ISO 42001: What it is & why it matters for AI management

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in how we work and deliver value, the need for responsible governance is only growing. Until recently, there was no international framework to guide organisations on how to manage AI ethically, transparently, and in line with evolving regulation. 

Enter ISO/IEC 42001, the world’s first certifiable AI Management System Standard (AIMS). Designed to help organisations manage AI risk and promote trust, it offers a practical framework for aligning innovation with compliance. 

If your business is already aligned with ISO 27001 or other recognised standards, ISO 42001 provides a natural extension, and a smart step forward in futureproofing your AI systems. 

What is ISO 42001?

Published in late 2023, ISO 42001 is a globally recognised standard for organisations that develop, deploy, or use AI systems. It sets out how to build a structured, auditable management system to govern AI use, ensuring it is safe, fair, and aligned with both internal values and external regulation. 

The standard follows the same High-Level Structure (HLS) as ISO 27001 and ISO 9001, which makes integration into existing compliance frameworks straightforward. 

Why it matters

AI brings exciting opportunities, but also significant risks. From biased algorithms to lack of transparency or accountability, the potential for harm is real. And as regulations like the EU AI Act start to roll out, businesses need to be proactive in how they govern and document AI use. 

ISO 42001 provides clarity in a fast-moving space. It helps you: 

• Build stakeholder trust through documented governance. 
• Reduce regulatory and reputational risk. 
• Ensure AI is used ethically, securely, and transparently. 
• Align with current and future frameworks- including the EU AI Act.

Who should adopt ISO 42001?

ISO 42001 is relevant for any organisation working with AI, especially those in regulated sectors or offering AI-based products and services. 

It is particularly valuable if you: 

• Use AI in high-risk areas (such as hiring, healthcare, legal, or infrastructure).
• Work with general-purpose AI models or foundation models. 
• Need to demonstrate trust and accountability to customers, partners, or regulators. 
• Want to align with upcoming legislation like the EU AI Act 

As AI adoption accelerates, formal risk management is becoming a priority. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 40% of enterprises will use formal AI risk management frameworks* – up from less than 5% in 2023. ISO 42001 provides a timely and structured approach to meet this growing need.

How it works with other standards

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ISO 42001 is not designed to stand alone; it complements your broader compliance ecosystem. 

By integrating ISO 42001 into your existing management system, you build a stronger, more resilient approach to digital trust and accountability. 

How Hicomply supports your AI governance

At Hicomply, we believe compliance should empower progress, not slow it down. 

With our platform, you can: 

• Map and assess AI-related risks. 
• Create and maintain AI policies and documentation. 
• Assign responsibilities and track accountability. 
• Automate evidence collection and audit preparation. 
• Align AI governance with ISO 27001, ISO 42001, and the EU AI Act. 

Whether you are just starting with AI or scaling AI-powered solutions across your organisation, we help you stay compliant, confident and in control. 

Book a demo with our team today to see how Hicomply can help.

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* Source: Gartner, "Emerging Tech: AI Trust, Risk and Security Management", 2023

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