AI can solve complex challenges and unlock new possibilities for growth, but it is vital that organisations embrace this technology in a trustworthy and ethical manner. According to the report Trust, attitudes and use of Artificial Intelligence: A global study 2025 by The University of Melbourne and KPMG, only 30% of Australia believe current laws, regulations and safeguards are adequate to make AI use safe. However, 83% say they would be more willing to trust AI systems when assurances are in place, such as adherence to international AI standards, responsible AI governance practices, and monitoring system accuracy.
KPMG Australia has been an early adopter of AI, launching a proprietary version of ChatGPT, KymChat to staff in March 2023, and a version for clients in July 2023. In June 2024, the firm launched KymTax, a combination of a research tool, knowledge management platform and content generator, and one of the first gen AI applications globally for tax services.
That is why KPMG Australia has pioneered a Trusted AI Framework, a strategic approach to designing, building, deploying and using AI solutions – both for clients and for the firm. All of KPMG’s AI solutions are put through this approach, which ensures the human-centric, values-driven and trustworthy rollout of AI. This also means bringing in experts from outside of KPMG to add their input to the firm’s AI governance processes. KPMG Australia’s Trusted AI Council meets regularly and approves AI initiatives undertaken by the firm. The KPMG AI Register publicly declares the AI technology systems used on client-facing services through the firm.
Reflecting the firm’s investment in leading the way in AI governance, KPMG Australia was also the first organisation globally to be certified to the ISO 42001 standard by BSI.
ISO 42001 has emerged as the new gold standard for AI certification. Certification to this global standard offers reassurance to stakeholders on the safe and responsible use of AI in an organisation’s products and services. Following the release of the ISO 42001 standard on 19 December 2023, KPMG Australia stood up a team in February 2024 to put the firm forward for certification – which was granted in October 2024. This involved a detailed audit of how the firm approached AI, from governance to project management to embedding Trusted AI practices in the way that KPMG builds AI solutions.
ISO standards are not only about meeting a minimum requirement but about ingraining a culture of continuous improvement. This certification of KPMG’s robust AI management system is testament to the fact that the firm is living and breathing its trusted AI commitment. It is also integral to KPMG Australia’s AI strategy going forward, which will continue to evolve its focus – not just on high-level governance but also detailed implementation to build ethical AI solutions in accordance with ISO 42001 standards.
