
KPMG launches KPMG Workbench
'With KPMG Workbench, we're combining advanced AI agents with the insight, judgment and deep expertise of our people to deliver smarter solutions for clients, faster and with full confidence in their security and compliance.' – David Rowlands, Global Head of AI, KPMG International
A shared vision
KPMG leveraged the Microsoft Azure platform, including AI capabilities in Azure AI Foundry, as the foundation for KPMG Workbench. This investment marks the evolution of Workbench from a proven platform for KPMG's developers to the firm's central hub for delivering and managing AI, using advanced agent interoperability technology to connect intelligent tools and support throughout various stages of the client journey.
With generative and agentic AI, KPMG Workbench's ability to scale and specialize helps makes it transformative. By coordinating multiple task-specific agents to collaborate and share context, KPMG Workbench enables team members to automate complex, multi-step processes from client onboarding to regulatory reporting. These agents are modular, reusable, and continuously evolving, making it easier to adapt to changing business needs.
' In Bahrain, KPMG has established an AI Lab that is working with key clients in the market on some cutting edge use cases. We are significantly investing in Bahraini talent to drive the AI agenda forward for our clients' – Jamal Fakhro, Managing Partner, KPMG in Bahrain
Clients onboarded
Private instances of KPMG Workbench will be available to clients from across industries to help develop and manage their digital workforce of the future.'Our AI Lab is imple menting AI solutions that are already driving tangible value for our clients in the Kingdom. With KPMG Workbench, these homegrown capabilities will be significantly amplified, allowing us to accelerate the delivery of advanced, secure, and locally relevant AI-driven services, truly complementing the human intelligence and deep industry knowledge of our professionals.' – Manav Prakash, Partner, Advisory, KPMG in Bahrain.
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