The Institute of Internal Auditors officially launched this week its Audit Executive Center—a portal to an array of services designed to provide chief audit executives with everything they need to help them stay empowered, connected, and relevant.

The Center's Website offers practical up-to-date research, reports, and publications; houses a collection of downloadable tools and templates, such as balanced scorecards and audit programs; and provides instant access to thought leadership on best practices and emerging risks via the site's discussion forums. Such forums encourage members to expand their knowledge on rising issues and the changing risk landscape, debate topics, and learn about best practices from thought leaders in the internal audit field.

The Center also provides flash surveys, which enable CAEs to get real-time solutions to pressing audit challenges and perform benchmarking. In addition, the IIA's Global Audit Information Network (GAIN) Annual Benchmarking Study has served since 1992 as a knowledge exchange forum enabling internal auditors from around the world to share, compare, and validate their audit activities.