KPMG unveils AI platform Workbench in multi-billion dollar move
KPMG Workbench has been developed with Microsoft technology and support. The platform brings together a network of 50 AI assistants and chatbots that communicate with each other across multiple sectors. Nearly a thousand additional AI assistants are in development to meet a broader array of client requirements.
The AI agents have been designed to operate as digital colleagues alongside KPMG professionals. They are built to work with various large language models (LLMs) and support the organisation in delivering solutions to clients more quickly, while aiming to maintain quality, trust, and compliance standards.
Platform features
The KPMG Workbench is built on Microsoft Azure AI Foundry services and is intended to allow agent-to-agent communications. It also integrates with technology from other alliance partners, including Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Workday. This interoperability is designed so that clients can select the model or AI agent most appropriate for their needs.
KPMG states that the platform will underpin its key client delivery solutions, including the Digital Gateway (Tax), Velocity (Advisory), and Clara, which is KPMG's audit platform. By acting as a central AI hub, KPMG Workbench is expected to simplify working with and managing multiple tools throughout the client engagement process.
KPMG Workbench incorporates data sovereignty features, letting clients manage how their data is stored, processed, and governed to meet both local and international regulatory demands. KPMG has also highlighted its ISO 42001 certification for AI Management Systems, noting that KPMG is the first organisation in the world to achieve this accreditation. Every agent and tool within KPMG Workbench is marked with a KPMG "Trusted AI stamp," indicating that it has been assessed against the company's 10 pillar Trusted AI Framework. "Clients tell us that their ability to orchestrate and control their agents in a secure way is becoming their number one concern. They also want a multi-model platform rather than being locked into one provider. Recognising this, and KPMG's own needs as a complex global business, the strategy was to build a foundational AI platform that has sovereign data capabilities and enables our people to integrate AI models into one environment that is embedded in our Trusted AI Framework. 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
AI in practice
KPMG Workbench aims to facilitate the automation of multi-step processes such as client onboarding and regulatory reporting. The system allows teams to coordinate and share context between multiple specialised agents, which the company says should make it easier to adapt to new business requirements.
According to KPMG, clients across different industries have already begun to benefit from the platform. Examples cited include a telecommunications and technology business using the platform's agents and tools to assess and enhance compliance policies, a global bank needing data sovereignty and agent processing to verify customer identities and counteract fraud, and an international retailer seeking to improve back-office productivity through the deployment of a digital workforce.
Collaboration with Microsoft
The company confirmed that Microsoft's Azure AI Foundry is the foundation for KPMG Workbench, enabling its interoperability and scalability. The evolution of Workbench from a platform for developers to a central hub for AI delivery reflects KPMG's investment in agent-oriented technology. "KPMG Workbench represents a transformative step in AI-driven collaboration, integrating multi-agent intelligence into a centralised platform leveraging Azure AI Foundry. This investment is more than just technological innovation – it's a pivotal move toward the future of the open agentic web. At Microsoft, we are empowering businesses to enrich the employee experience and reinvent customer engagement through AI transformation, and KPMG Workbench is a prime example of that vision coming to life." – Judson Althoff, EVP, Chief Commercial Officer, Microsoft
Future availability
KPMG confirmed that private versions of KPMG Workbench will be accessible to clients from various industries wishing to develop and manage a digital workforce in line with changing operational needs. "Launching KPMG Workbench is a pivotal milestone in our AI commitment to transforming client delivery and enhancing ways of working across the global organisation. This strategic investment, made in collaboration with Microsoft, reinforces our dedication to creating a leading technology ecosystem in an era of rapid evolution and shifting client needs." – Carl Carande, Global Head of Advisory, KPMG International and Vice Chair, Advisory, KPMG in the US
KPMG described Workbench as the foundation of its multi-billion investment in AI and agentic transformation, intended to be a pillar of its future client service solutions. The AI platform is being positioned as central to the organisation's approach to technology adoption and digital service delivery.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
New Zealand Finds Itself At A Turning Point For AI: Will We Ride The Wave Or Get Taken Under?
