KPMG Australia bolsters AI with BSI certification
The big four firm has announced that it is the first company in the world to receive AI certification by BSI.
KPMG Australia became the first organisation globally to achieve ISO 420001 (AI) certification by BSI, recognising the company’s commitment to AI use and adoption.
The AI certification is an international standard with outlined requirements for the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of an AI management system in organisations.
According to BSI Australia, the AI certification was one of the first internationally recognised standards for AI and was administered by the International Organisation for Standardisation.
It was also noted it was the world’s first AI management standard and provided valuable guidance for the “rapidly changing field of technology.”
BSI president of regulatory services Manuela Gazzard said AI has the potential to be a significant force for good in society and the transformation of lives and it is critical to understand the guardrails.
“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 said.
“This is an important step forward and one that has the potential to empower other global organisations to responsibly manage their technology.”
According to BSI Australia, this certification would offer reassurance to stakeholders on the safe and responsible use of AI.
BSI released the certification on 19 December 2023 and KPMG began the certification process in February 2024.
KPMG Australia said a BSI auditor travelled from overseas and conducted a detailed audit into how the firm leveraged AI in governance, project management, and embedded trusted AI in the work of staff.
“ISO standards are not only about meeting a minimum requirement, but about ingraining a culture of continuous improvement.”
The certification noted KPMG’s early adoption of AI with the launch of an exclusive version of ChatGPT, KymChat, to staff and clients in 2023.
In June 2024, KPMG also launched an AI tax service, KymTax, a research tool, knowledge management platform and content generator.
KPMG said KymTax was one of the first AI applications globally for tax services.
KPMG Australia chief digital officer John Munnelly said the firm is committed to helping clients embrace the technology in a trustworthy and ethical manner to enhance efficiency and innovation.
“With ISO42001 emerging as the new gold standard for AI certification, we are delighted that our approach has met this extremely high bar,” he said.
“This certification of our robust AI management system is a testament to the fact that we are living and breathing our trusted AI commitment.”
“It is also integral to our ongoing AI strategy, which focuses not just on high-level governance but also detailed implementation to build ethical AI solutions in accordance with ISO42001 standards.”
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