Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about working with Digital Anchor Advisors before you pick up the phone.
What exactly is GRC consulting?
GRC stands for Governance, Risk, and Compliance. GRC consulting helps organizations build the policies, controls, and frameworks they need to manage risk effectively, satisfy regulatory requirements, and operate with integrity. We help you design, implement, and maintain programs that hold up under scrutiny — from internal leadership to external auditors and regulators.
What compliance frameworks do you work with?
We work across a wide range of frameworks including SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, NIST SP 800-53, HIPAA, HITRUST, PCI-DSS, GDPR, CCPA, SOX, CMMC, FedRAMP, FISMA, FERPA, NERC CIP, and more. If your regulatory landscape isn't on this list, we likely still have relevant experience — contact us to discuss.
Do you implement GRC software or only advisory services?
We are a pure advisory firm. We design your GRC program strategy, governance structures, policies, controls, and risk frameworks. For organizations that need GRC technology platforms (such as Archer, ServiceNow GRC, Vanta, or Drata), we can help you scope requirements and support procurement — but we don't resell or implement software directly.
Can you help us pass a specific audit or certification?
Yes. Audit readiness is a core part of what we do. Whether you're preparing for a SOC 2 Type II audit, an ISO 27001 certification audit, a HIPAA compliance review, or an internal control audit under SOX, we help you close gaps, build the required evidence, and run pre-audit exercises so there are no surprises.
How do engagements typically begin?
Every engagement starts with a free 30-minute discovery call. We learn about your organization, your current GRC posture, upcoming regulatory or audit pressure, and what outcomes matter most. From there, we provide a scoping proposal within 48 hours, including timeline, deliverables, and pricing.
How long does a typical GRC engagement last?
It depends on scope. A focused GRC readiness assessment typically runs 3–4 weeks. A full compliance program build-out runs 8–16 weeks. Managed advisory retainers are ongoing — month-to-month after a 3-month minimum. We always agree on timeline upfront before work begins.
Do you work remotely or on-site?
We work primarily remote and deliver the same quality regardless of geography. For clients in Dallas/Fort Worth or nearby metro areas, we can accommodate on-site workshops or leadership meetings upon request. We have clients across the US and internationally.
What makes your approach different from a big consulting firm?
We bring senior expertise without the overhead. At large consulting firms, partners sell the work and junior staff deliver it. At Digital Anchor Advisors, you work directly with experienced GRC practitioners throughout the engagement. We're also faster, more flexible, and significantly more affordable than Big 4 or national advisory firms for comparable work.
Do you offer fixed-fee or hourly pricing?
We prefer fixed-fee project engagements with clearly scoped deliverables — so you know exactly what you're getting and what it costs. For ongoing advisory retainers, we bill monthly at an agreed flat rate. We avoid open-ended hourly billing because it creates unnecessary uncertainty for our clients.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Fixed-fee project engagements can be structured around project milestones rather than paid in full upfront. Retainers are billed monthly. We work with clients to create payment structures that fit their budget and cash flow.
What is your cancellation or exit policy for retainer clients?
Retainer clients can exit with 30 days written notice after the initial 3-month commitment period. We don't lock clients into long contracts — we earn continued business by delivering ongoing value.
How do you handle confidential client information?
We treat client data with the highest level of confidentiality. All engagements are governed by a formal service agreement that includes strong confidentiality and NDA provisions. We follow information security best practices internally and never share client information with third parties without explicit consent.
Will you sign an NDA before we discuss our situation?
Absolutely — and we proactively offer this before any substantive discovery conversation. Most clients require mutual NDAs before sharing internal policies, audit findings, or sensitive compliance data. We are fully accustomed to this and happy to sign your preferred NDA or provide our standard mutual NDA template.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer any questions before you commit to anything. Schedule a free call with our team.
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