The rise and integration of AI into our workflows presents a sometimes compelling, sometimes daunting prospect. If New Zealand is to respond in kind to these technological changes we must bridge the gap between leadership and employees, understand how we can support existing teams with AI agents, build in privacy and security, and advocate for ethical AI guidelines from an organisational and governmental standpoint. If we are willing to do our due diligence and invest in these quickly advancing technologies, our teams and business stand to greatly benefit. Employees retain a positive outlook on AI, but lingering apprehension remains As AI continues to be a compelling focus, new research paints a picture of great potential and a positive perspective of employees, as well as lingering hesitation and lack of education that may hinder ongoing innovation. Recent data from Workday's global research report, 'Elevating Human Potential: The AI Skills Revolution' highlights that 65% of New Zealand departments are already utilising AI, outpacing the global average of 59%. Furthermore, an overwhelming 98% report confidence in using AI for complex tasks, surpassing the global average of 91%. Workday's research also showcases the positive perspective of Kiwi workers, finding 100% of employees agree that AI allows them to focus on higher-level responsibilities, compared to 93% globally. This optimistic point of view is grounded in the view that AI can enhance human creativity. Overall, 96% of respondents believe AI will generate new forms of economic value, compared to 83% globally. KPMG's new study, 'Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025' reveals potential difficulties when it comes to the technology. On AI literacy, the study finds only 24% of Kiwis have undertaken AI-related training or education compared to 39% globally. Only 36% believe they have the skills to use AI appropriately, which is significantly lower than the global figure of 60%. In addition to this, 81% of New Zealanders believe greater regulation on AI is required, with 89% wanting laws and action to combat AI-generated misinformation and only 23% believing current safeguards are adequate. Interestingly, the study found the top perceived risk of AI (59%) is the potential loss of human interaction and connection due to AI. While this is an emotive response, this general perception of the technology can inhibit adoption in the workplace, with decision makers more focused on the possible adverse impacts instead of how the technology can be implemented intelligently for the benefit of teams. Echoing the Workday research, the KPMG study also found 66% of New Zealanders expect AI to deliver on a range of benefits, and 54% have personally experienced or observed benefits from AI use. The top benefit cited by respondents (69%) is the improved efficiency from AI with reduced time spent on mundane or repetitive tasks. More than 43% of respondents already report increased efficiency, quality of work and innovation with AI, and 31% report increased revenue generating activity. The power of taking a methodical approach, and closing the trust gap Intelligent AI integration that both allays fears and builds innovation must bridge the gap between leadership and the workforce, predominately by putting people and ethical use as a centrepoint. Workday's Chief Technology Officer, Jim Stratton, put it best when he wrote: 'The scale of addressing this challenge [of implementing AI] may seem daunting, but our experience has taught us that we can take measured steps. Effective organisational frameworks for responsible AI should consider four fundamental pillars: principles, practices, people, and policy. Companies need to also ensure transparent communication about their approach to each of those areas.' To close the trust gap, a methodical approach that is built on shared perspectives is crucial. As Workday's researchers found, both leaders and employees believe in and hope for a transformation scenario, they agree AI implementation should prioritise human control, and that regulation and frameworks are important for trustworthy AI. The differences between leaders and employees arise in how each group thinks AI development should be approached, and fears that people and data privacy won't be prioritised. Leaders should be transparent and open with employees about their ethical AI approach, be it the way it's built, the way it's used, or the way the business advocates for regulation. When it comes to closing the trust gap for customers, businesses should advocate for and utilise a risk-based responsible AI governance approach, leveraging best practices including those described in the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, to ensure that responsible AI innovation is promoted while preserving the benefits promised by innovation. Emphasising the vision of the human skills revolution and embracing this transformative opportunity AI is elevating workforce potential by streamlining processes, automating complex and repetitive tasks, and improving efficiency. This boost in productivity frees teams from