The audit and advisory profession runs on trust. Every engagement and every opinion depends on it. So when we bring AI into the work, it can’t just be about moving faster. It has to be about using AI responsibly, in ways that protect data, manage risk, and build confidence.
This month, Fieldguide became one of the first audit and advisory platforms to achieve ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the global benchmark for responsible AI management. Here’s why that matters.
Setting the Standard for Responsible AI
ISO 42001 is the first international standard that governs how organizations build, deploy, and oversee AI systems. It goes far beyond technical specs. It asks whether risks are proactively managed, whether data is safeguarded from misuse, and whether outputs are explainable and trustworthy.
For a profession defined by rigor and accountability, these aren’t “nice to haves.” They’re non-negotiables.
Why This Matters to Firms
When I talk with firm leaders, their enthusiasm for AI is often matched by legitimate concern. Can I trust this technology with sensitive client data? Will regulators or clients question how it’s used? Does adopting AI create more risk than it solves?
ISO 42001 helps answer those questions. It gives firms assurance that the AI woven into their workflows is governed with the same discipline they apply to their own engagements. That alignment is what unlocks trust, both for practitioners and for the end-clients who depend on them.
When clients see their firm embracing AI that meets international standards for responsibility, it deepens confidence in the work product and strengthens the firm-client relationship.
More Than a Certificate
At Fieldguide, we’ve always believed AI should be secure by design, transparent in operation, and centered on people. ISO 42001 is meaningful to us because it validates those principles.
Our platform wasn’t adjusted after the fact to meet the standard; it was built from the ground up with risk management, transparency, and security at its core. Certification confirms that foundation and underscores our commitment to responsible, audit-grade AI.
The Bigger Picture
Audit and advisory is under more pressure than ever. Talent is scarce, complexity keeps rising, and clients expect more. AI can be a true force multiplier, but only if firms can trust the systems behind it.
That’s why ISO 42001 matters. It sets a clear, global standard for responsible AI. By achieving certification, we’re not just claiming our technology is powerful, but we’re proving it’s trustworthy. In audit and advisory, trust isn’t just part of the job. It is the job.
September 24, 2025
