In May of 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) released its long-awaited updated Internal Control – Integrated Framework (New Framework). The New Framework is an important development; it facilitates efforts by organizations to develop cost-effective systems of internal control and supports organizations as they adapt to the increasing complexity of a changing business environment.

Companies should familiarize themselves with the New Framework, determine their transition plan, and communicate to stakeholders the release of the New Framework and its implications to the organization. In this booklet, we address various questions regarding the New Framework from COSO, including the reasons why it was updated, what has changed, the process for transitioning to its use, and steps companies should take now.