high-volume, time-consuming work, allowing individuals to focus on uniquely human skills such as connection and relationship building, emotional intelligence and empathy, and conflict resolution. Leaders can close the trust gap by emphasising this purpose and function of AI - that it can and will amplify existing teams, not replace them. Leaders have the chance to emphasise that AI is a catalyst for a revolution where human skills become even more important. As time goes on, effective AI agent management and governance must also be carefully considered. Forward-thinking technology companies are now offering supportive solutions, such as centralised platforms that provide comprehensive oversight of an entire AI Agent fleet. For instance, Workday has leveraged its extensive experience in helping more than 10,500 companies globally manage their people, to provide a unified platform that manages the entire workforce of both people and AI agents. In this new world of work not only are leaders called upon to drive the AI conversation, but to understand this transformative opportunity. That is, to strategically manage a workforce that intelligently blends human capabilities with the power of AI agents. With the right approach, this future of work can unlock greater levels of productivity, foster creativity, empower leadership, and ultimately enable us to achieve more.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Scoop
New Zealand Food Network Appoints Two New Food Sustainability Champions To Board
New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), the country's national food rescue and largest food support charity, has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors to guide the organisation through its next chapter of impact and growth. The first is Ian Proudfoot, currently Global Head of Agribusiness at KPMG. Proudfoot brings over three decades of experience in auditing, governance, and strategic leadership in the agri-food sector, with deep networks across both New Zealand and international food systems. Proudfoot is the lead author of the award-winning KPMG Agribusiness Agenda and played a key role in establishing the Mana Kai Initiative, which aims to transform New Zealand's food system to be more inclusive and resilient. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in sustainable food strategy, and his long-standing commitment to food system equity will be invaluable to NZFN's mission. Meanwhile, Wade Gillooly joins the Board as a director at Marmont Investments, with over 25 years of commercial and executive experience across the FMCG and food manufacturing sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. A former CEO of ABE'S Real Bagels and Pitango, Gillooly has a proven track record in leading business growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering results in complex, multisite operations. Wade is also deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, mentoring founders and helping build innovative food brands including Ārepa among others. His strategic mindset, governance acumen, and pragmatic leadership style will be a tremendous asset to NZFN. NZFN Board Chair, Suneil Connor says he welcomes the new appointments. 'During our thorough recruitment process, it became outstandingly clear that Ian and Wade had the deep industry experience and capability we were seeking, alongside a core alignment with NZFN's mission. We're so excited to officially welcome them as directors of NZFN.' NZFN Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Findlay adds, 'Their strategic insight and global perspective will be invaluable as we navigate one of the most challenging times for food security in Aotearoa. Both Ian and Wade bring a wealth of skills and experience that will strengthen our ability to respond to the growing demand for food support, and help shape a more sustainable future for NZFN and the communities we serve.' About New Zealand Food Network New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is Aotearoa's national food rescue and largest food support charity. With distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, it accepts bulk surplus and donated food from food producers, growers and manufacturers and redistributes to more than 60 food hubs (regional food rescues, iwi, food banks and other charities) so that they may feed the communities they serve. Via these food hubs, NZFN ultimately serves a network of more than 2,000 frontline organisations across the country. NZFN's services reduce GHG emissions from landfill and ensure a positive social impact by getting food to where it's needed most. NZFN's operations are primarily funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help address the issue of food insecurity nationwide. In addition to distributing donated food, NZFN purchases low-cost pantry staples and other household essentials with funds raised to help keep its Food Hubs well stocked. It also serves as procurement partner for registered Food Hubs to purchase food and can be activated in the event of an emergency to procure goods for MSD and government providers.
