ACFE, Grant Thornton Team on Anti-Fraud Blueprint

Why It Matters

By offering a clear, actionable framework, the Blueprint enables organizations to move from fraud awareness to measurable risk reduction, protecting financial performance and stakeholder trust.

Key Takeaways

• Blueprint offers step-by-step fraud risk management actions.
• Integrates AI/ML insights into fraud detection strategies.
• Includes Grant Thornton’s five‑level maturity assessment model.
• Provides checklists and questions for practical implementation.
• Targets organizations of all sizes to strengthen governance.

Pulse Analysis

Fraud remains a pervasive threat across industries, prompting regulators and executives to seek more disciplined risk‑management approaches. The new Anti‑Fraud Blueprint, co‑created by the ACFE and Grant Thornton, builds directly on the 2023 Fraud Risk Management Guide, translating high‑level principles into day‑to‑day tactics. By embedding detailed questions, checklists, and step‑by‑step actions, the Blueprint gives finance leaders a concrete roadmap to assess current controls, prioritize gaps, and allocate resources efficiently, regardless of company size.

A standout feature of the Blueprint is its focus on emerging technologies. It outlines how artificial intelligence and machine learning can detect anomalous patterns faster than traditional methods, while also warning of new attack vectors that these tools may introduce. The inclusion of Grant Thornton’s updated Enterprise Anti‑Fraud Maturity Assessment Model adds a diagnostic layer, allowing firms to benchmark their anti‑fraud capabilities across five maturity stages—from reactive, ad‑hoc practices to a proactive, continuously optimized leadership state. This model helps organizations chart a realistic progression, aligning technology adoption with governance improvements.

Beyond technology, the Blueprint emphasizes governance and accountability. Its practical checklists and structured questions encourage cross‑functional collaboration, ensuring that fraud risk considerations are embedded in board discussions, audit plans, and operational workflows. Companies that adopt the Blueprint can expect clearer reporting lines, stronger internal controls, and a culture that treats fraud prevention as a strategic priority. As fraud schemes evolve, the Blueprint offers a living framework that can be refreshed, positioning firms to stay ahead of threats while safeguarding reputation and shareholder value.