As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more mainstream, environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are a key part of ensuring responsible adoption

TORONTO and LONDON, Aug. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) reveal in a new report the pressing need for the accountancy profession to make the necessary connections between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its relationship to environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions. Polling over 5,700 respondents globally, including an expert panel of ACCA members across North America, the research reveals a cautious tone, with fewer than half (43%) believing that the impact of AI on their rights as an individual is positive – such as safety and personal security, levels of fairness, levels of choice, levels of transparency. In North America, 30% of respondents believe this to be the case. ACCA and CA ANZ say in Ethics for sustainable AI adoption: Connecting AI and ESG that accountants, with their explicit and long-standing commitment to ethical practices, are well placed to guide organizations along a responsible path for AI adoption. Jillian Couse, Head of ACCA North America says: 'Our findings present a wake-up call for the accountancy profession to lead the way and become the super connectors needed to ensure an ethical approach.