KPMG launches global trusted AI framework

KPMG has launched a global framework for the design, build, deployment, and use of AI tech solutions. As the firm looks to build on its multi-billion investment in the technology, it has also appointed David Rowlands as its global head of AI.

As the hype around AI technologies has continued to gain momentum, KPMG has rapidly developed its own offering in the new space. After publishing estimates that the UK’s economy could get a much-needed £31 billion boost from the widespread adoption of generative AI - increasing UK productivity by 1.2% each year – the firm has committed to a wide-ranging campaign of investment in the technology.

As KPMG looks to maintain the momentum from its multi-billion investments into AI, it has launched the ‘KPMG Trusted AI framework’ – with the aim of ensuring a responsible and ethical approach to AI transformation. The firm-wide approach is built on the principles of fairness, transparency, ‘explainability’, accountability, data integrity, reliability, security, safety, privacy, and sustainability.  The ten-pillar guide is KPMG’s strategic framework to help design, build, deploy, and use AI tech solutions in a responsible and ethical manner while also accelerating value and making the difference for clients, people and communities.

Heading up efforts to engage clients with AI according to these key tenets will be the firm’s new global head of AI. Stepping into the newly created role at KPMG International is David Rowlands – who most recently served as the firm’s UK head of consulting; while sitting on the UK executive committee and the global advisory steering group.

Looking ahead, Rowlands will collaborate and coordinate with specialists from across the global organisation to help drive and implement KPMG’s AI strategy to empower member firms to leverage emerging AI technologies in enhancing client engagements, and helping supercharge the employee experience. Together with KPMG professionals from across audit, tax and advisory, he will drive innovation across the globe through the design, development, and deployment of new AI powered services to help clients address their most pressing challenges including helping increase productivity.

Speaking on his new challenge, Rowlands commented, “I am excited about the promise of AI. With the ability to boost productivity with speed and scale, AI models continue to transform businesses and are one of the keys to unlocking sustainable growth in a way that can build a better future for people, companies, and society. By responsibly embracing AI, we see the potential to fully harness its power by bringing together the human ingenuity, business, and industry expertise of KPMG professionals with the power and scale of AI programmes. I am looking forward to working in collaboration with people from across the globe to firmly position KPMG as a leader in AI.”