In SOC engagements, what primarily focuses on risk assessment?

In SOC engagements, inherent risk is of primary focus when it comes to risk assessment. Inherent risk refers to the susceptibility of an entity's financial statements to material misstatement, assuming no related controls are in place. This concept is crucial as it helps in understanding the baseline level of risk present in an organization's processes and systems without considering existing controls.

By assessing inherent risk, auditors can determine the potential for errors or fraud and tailor their approaches accordingly. This leads to a more effective evaluation of the controls in place and the overall risk exposure that an organization faces.

While factors such as staff expertise, cost, and user satisfaction are all relevant to the overall performance and efficiency of SOC engagements, they do not directly pertain to the specific aspect of risk assessment that is focused on inherent risk. Inherent risk allows organizations and auditors to gauge the environment they are operating in and strategize their examination and control measures effectively.