The Problem
Manual Tools and Fragmented Processes Limited Effectiveness
A national financial services provider managing education lending was relying on spreadsheets, email, and disconnected systems to conduct and track Cyber Risk Institute (CRI) assessments. This approach created multiple operational challenges:
- Inefficient coordination across teams
- Inconsistent documentation and reporting
- Limited executive visibility into compliance status
- Difficulty scaling assessments and maintaining audit readiness
The upcoming sunset of the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) introduced additional urgency. The organization recognized the need for a modern, flexible platform to streamline diagnostic workflows and strengthen internal controls.
The Solution
A No-Code Platform Built for Compliance Agility
The provider adopted SmartSuite as the foundation of its CRI compliance program, leveraging the platform’s flexibility to address both immediate regulatory needs and long-term governance goals.
CRI-Aligned Assessment Automation
SmartSuite enabled the configuration of structured, no-code workflows mapped to CRI assessment domains. Teams could manage tasks, evidence collection, and documentation in a single location, replacing disjointed spreadsheets.
Centralized, Role-Based Dashboards
Custom dashboards gave stakeholders real-time insight into assessment progress. Risk and compliance leads could view outstanding actions by category or team, supporting better oversight and faster resolution.
Configurable Without External Developers
The IT team found the platform easy to adapt internally. Forms, fields, and automations were configured without the need for external consultants or complex technical builds.
Improved Reporting and Coordination
SmartSuite facilitated faster reporting cycles, easier access to assessment data, and more consistent documentation—all critical to meeting internal deadlines and external audit expectations.
The Result
A Scalable Foundation for CRI Compliance
With more than 50 users now managing CRI assessments and related processes in SmartSuite, the institution has built a scalable solution to meet regulatory expectations and internal governance requirements. Key outcomes include:
- Transition away from manual spreadsheets and emails
- Enhanced audit readiness and internal reporting visibility
- Improved coordination between IT and Risk & Compliance teams
- Accelerated readiness ahead of FFIEC CAT retirement
This implementation represents a proactive move toward structured, real-time compliance management, supported by automation and cross-functional transparency.
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