Optro, formerly known as AuditBoard, has opened a Singapore office as its newest regional centre, targeting governance, risk and compliance (GRC) teams across Asia Pacific. The announcement was made at the Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference 2026 in Singapore.

Why Singapore, Why Now

The move comes as APAC organisations grapple with rising regulatory complexity driven by artificial intelligence adoption, expanding cybersecurity threats and accelerating digital transformation. According to the Internal Audit Foundation’s Risk in Focus 2026: APAC report, 39 per cent of organisations identify digital disruption — including AI — among their most significant business risks, while 58 per cent rank regulatory change among their highest audit priorities.

Singapore’s role as a regional financial centre and leader in responsible AI development made it the logical base for Optro’s expansion. The company says its APAC presence will give audit, risk, compliance and infosec practitioners access to AI-powered tools designed for today’s regulatory environment, backed by a global alliance network of consulting firms.

“Global risk teams today are being asked to do more than ever before. By bringing our innovative platform and expansive partner network to the heart of APAC, we’re providing the agentic tools and on-the-ground expertise to help our customers in the region navigate increasing risk and compliance complexity while adding strategic value to their organisations.” — Raul Villar Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Optro

Agentic GRC and the Midship Acquisition

The Singapore expansion follows Optro’s acquisition of Midship, an AI-native autonomous controls testing solution. Together, the companies claim the combined platform automates up to 87 per cent of controls management, freeing audit teams to concentrate on strategic risk work.

Early adoption from regional financial institutions signals traction. OCBC Bank‘s Group Audit head, Harry Lim, cited the platform as part of the bank’s Next Frontier Strategy, saying it allows the team to sharpen focus on what matters most and ensures consistent, high-quality audit delivery across the organisation.

Industry Recognition and Regional Momentum

Optro’s expansion is supported by a run of analyst recognition: a Leader designation in the Forrester Wave for Governance, Risk and Compliance Platforms (Q2 2026), inclusion in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for GRC Tools, and a seventh consecutive listing on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. The company also received G2’s 2026 Best GRC Software award and a spot on Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026 list.

For APAC enterprises navigating AI governance, tightening regulatory requirements and growing audit complexity, Optro’s local presence — combined with its agentic automation capabilities — represents a notable addition to the regional GRC market.