In an industry often bogged down by slow, manual, and outdated audit processes, Raymond Cheng, CPA, is rewriting the playbook for cybersecurity compliance. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Decrypt Compliance, a Silicon Valley–based cybersecurity audit firm, Cheng is on a mission to make technology audits as fast, transparent, and intelligent as the startups they serve.
“Technology audits should move as fast as the companies we’re auditing—without compromising trust,” says Cheng, whose firm has quickly become a trusted partner for SaaS and cloud-native organizations seeking SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, and other key certifications.After nearly a decade in cybersecurity compliance—including more than 50 audits at EY and earning multiple credentials (CPA, CITP, CISSP, CISA, CIPP/E, CCSK, ISO Lead Auditor)—Cheng saw a recurring challenge in the market. “Security compliance was too slow, too manual, and too disconnected from how modern startups work,” he explains. That realization sparked the creation of Decrypt Compliance.
Merging Audit Rigor with Modern Efficiency
Under Cheng’s leadership, Decrypt Compliance blends the rigor of a traditional CPA firm with the speed and scalability of technology-driven solutions. The firm’s AI-enabled audit platform simplifies certification workflows, automates evidence collection, and streamlines communication—allowing clients to achieve compliance in a fraction of the usual time.
“Startups don’t have months to wait for compliance—they need trust signals today,” says Cheng. “Our goal is to help companies prove trust quickly, credibly, and efficiently.”
Decrypt Compliance’s one-process, multi-framework model enables businesses to pursue multiple certifications simultaneously, eliminating redundant steps and saving both time and cost. The firm’s approach has resonated with growth-stage companies across North America and beyond, especially those scaling rapidly toward enterprise clients.
A Leader Recognized for Innovation and Integrity
Cheng’s forward-thinking approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, he was named to Forbes’ Best-in-State CPAs List, a recognition that reflects his impact in redefining the audit profession for the digital age. He was also honored by the AICPA with the Tech Advisory Standing Ovation Recognition, highlighting his contributions to modernizing cybersecurity and privacy compliance.
Despite the accolades, Cheng remains grounded. “I don’t feel like I’ve done anything extraordinary,” he shared in a recent post. “I’ve just tried to uphold what every professional should—excel at your craft, uplift others, and lead with care.”
Balancing Leadership, Innovation, and Life
As a founder, technologist, and father, Cheng embodies the discipline and adaptability he preaches. His daily routine begins before dawn, balancing global client calls, team leadership, and family life with precision. “Work-life integration isn’t about balance—it’s about intentional focus,” he notes. “If I’m with my daughter, I’m present. If I’m with my team, I’m all in.”
Cheng’s philosophy of “clarity in process, confidence in outcome” drives both his firm and his personal brand. Whether he’s advising tech leaders at Google, Salesforce, or Tencent, or helping a startup close its first enterprise deal, his focus remains the same: empowering organizations to earn and maintain digital trust.
Building the Future of Tech Auditing
Looking ahead, Cheng envisions Decrypt Compliance as the world’s most trusted assessor for technology matters—a firm that not only certifies compliance but also shapes the next generation of audit innovation.
“We’re just getting started,” Cheng says. “Our goal is to make security compliance faster, smarter, and more human—because trust should never slow innovation down.”