Published on: May 14, 2019
Why MSPs Should Offer Compliance and Risk Management Services
The dynamic nature of today’s business environment means that Managed Service Providers (MSPs) need to be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity and compliance. More organizations are not only outsourcing IT functions but also seeking guidance on how to achieve compliance as an MSP and manage evolving regulatory demands.
Clients now expect their MSP to go beyond infrastructure management and deliver strategic solutions for risk, compliance, and governance. This shift opens up a significant opportunity for MSPs to strengthen their service offerings and position themselves as trusted partners in security and compliance.
What is MSP Compliance?
MSP compliance refers to the processes and controls that Managed Service Providers put in place to meet regulatory, contractual, and security obligations, both for themselves and their clients. Depending on industry and geography, this can include HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001, or other standards and frameworks.
For MSPs, achieving compliance means:
Ensuring internal security controls are robust.
Helping clients meet their own regulatory requirements.
Using MSP compliance software or solutions to automate evidence collection, risk management, and reporting.
Put simply, MSP compliance is about reducing risk, building trust, and proving accountability.
Why Should MSPs Offer Compliance and Risk Management?
Modern MSPs are steadily moving from infrastructure-only services toward becoming comprehensive business enablement partners. Today’s clients face stricter data protection regulations, higher vendor due diligence requirements, and a constant rise in cyber threats.
Clients may attempt to manage compliance on their own through:
Spreadsheets
Point tools that only address one area (risk OR compliance)
While spreadsheets and siloed tools create inefficiencies and blind spots, GRC solutions for MSPs bring everything into one place. Offering a centralized compliance and risk management solution allows MSPs to deliver greater value and meet client demand for transparency, security, and trust.
Key Questions to Ask When Evaluating a GRC Solution for MSPs
When building out MSP compliance and risk management services, the right GRC tool is essential. Consider whether the solution provides:
Ease of use for both internal teams and clients.
Support for multiple frameworks and specific regulatory requirements (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR).
Built-in modules for audit management, risk registers, vendor assessments, and incident tracking.
Scalability to support multiple clients and industries.
A holistic approach to governance, risk, and compliance
Benefits of Offering MSP Compliance Solutions
Delivering compliance and risk management services provides several business advantages for MSPs:
1. Expand Your Client Base
Using a GRC or MSP compliance solution like StandardFusion allows you to attract security-conscious clients who require reliable compliance support. These clients are more likely to invest in long-term, premium services.
2. Provide More Value for Clients
From initial assessments to full program management, offering compliance as an MSP gives clients access to scalable solutions that meet their exact needs. This opens opportunities for additional services such as compliance consulting, reporting, and vendor management.
3. Reduce Client Churn
Clients with complex compliance requirements are less likely to leave an MSP that offers an all-in-one compliance and risk management solution. Supporting multiple frameworks in one tool ensures clients don’t have to manage compliance elsewhere.
MSP Risk Management: Why It Matters
MSP risk management is just as critical as compliance. Beyond meeting standards, MSPs must help clients identify, assess, and mitigate risks across IT systems, vendors, and operations.
A strong risk management program allows MSPs to:
Reduce the likelihood of client security incidents.
Build resilience against downtime and regulatory fines.
Provide risk reports that prove value to clients’ boards and regulators.
Use real-time risk registers and integrated threat libraries to keep clients ahead of evolving risks.
Real-World Example: Simplifying GRC for Clients
Server@Work, a leading MSP, struggled to track compliance activities using SharePoint and spreadsheets. By implementing StandardFusion's GRC software, they streamlined compliance management, gaining a 360° view of all compliance and risk activities.
StandardFusion not only simplified the process of tracking compliance activities but also provided a very intuitive interface that enabled Server@Work to comply with a wide variety of regulations. Not only can a GRC tool like StandardFusion support your clients but also allows MSPs to support clients across HIPAA, SOC 2, and other frameworks while improving internal compliance practices. The result: simpler audits, happier clients, and a stronger competitive edge.
Closing Thoughts
As clients face mounting regulatory pressures, MSP compliance and risk management services are no longer optional — they are expected. By adopting a GRC platform like StandardFusion, MSPs can replace spreadsheets and siloed tools with a scalable, intuitive solution.
The bottom line: MSPs that integrate risk and compliance into their service stack will win more clients, reduce churn, and deliver measurable value in today’s security-first business environment.
