Standards for Data Governance in Global Mergers

Core Data Governance StandardsMust-Have: Unified data classification, data ownership accountability, access control (RBAC), data retention schedule, privacy-by-design, data residency mapping, audit logging, breach response protocols, vendor governance.Audit existing regional policiesAdopt strictest requirement across all areas (typically GDPR sets the floor)Layer region-specific addenda onto global standardsDeploy tools: data mapping, DPA automation, consent platforms, audit loggingBottom Line: Your global standard = strictest regional requirement. Budget 15–25% compliance cost increase.Regulatory Requirements (Build to Strictest)RegionKey RuleEU (GDPR)Consent-based, subject rights, data residency, strict deletion timelinesChina (PIPL)In-country data storage/processing; no cross-border transfersBrazil (LGPD)GDPR-like with narrower legitimate interestCalifornia (CCPA)Opt-out consent modelImplementation Path