State of AI Governance 2026: 5 Critical Gaps in Enterprise AI Programs
Published: Sep 28, 2026
Organizations are confident about AI governance, but the data tells a different story: 70% of organizations say they could pass an AI compliance audit today, while only 27% say their governance program is actually mature.
Based on Schellman's survey of 500+ US enterprise leaders, our research on the 2026 State of AI Governance reveals five critical gaps: why funding alone doesn't ensure compliance readiness, how governance actually accelerates (not slows) AI adoption, accountability gaps, regulatory blind spots, and the business upside of mature governance.
Whether you're assessing AI readiness, building governance programs, or scaling AI agents, this research identifies exactly where the gaps are.
Contact us to discuss these findings and your AI governance roadmap.
About Danny Manimbo
Danny Manimbo is a Principal at Schellman based in Denver, Colorado, where he leads the firm’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ISO services and serves as one of Schellman’s CPA principals. In this role, he oversees the strategy, delivery, and quality of Schellman’s AI, ISO, and broader attestation services. Since joining the firm in 2013, Danny has built more than 15 years of expertise in information security, data privacy, AI governance, and compliance, helping organizations navigate evolving regulatory landscapes and emerging technologies. He is also a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker at industry conferences, where he shares insights on AI governance, security best practices, and the future of compliance. Danny has achieved the following certifications relevant to the fields of accounting, auditing, and information systems security and privacy: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), and Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US).