Transparent, SME-friendly pricing
A flat €23–29 per month instead of a four-figure annual quote.
Ashio vs BKMS
BKMS vs Ashio: the honest comparison.
BKMS (Business Keeper) is a well-known whistleblowing system for large enterprises and public authorities. Ashio is the self-service alternative for small and mid-sized teams. Here is how they stack up. BKMS (Business Keeper) has belonged to EQS Group since 2020 and continues in the EQS Integrity Line portfolio, so the comparison below reflects the platform as it is offered today.
Last reviewed: October 7, 2026
At a glance
Enterprise compliance vs. self-service simplicity.
BKMS is built for large organizations and public authorities with implementation projects and four-figure annual quotes. Ashio is built for SMEs and mid-market teams that need a compliant channel live in minutes — no IT project, no procurement cycle.
Comparison
Ashio vs BKMS, side by side.
Here is how the two platforms compare on the points that matter most.
Ashio
BKMS
Starting price
€23–29/month
Quote-based, usually a four to five figure annual amount depending on headcount and modules (as of November 2026).
Setup
Under 10 minutes, self-service
Several days, with implementation
Hosting
🇦🇹 Austria, ISO 27001. Access only for the case team you invite.
🇩🇪 Germany, operated by EQS Group. Ask the provider which roles can reach case data.
Free trial
Yes, 14 days
No, demo only
Best for
SMEs & mid-market
Large enterprises & public authorities
On-premise / own data center
No, cloud only
Yes, available*
Voice reports
Yes, in the browser
On request
Accessibility
WCAG 2.2, level AA
On request
Retention and deletion
Configurable periods
On request
Processing agreement (Art. 28 GDPR)
Yes
On request
Data export and interfaces
Export any time (PDF)
On request
Minimum contract term
None beyond the billing period
On request
* On-premise operation is available from BKMS on request; the details depend on the contract. Cells marked on request are not published by the provider.
Why teams switch
Why SMEs choose Ashio over BKMS.
BKMS is powerful, but it is built for enterprise and public-sector buyers with budgets and project timelines to match. Most SMEs just need a compliant channel live today.
Live in minutes, not days
Sign up and share your link in under 10 minutes — no implementation project.
True anonymity by default
No IP logging, no cookies, no tracking on the reporting form.
How it works
Your reporting channel in four steps.
From first report to resolution — Ashio keeps the process simple and compliant.
1
Submit a report
Whistleblowers report anonymously or by name through a secure form without tracking.
2
Review
Your compliance team assesses relevance and plausibility.
3
Internal investigation
Decide on measures and document every step in the audit log.
4
Respond within 3 months
Give whistleblowers feedback within the statutory deadline — with automatic reminders.
FAQ
Common questions about Ashio vs BKMS.
Is Ashio a direct BKMS alternative?+
Yes — for small and mid-sized teams. BKMS targets large enterprises and public authorities with implementation projects; Ashio covers the same core needs (anonymous intake, case management, deadlines, audit log) in a self-service product.
Can Ashio handle public authorities?+
Ashio is designed for SMEs and mid-market teams. Large public-sector bodies with complex procurement and on-premises requirements may still prefer a vendor like BKMS.
Does Ashio support the EU Whistleblowing Directive and HinSchG?+
Yes. Ashio is aligned with the EU Whistleblowing Directive (2019/1937), the German HinSchG and other national implementations, with ISO 27001-certified EU hosting.
Can I try Ashio?+
Yes — a free 14-day trial with no credit card. BKMS is demo-only.
What happens to my data?+
Your data is encrypted and processed in Austria, inside the EU, under the GDPR. Nothing is transferred to third countries without a legal basis.
Is my data transferred outside Austria?+
No — Ashio processes and stores your reports in Austria, inside the EU.
Does BKMS belong to EQS?+
Yes. EQS Group acquired Business Keeper in 2020, and BKMS continues in the EQS Integrity Line portfolio. The comparison above shows the platform as it is offered today; the related comparison covers EQS Integrity Line directly.
Related comparisons
Compare Ashio with other whistleblowing platforms.
Looking at alternatives side by side is the fastest way to see whether Ashio fits your compliance program and budget.
Ready to switch from BKMS?
Set up your anonymous, compliant whistleblowing channel in minutes. 14 days free, no credit card required.