What is a "compliance audit"?

A compliance audit is fundamentally defined as a thorough examination or assessment of an organization’s adherence to regulatory standards, internal policies, and legal requirements. It is focused on ensuring that the organization is following the applicable laws and regulations regarding areas like data privacy, financial practices, and operational compliance.

Choosing the review of organizational practices as the answer correctly identifies the essence of a compliance audit. This process involves evaluating how well the organizational practices align with the set regulatory frameworks and industry standards, which is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential legal repercussions.

In contrast, other options such as marketing strategy reviews, financial performance evaluations, and staff performance assessments center on different aspects of business operations that do not specifically pertain to compliance with laws and regulations. These areas, while important, do not encompass the scope and intent of a compliance audit, which is dedicated to assessing compliance-related issues within the organization.