Techday NZ
18-06-2025
- Techday NZ
KPMG unveils AI platform Workbench in multi-billion dollar move
KPMG International has launched KPMG Workbench, an open, interoperable artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to change the way it delivers services to clients and to support staff across its global operations. KPMG Workbench has been developed with Microsoft technology and support. The platform brings together a network of 50 AI assistants and chatbots that communicate with each other across multiple sectors. Nearly a thousand additional AI assistants are in development to meet a broader array of client requirements. The AI agents have been designed to operate as digital colleagues alongside KPMG professionals. They are built to work with various large language models (LLMs) and support the organisation in delivering solutions to clients more quickly, while aiming to maintain quality, trust, and compliance standards. Platform features The KPMG Workbench is built on Microsoft Azure AI Foundry services and is intended to allow agent-to-agent communications. It also integrates with technology from other alliance partners, including Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Workday. This interoperability is designed so that clients can select the model or AI agent most appropriate for their needs. KPMG states that the platform will underpin its key client delivery solutions, including the Digital Gateway (Tax), Velocity (Advisory), and Clara, which is KPMG's audit platform. By acting as a central AI hub, KPMG Workbench is expected to simplify working with and managing multiple tools throughout the client engagement process. KPMG Workbench incorporates data sovereignty features, letting clients manage how their data is stored, processed, and governed to meet both local and international regulatory demands. KPMG has also highlighted its ISO 42001 certification for AI Management Systems, noting that KPMG is the first organisation in the world to achieve this accreditation. Every agent and tool within KPMG Workbench is marked with a KPMG "Trusted AI stamp," indicating that it has been assessed against the company's 10 pillar Trusted AI Framework. "Clients tell us that their ability to orchestrate and control their agents in a secure way is becoming their number one concern. They also want a multi-model platform rather than being locked into one provider. Recognising this, and KPMG's own needs as a complex global business, the strategy was to build a foundational AI platform that has sovereign data capabilities and enables our people to integrate AI models into one environment that is embedded in our Trusted AI Framework. 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 AI in practice KPMG Workbench aims to facilitate the automation of multi-step processes such as client onboarding and regulatory reporting. The system allows teams to coordinate and share context between multiple specialised agents, which the company says should make it easier to adapt to new business requirements. According to KPMG, clients across different industries have already begun to benefit from the platform. Examples cited include a telecommunications and technology business using the platform's agents and tools to assess and enhance compliance policies, a global bank needing data sovereignty and agent processing to verify customer identities and counteract fraud, and an international retailer seeking to improve back-office productivity through the deployment of a digital workforce. Collaboration with Microsoft The company confirmed that Microsoft's Azure AI Foundry is the foundation for KPMG Workbench, enabling its interoperability and scalability. The evolution of Workbench from a platform for developers to a central hub for AI delivery reflects KPMG's investment in agent-oriented technology. "KPMG Workbench represents a transformative step in AI-driven collaboration, integrating multi-agent intelligence into a centralised platform leveraging Azure AI Foundry. This investment is more than just technological innovation – it's a pivotal move toward the future of the open agentic web. At Microsoft, we are empowering businesses to enrich the employee experience and reinvent customer engagement through AI transformation, and KPMG Workbench is a prime example of that vision coming to life." – Judson Althoff, EVP, Chief Commercial Officer, Microsoft Future availability KPMG confirmed that private versions of KPMG Workbench will be accessible to clients from various industries wishing to develop and manage a digital workforce in line with changing operational needs. "Launching KPMG Workbench is a pivotal milestone in our AI commitment to transforming client delivery and enhancing ways of working across the global organisation. This strategic investment, made in collaboration with Microsoft, reinforces our dedication to creating a leading technology ecosystem in an era of rapid evolution and shifting client needs." – Carl Carande, Global Head of Advisory, KPMG International and Vice Chair, Advisory, KPMG in the US KPMG described Workbench as the foundation of its multi-billion investment in AI and agentic transformation, intended to be a pillar of its future client service solutions. The AI platform is being positioned as central to the organisation's approach to technology adoption and digital service delivery.
