KPMG Australia has made history by becoming the first organisation in the world to achieve certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for a globally applicable standard focused on the safe management of artificial intelligence (AI). This milestone certification is based on the BS ISO/IEC 42001 standard, designed to promote the responsible and ethical use of AI across various sectors.
The newly established standard aims to assist organisations in navigating the complexities of AI deployment, addressing critical issues such as non-transparent automatic decision-making, reliance on machine learning rather than human-coded logic, and the need for continuous learning. Published in the UK less than a year ago, the guidance sets out a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an AI management system, emphasising safeguards to mitigate risks.
ISO/IEC 42001 is an impact-based framework that outlines the requirements for conducting context-based AI risk assessments, including detailed information on risk treatments and controls for both internal and external AI products and services. Its primary goal is to foster a quality-centric culture within organisations, enabling them to design, develop, and provide AI-enabled products and services that are beneficial to society.
In response to the launch of ISO 42001, KPMG Australia established a dedicated team in February to pursue the BSI certification. The process involved a comprehensive audit of the firm’s AI approach, examining various aspects including governance, project management, and the integration of Trusted AI practices within its operations. KPMG noted that adhering to ISO standards extends beyond merely meeting minimum requirements; it also encompasses a commitment to continuous improvement within the organisational culture.
Manuela Gazzard, President of Regulatory Services at BSI, highlighted the importance of AI in transforming lives and acknowledged KPMG Australia’s efforts. She stated, “AI has the potential to be a significant force for good in society. However, to realise its benefits, having guardrails in place for the safe and ethical use of AI is critical. It’s fantastic to see KPMG Australia demonstrate the work they have done to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI and become the first in the world to achieve BSI’s certification to the AI management system standard.”
Gazzard further emphasised that certification to this standard provides stakeholders with reassurance regarding the safe and responsible use of AI in an organisation’s products and services, facilitating the responsible harnessing of AI technology for a sustainable future.
John Munnelly, Chief Digital Officer at KPMG Australia, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “AI can solve complex challenges and unlock new possibilities for growth. We are committed to helping our clients embrace this technology in a trustworthy and ethical manner, enhancing both efficiency and innovation.”
He added, “With ISO 42001 emerging as the new gold standard for AI certification, we are delighted that our approach has met this extremely high bar. This certification is a testament to our commitment to Trusted AI and is integral to our ongoing strategy to build ethical AI solutions in accordance with ISO 42001 standards.”
The certification marks a significant step forward for KPMG Australia, positioning the firm as a leader in the ethical management of AI, while encouraging other organisations globally to follow suit in implementing responsible AI practices. Find further information on BSI’s AI management system certification here.
