Comparing KPMG and Thoropass

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About KPMG

KPMG offers traditional audit services that include SOC reporting and ISO 27001 certification, with advisory support for readiness and remediation. They use what they call unified testing approaches that allow companies to pursue multiple frameworks like ISO and SOC 2 simultaneously, which can supposedly reduce audit time and costs. The service operates on enterprise-level, quote-based pricing and works with secure evidence portals that connect to client systems. You'll need to work around their auditor availability for scheduling, and the fees tend to be at the premium end of the market.

About Thoropass

Thoropass is the modern alternative to legacy IT security auditors like KPMG, combining enterprise-grade audits with AI-native speed and precision to help companies identify risk, build trust, and reduce the cost of compliance. The platform automates evidence collection across common business systems and provides control mapping for multiple frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Their auditors stay involved throughout the year rather than appearing only at the end of the annual cycle. You can run audits for different frameworks simultaneously from a unified control capability, though pricing requires custom quotes and the approach may not suit very large or complex organizations.

What do users say?

We've used AI to analyze a number of reviews from third-party sites like G2, Reddit, and Capterra, and here's what the AI found:

Based on reviews, KPMG's audit services appear to benefit from the firm's strong brand reputation and comprehensive technical expertise, with users noting their global reach and experience serving Fortune 500 clients. However, some users report challenges with service consistency and communication issues that may stem from high employee turnover within the organization. The firm's premium positioning in the market seems to be reflected in both their client base and service approach, though this comes with expectations for consistently high-quality delivery.

Based on reviews, Thoropass is praised for providing exceptional audit services with users highlighting the platform's ability to make typically complex compliance processes manageable and straightforward. Users consistently commend the expert guidance from knowledgeable teams, responsive customer support, and the comprehensive all-in-one platform that supports multiple frameworks including SOC2, ISO27001, HITRUST, and HIPAA. The service appears to excel in combining audit and assessment capabilities with intuitive design and seamless integrations, though some users note that pricing information could be more transparent.

Comparison

KPMG brings the global reach and brand recognition of a Big Four audit firm, with their Clara platform incorporating AI agents for risk assessment and audit procedures across their 95,000+ auditor network. However, their service delivery model relies on traditional audit approaches with higher costs, limited compliance automation for clients, and less transparent pricing structures.

Thoropass combines compliance automation with in-house audit services, offering integrated SOC 2, PCI, and HITRUST audits through a single platform with 100+ integrations and AI-powered evidence verification. While their unified approach delivers faster audit cycles and predictable pricing, they coordinate ISO 27001 certifications through accredited certification bodies rather than issuing certificates directly.

Category	KPMG	Thoropass
Audit Execution	✅	✅
AI Integration	✅	✅
First Pass AI	❌	✅
Platform Automation	❌	✅
Multi-Framework	❌	✅
System Integrations	❌	✅
Pricing Transparency	❌	✅
Global Brand	✅	❌
Pentesting Services	✅	✅

Audit Execution

KPMG maintains full audit capabilities through their global network, with accredited SOC reporting, PCI QSAC status, and ISO 27001 certification authority in select regions like Belgium. Their Clara platform supports comprehensive audit methodology with AI-enhanced risk assessment and disclosure checks.

Thoropass operates as an AICPA peer-reviewed CPA firm for SOC audits, holds PCI QSAC accreditation, and serves as a HITRUST Authorized External Assessor. For ISO 27001, they coordinate internal and external audits through their platform while partnering with accredited certification bodies for final certificate issuance.

AI Integration

KPMG has deployed AI agents within their Clara platform to automate risk refinement, financial report analysis, and certain substantive audit procedures. Their AI integration includes partnerships with Databricks and Azure OpenAI to enhance audit quality and efficiency.

Thoropass incorporates First Pass AI for evidence verification and quality control, automatically pre-screening documentation before auditor review. Their AI system helps eliminate audit bottlenecks and accelerates the evidence validation process throughout the compliance cycle.

Platform Automation

KPMG operates Clara as an auditor-facing platform rather than a client compliance tool, with limited automation capabilities available directly to organizations preparing for audits. Their approach remains primarily service-led through consulting accelerators and advisory support.

Thoropass provides native compliance automation through their SaaS platform, featuring automated evidence collection, continuous control monitoring, and real-time audit preparation for their users. Organizations can manage their entire compliance program within the integrated system.

Multi-Framework

KPMG can coordinate SOC 2+ mappings and advisory programs across multiple frameworks, but this requires separate engagements rather than a unified audit cycle. Their multi-framework approach operates through distinct service lines rather than integrated testing.

Thoropass enables simultaneous multi-framework audits through shared control testing, allowing organizations to pursue SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, and HITRUST certifications within a single integrated audit cycle. This approach reduces redundant testing and accelerates certification timelines.

System Integrations

KPMG leverages technology alliances with partners like Databricks and MindBridge AI within their audit platform, but doesn't offer direct system connectors for client evidence collection. Data intake occurs through their Clara platform during audit execution.

Thoropass provides 100+ native integrations with cloud providers, identity platforms, development tools, and security systems for automated evidence collection. Additional integrations include HITRUST MyCSF connectivity and enterprise SSO/SCIM provisioning.

Pricing Transparency

KPMG operates on enterprise proposal-based pricing without published rates or cost guidance, following traditional Big Four pricing models. Organizations must engage in lengthy sales processes to understand potential investment levels.

Thoropass also uses quote-based pricing but promotes "quote in 24 hours" turnaround times. Thoropass has a significantly lower price tag because of the consolidation of audit and compliance into one platform. Although pricing does vary for each organization, initial scoping is representative of the true price tag.

Global Brand

KPMG carries the recognition and acceptance of a Big Four audit firm, particularly valuable for highly regulated industries, public companies, and organizations requiring broad stakeholder confidence. Their global brand often satisfies conservative audit committee and vendor risk requirements.

Thoropass operates as a focused compliance and audit firm without the broad brand recognition of major professional services firms. While they maintain strong technical credentials, their brand may require additional validation in enterprise sales cycles compared to larger firms.

Pentesting Services

KPMG offers cybersecurity services including penetration testing through adjacent service lines, but these aren't integrated with their audit platform or standard compliance offerings. Organizations typically engage separate KPMG teams for security testing.

Thoropass provides CREST-accredited penetration testing as an integrated service within their compliance platform, enabling coordinated security assessments that support audit requirements. This unified approach reduces vendor management overhead.

Conclusion

KPMG serves best for global enterprises, public companies, and highly regulated organizations that prioritize Big Four brand recognition and have complex multi-entity audit requirements. Their deep audit methodology, global delivery capacity, and established stakeholder acceptance make them ideal for organizations where audit credibility and regulatory depth outweigh cost and speed considerations.

Thoropass excels for mid-market SaaS, fintech, and healthcare companies seeking streamlined compliance operations with faster audit cycles and predictable costs. Their integrated platform and audit approach particularly benefits organizations pursuing multiple frameworks simultaneously, those requiring extensive system integrations, and teams that value continuous auditor collaboration over traditional service-led engagements.