KPMG International has introduced KPMG Workbench, a foundational AI platform aimed at scaling the global adoption and integration of AI.

The launch is part of the firm’s multi-billion dollar investment in AI and agentic transformation.

KPMG Workbench will serve as the backbone for the firm’s client delivery platforms, including KPMG Digital Gateway, KPMG Velocity, and KPMG Clara, the smart audit platform.

This announcement follows a series of AI initiatives from the firm, including recent partnerships with Microsoft and other alliance partners.

The AI platform features a network of 50 AI assistants and chatbots that collaborate across multiple sectors.

The auditing giant said it is also developing nearly a thousand additional AI assistants to cater to diverse client needs, enhancing the overall service offering.

These AI agents are designed to work alongside the firm’s professionals, utilising large language models to provide quicker and more reliable solutions for clients. This collaboration aims to improve the quality of service delivered to clients.

KPMG noted that the platform is built on Microsoft Azure AI Foundry Services, allowing for interoperable communication between agents.

KPMG Workbench integrates capabilities from various alliance partners, including Oracle, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Workday. This collaboration is expected to enrich the platform’s functionality and broaden its application across different sectors.

The company asserts that the platform will facilitate the next generation of AI-enabled client service delivery. KPMG aims to offer innovative ‘Services as Software’ (SaS) that leverage the deep industry expertise of its professionals.

Additionally, KPMG Workbench incorporates built-in data sovereignty features, which  allows clients to maintain control over their data storage and processing, addressing diverse risk and governance needs while complying with regulatory requirements.

KPMG International AI global head David Rowlands said: “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.”