimizing overlooked risks in a complex regulatory landscape.
"Demand for global data privacy and compliance consulting and more transparent, smart, and auditable vendor due diligence has become a top compliance priority in recent years," said Michael Hahn, Executive Vice President & General Counsel to the IAB. "By pairing FTI Technology's expertise with the IAB Diligence Platform, we are delivering a unique value proposition of premium expert resources backed by a standardized, technology-enabled diligence framework. This makes it more efficient and scalable than one-off vendor assessments, and more consultative than software-only solutions."
"The vendor assessment process for data privacy compliance is often inconsistent and cumbersome, which can strain resources and result in overlooked compliance risks," said Steve Stein, a Senior Managing Director at FTI Technology. "In creating the IAB Diligence Platform, the IAB and SafeGuard Privacy have filled an important need for standardizing vendor due diligence in digital advertising. The launch of the Authorized Assessor Program is the next advancement toward improving these processes, correcting inefficiencies, and strengthening privacy compliance across the industry."
SafeGuard Privacy serves as the exclusive technology provider for the IAB Diligence Platform, delivering a standardized, auditable process trusted by major industry players. The Authorized Assessor Program enhances this foundation with professional expertise, supporting faster growth while maintaining robust privacy governance.
About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and diversity of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.
About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 32 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting's services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.
About SafeGuard Privacy
SafeGuard Privacy is the only privacy compliance solution purpose-built for companies that use consumer data. It is the first legal assessment and vendor management platform for leading global brands, publishers, and AdTech, and it powers the IAB Diligence Platform. Industry-specific, comprehensive, and fully auditable, SafeGuard Privacy now includes Privacy Assist™, the first privacy-specific AI that helps compliance and legal teams complete assessments and RFIs faster with full transparency and accuracy. SafeGuard Privacy makes it easy for buyers and sellers to accelerate growth while staying ahead of fast-changing privacy risks.
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