What does setting up AI governance cost?
Updated: 2026-10
The cost of AI governance depends on the number of AI systems, the role as provider or deployer, exposure to high-risk applications, sector regulatory requirements, existing management systems and the scope of training. For most SMEs a lean framework is enough; providers of high-risk systems and financial institutions need considerably more.
AI governance ranges from a short policy with an inventory to a documented management system with risk processes and independent review. What a company needs depends on risk, not on a standard package.
The biggest cost driver is whether a company provides or deploys high-risk systems. Companies using AI only as a tool mainly need inventory, policy and training. Providers of high-risk systems need risk management, technical documentation and conformity assessment.
What drives the cost
Number of AI systems
Each system needs recording, classification and a responsible person. Companies with many tools and AI features in existing software have more initial effort.
Role under the AI Act
Deployers of third-party systems have manageable obligations. Providers building AI into their own products and selling them have considerably more.
High-risk exposure
Systems in areas such as recruitment, creditworthiness or education trigger extensive obligations from December 2027 and require preparation in architecture and processes.
Regulated sector
Financial institutions additionally meet FINMA’s expectations for governance and risk management in AI use and, in the EU, DORA’s requirements for third-party providers.
Existing management systems
Companies already running an information security or quality management system can integrate AI governance into it and save effort.
Scope of training
The number of staff and roles determines the effort for AI literacy measures under Art. 4 and their documentation.
How we price
- 01
Lean fixed-scope framework
Inventory, policy, vendor review, approval process and kick-off training as a closed package — suitable for most SMEs.
- 02
Governance build-up
Roles, risk processes, documentation and monitoring for companies with their own AI products or regulatory requirements.
- 03
Ongoing review
Regular updating of inventory and classification, refresher training and support with new systems.
We deliberately publish no online prices: every case differs. After a short first conversation you receive a binding fixed price or clear frame.
Parent service: EU AI Act & Compliance Advisory
Matching offers
AI usage policy and vendor review for companies
The package puts AI use in your company into clear shape: an initial inventory of all AI tools, a short, understandable usage policy, a review of the key AI vendors for data use and contracts, a quick approval process and kick-off training that also evidences the measures under Art. 4 AI Act.
Building AI governance
AI governance gives your handling of AI a repeatable structure: an AI policy, a risk inventory, clear roles and a lifecycle process — oriented to ISO/IEC 42001. The result is the organisational backbone that produces the records the AI Act requires, audit-ready and durably.
FAQ
Does an SME have to set up AI governance?
The AI Act requires no particular organisational form. Depending on role it does require AI literacy measures, transparency and, for high-risk systems, extensive obligations. A lean framework is the most efficient way to meet them.
Is ISO/IEC 42001 certification worthwhile?
If customers or tenders require it or AI is core to your offering. For SMEs that mainly use AI, a lean framework along the standard’s principles is usually the better first step.
Which tools help?
For inventory and classification, a structured tool such as AI Risk Check fits, classifying systems under Art. 6 with legal citations and producing audit-ready reports.