Digital challenger bunq wins the Internal Audit Innovation Awards 2025
Digital challenger bunq has been named the winner of the Internal Audit Innovation Awards, an annual competition in the Netherlands hosted by Protiviti and IIA Netherlands.
Each year, the awards competition highlight the most innovative developments in internal audit, with a particular focus on proven concepts – solutions that have already been implemented within organizations and have delivered measurable impact for both the Internal Audit function and the wider business.
From all submissions, four organizations were selected for the grand finale at Protiviti’s Amsterdam office: the municipality of Rotterdam, KPN, bunq, and Heineken.
The jury, comprising Peter Hartog (IIA Netherlands), Tjakko de Boer (Protiviti), and Patrick Kolfschoten (ING), reviewed four very different innovation cases. “All submissions were strong and diverse. Ultimately, bunq impressed us with an approach centred on speed, quality, and an integrated method of creating value. The demonstrated organisational impact was decisive,” said De Boer.
Next-generation auditing at bunq
During their pitch, presented by Ahmed Al-Hilli and Alice George, bunq showcased how the digital bank is redefining internal audit. Leveraging a suite of newly developed audit solutions, bunq extends the traditional audit process into a model where value creation, speed, and continuous improvement are central.
The internal audit function at bunq employs integrated tools that enable faster identification of findings and sharper risk insights. This not only streamlines the audit process but also enhances visibility for both second- and third-line functions. The jury highlighted the tangible benefits of bunq’s approach: an audit methodology that strengthens controls, increases transparency, and supports better strategic decision-making.
With this win, bunq joins the ranks of previous winners, including Heineken, CZ, VGZ, ING, Jumbo, the municipality of Rotterdam, and Staedion.
The Internal Audit Innovation Awards were held for the 11th time in the Netherlands this year. Protiviti is an international consulting firm with deep expertise in finance, risk & compliance, and internal audit, while IIA Netherlands is the Dutch chapter of the global Institute of Internal Auditors network.
