AIGAS vs ISO 42001: Which AI Governance Standard is Right for Accounting Firms?
AIGAS vs. ISO 42001: Which is Right for Your Firm?
When accounting firms start exploring AI governance, they often come across ISO 42001 — the emerging international standard for AI management systems. But for most small to mid-sized firms, the real question is: do you need a full ISO framework… or something practical that works today?
AI governance
AIGAS™
ISO 42001
Quick Comparison
| Feature | AIGAS™ (AI Governance Assurance Standard) | ISO 42001 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Accounting firms (SMEs) | Large enterprises / global organisations |
| Approach | Practical, operational governance | Formal management system framework |
| Implementation Time | Days to weeks | Months to 1+ year |
| Cost | Low (£ / ££) | High (££££+) |
| Certification Model | Tiered (Bronze / Silver) | Formal accredited certification |
| Focus | Real-world AI usage, tools, and controls | Governance structure, documentation, compliance |
| Entry Point | Free AI Register + governance check | No lightweight entry point |
| Flexibility | High (designed for evolving AI use) | Structured and rigid by design |
| Audit Complexity | Light-touch to moderate | Extensive and formal audits |
What is ISO 42001?
ISO 42001 is the gold standard for AI governance.
It’s designed for organisations that need:
- ✓Formal, auditable AI management systems
- ✓Enterprise-grade risk and compliance frameworks
- ✓Alignment with global regulatory expectations
For large firms, financial institutions, and multinationals — it makes complete sense.
But it comes with:
Significant cost, heavy documentation requirements, and long implementation timelines.
If you want to explore the more formal route, see AIMS 42001 — The New Standard for Responsible AI Management, ISO 42001 for accounting firms, or the official ISO 42001 page.
What is AIGAS™?
AIGAS™ is built specifically for accounting firms navigating AI today.
It focuses on what actually matters in practice:
- ✓What AI tools are being used
- ✓Where client data is flowing
- ✓Whether staff are trained and controlled
- ✓Whether policies and approvals exist
It’s not about theoretical frameworks.
The focus is real usage, real risk, and real control.
You can read more about the wider framework here: AI Governance for Accounting Firms.
Where Most Firms Get Stuck
Here’s the reality we’re seeing across the profession:
90%+ of firms are already using AI.
Most don’t formally track what tools are in use.
Policies are often missing or incomplete.
Leadership assumes AI is being used “responsibly”.
That’s the gap. Not ambition. Not technology. Governance.
A Smarter Starting Point
Instead of jumping straight into ISO-level complexity, AIGAS gives you a progressive path:
Understand Your AI Usage
Use the free AI Register:
- Catalogue all AI tools in use
- Identify data risks
- Surface shadow AI
Establish Governance (Bronze)
- Create policies
- Define controls
- Build internal accountability
Strengthen & Validate (Silver)
- Independent review
- Staff training
- Operational assurance
So… Which One is Right for You?
- You’re an accounting firm or SME
- You need something practical, fast, and affordable
- You want to understand and control AI usage now
- You’re a large or regulated enterprise
- You need formal certification for clients/regulators
- You have the time, budget, and internal resource
Final Thought
This isn’t AIGAS vs ISO 42001.
It’s about starting where you are.
For most firms, AIGAS is the on-ramp to proper AI governance — and for some, it may eventually lead to ISO 42001.
But doing nothing?
That’s the real risk.
Internal and External Reading
Internal PPCS / AIGAS links
External guidance
Register your firm’s AI usage for free
If your firm is already using AI, the best first step is visibility. Start with the AI Register, understand where your exposure is, and build governance from there.
AIGAS Bronze
AIGAS Silver
ISO Pathway
Start your free AI Register →
Explore the AIGAS Standard →
Explore the ISO Pathway →
PPCS
PPCS specialises in cybersecurity and governance for accounting firms, helping practices implement Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and now AI governance through AIGAS™.
Our focus is simple: practical, achievable frameworks that improve resilience, build trust, and enable growth.
Chair, AIGAS™ Advisory Board
