Dubai, UAE: Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concern but a present reality, bringing with it ethical challenges that demand urgent action. Marking Global Ethics Day, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CISI (the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment) warn that without improved skills, stronger governance and aligned policies, the profession risks losing the trust on which it is built.
The report, AI Monitor: Shining a light on AI’s ethical threats for finance professionals, identifies four key findings:
- AI is already embedded across work and life, making its ethical implications unavoidable.
- AI poses specific risks for finance professionals, reinforcing the importance of applying fundamental principles.
- AI literacy is essential to combine technical understanding with ethical judgement.
- Alignment is needed across individuals, organisations, and policymakers, as no single group can manage these challenges in isolation.
The report also sets out practical considerations for the profession, calling on individuals to strengthen their awareness of ethical dilemmas when using AI, supported by practical checklists to guide decisions. Organisations are urged to create governance frameworks, set the right leadership tone and foster a culture that enables professionals to exercise judgement responsibly. For policymakers, the priority is to work with professional bodies to align regulations, reduce fragmentation and manage systemic risks.
Helen Brand OBE, chief executive of ACCA, said:
“Ethical threats from AI are here, they are no longer theoretical. While AI is reshaping the way finance professionals work, it does not change the foundations of our profession: the fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality and professional behaviour. These principles equip us to recognise and address the challenges that arise with AI, but the burden cannot rest on individuals alone. Organisations, regulators and policymakers must invest in upskilling, governance and collective frameworks so that AI adoption strengthens public trust and ensures decisions remain anchored in ethical judgment.”
Tracy Vegro OBE, chief executive officer at CISI said:
“This report and its global frame of reference confirms the critical link for our profession between skills, governance and trust in supporting an ethical AI ecosystem. Technology and trust must go hand in hand and ethical frameworks are essential for AI development, supported by profession-wide skills and training. This report confirms the key role of professional bodies such as the CISI and ACCA in ensuring professionalism, integrity and the building of confidence and trust for consumers. The CISI Certificate in Ethical AI, distributed jointly with ACCA, is an example of how we are embedding ethics, accountability, and professionalism into the core of AI practice. Our collective commitment for our practitioners to skills and lifelong learning, through continuing professional development, maintaining the highest ethical standards and adhering to our Codes of Conduct are fundamental to consumer confidence in our use of AI. We invite all professionals to champion ethical AI practices, uphold high standards, and continuously advance their skills to build lasting trust with consumers.”
The joint research draws on global roundtables across Asia Pacific, Africa, the UK and South Asia, where professionals explored scenarios such as audit automation, algorithmic HR decision-making, and data-driven tax advice. Discussions confirmed that while finance professionals are well positioned to apply ethical judgement, success depends on broader systems of support and alignment.
Read the full report here
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About ACCA
We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the only truly global professional accountancy body. Since we were founded in 1904, we’ve been breaking down barriers to the accountancy profession. Today we proudly support a diverse community of over 257,900 members and 530,100 future members in 180 countries.
We’re redefining accountancy. Our cutting-edge qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to lead and drive sustainable value in organisations and economies worldwide.
Guided by our purpose and values, we’re leading the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we’re strengthening and building a profession that focuses on people, planet and prosperity to create value for all.
Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com
About CISI
The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is a global professional body that sets the highest standards of professional excellence in a broad range of financial services disciplines. For over 30 years, we have been championing integrity, raising individual standards of knowledge, skills and behaviour in the UK and internationally, and working to enhance public trust and confidence in financial services ever since we emerged from the London Stock Exchange in 1992.
Our membership offers a best-in-class continuous personal development programme, networking, and events that enable flexible learning to enhance career progression. We also offer a breadth of choice of internationally recognised and respected highest-quality qualifications. As an educational charity, we are fully committed to developing the next generation of practitioners and ensuring that a financial services career is accessible to all.
Find out more at: www.cisi.org
