And Why the COSA Framework and Expert Support Are Essential to Achieve It
In today’s volatile and fast-paced operating environment, businesses are under constant pressure to do more with less — to become more efficient, produce higher quality outputs, and continuously improve. No longer are these goals simply nice-to-have; they are strategic imperatives that determine an organisation’s resilience, relevance, and regulatory standing.
To achieve these outcomes in a sustainable way, businesses must adopt a structured approach that embeds discipline, accountability, and risk-awareness into every layer of their operations. This is where the COSA framework and the three lines of defence model become crucial.
What Is COSA and Why Does It Matter?
COSA, an acronym for Control, Oversight, Self-assessment, and Assurance is a practical, integrated framework that helps businesses strengthen internal controls, improve operational performance, and align with international governance standards.
Built on the foundation of the three lines of defence, COSA enables:
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Operational ownership and control at the front line (Line 1)
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Risk and compliance oversight through independent monitoring (Line 2)
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Independent assurance through internal and external audits (Line 3)
Together, these layers ensure that risks are not only identified, but proactively managed, and that performance, quality, and compliance are continuously measured and improved.
The Regulatory Landscape Has Evolved – So Must You
Regulators in South Africa and across the globe have shifted from reactive oversight to proactive, risk-based supervision. Whether it’s the FSCA, Prudential Authority, IRBA, or global bodies like the SEC or FCA, the expectation is clear: regulated entities must demonstrate a structured system of internal control and quality management not only in financial reporting but across all business functions.
This includes embedding COSA-like frameworks to ensure that governance, risk, and compliance are not siloed or reactive, but fully integrated into day-to-day operations.
You Need the Right Expertise to Get This Right
Complying with these expectations and truly optimising your business — requires more than intention. It requires deep expertise, tested methodologies, and a clear roadmap that aligns with both your commercial goals and regulatory obligations.
Building these capabilities in-house can take years and often distracts leadership from their core mandate. This is where outsourcing becomes not just a convenience, but a strategic enabler.
Why Outsourcing Makes Strategic Sense
One of the most effective ways to embed these principles in your organisation is through outsourcing to experienced professionals who specialise in internal control frameworks, operational optimisation, and compliance design.
Outsourcing enables your business to:
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Gain immediate access to proven expertise and tested frameworks
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Accelerate implementation without the delay of internal resourcing
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Bring objective insight into blind spots or inefficient practices
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Reduce compliance risk while improving business performance
Rather than reinventing the wheel, you partner with professionals who have built, tested, and optimised these systems across industries, bringing both depth and speed to your transformation journey.
Critical Questions Business Leaders Must Ask
To move your business forward in a way that is both compliant and commercially sound, ask yourself:
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Do we have clearly defined lines of defence across the organisation?
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Is there a framework in place to continuously assess and improve our internal controls and business processes?
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Are we using data and insights to drive decision-making and monitor quality?
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Where are we spending time on low-value, repetitive tasks that could be streamlined or automated?
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Do we have access to the right expertise to meet evolving regulatory demands and industry standards?
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What processes or functions could be outsourced to achieve faster, smarter results?
Final Thought
Embedding a culture of efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement is no longer optional it’s essential. By adopting a COSA-aligned framework, strengthening your three lines of defence, and leveraging external expertise through strategic outsourcing, you position your business to be both regulator ready and performance driven.
The future belongs to businesses that are structured, agile, and accountable. The question is: is yours ready?
