Data governance for Business Intelligence establishes the framework of policies, processes, and roles that ensures BI data is accurate, secure, compliant, and trustworthy across its lifecycle. In 2026, organizations face exponentially increasing data volumes alongside stricter regulations (GDPR, CCPA) and rising AI adoption—making governance no longer optional but a strategic necessity that directly impacts decision quality, regulatory risk, and competitive advantage. The key insight: effective BI governance is not about control for control's sake—it's about enabling faster, safer access to trusted data while preventing the chaos that emerges when ownership, quality standards, and accountability remain undefined.