Material weaknesses continue to be a key indicator of the effectiveness of an organization’s internal control environment. Yet, the underlying drivers behind these weaknesses are often more complex than individual control failures.
In this research report, we analyzed material weakness disclosures reported by 1,000 U.S. SEC filers across 2025 and 2026 to identify recurring themes, emerging trends, and the root causes contributing to ineffective Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR).
Our findings show that Segregation of Duties and Resource Constraints remain the most commonly reported material weaknesses, while deficiencies related to employee training, IT controls, and financial reporting processes continue to impact organizations across industries. The research also highlights how material weaknesses frequently occur together, revealing deeper governance, operational, and capacity-related challenges that extend beyond standalone control gaps.
The report further explores industry-specific patterns, compares IPO and non-IPO filers, and examines the interconnections between different material weakness themes. The findings suggest that organizations making the greatest progress in remediation are those focusing on underlying causes—such as governance structures, talent, processes, and technology—rather than addressing individual deficiencies in isolation.
Download the full report for detailed thematic analysis, industry insights, co-occurrence trends, and practical considerations for management teams, audit committees, and internal audit leaders seeking to strengthen their control environments and enhance financial reporting reliability.
