BDO USA Leads with Responsible AI Strategy
BDO USA is making waves with a forward-thinking responsible AI strategy that blends innovation with governance. The firm is not just adopting AI it’s shaping how it should be used responsibly. With a $1 billion global investment over five years, BDO is scaling its AI efforts while staying grounded in ethical principles. The strategy includes AI-powered tools, educational programs, and a comprehensive governance framework that puts people first. Every part of the plan aims to empower professionals and deliver lasting value to clients.
Driving this initiative is Mike Gerhard, Chief Data and AI Officer, appointed in 2024. Gerhard is responsible for leading all data and AI developments at BDO. He partners with firm leadership to build smart, proprietary tools that directly improve business performance. His team, known as RAID (Research and AI Development), works at high speed to prototype tools aligned with evolving business goals. This combination of agility and alignment ensures that BDO’s AI innovations stay both impactful and relevant.
Tools, Training, and a Culture of Innovation
One of the standout tools in this responsible AI strategy is Chat BDO. Built on Microsoft Azure, the tool has saved over 600,000 hours of manual work since its 2023 launch. BDO is also rolling out tools like Consultative Selling Account Insights and Risk Assessment Coach to help professionals analyze data faster and more accurately. Additionally, BDO DocPro set to launch later this year will handle complex documentation tasks, improving workflow efficiency across departments.
However, BDO’s vision goes beyond tools. The firm is nurturing a culture that supports ethical and effective AI use. Programs like AI Ambassadors and AI Literacy help employees build confidence in using AI responsibly. These initiatives aren’t just add-ons—they are central to the strategy. BDO wants every employee to understand the “why” behind the tech. Moreover, the company plans to roll out generative AI assistants and AI-powered personalization to elevate client engagement even further.
With this robust and ethical roadmap, BDO USA is setting the standard for how large firms can lead with AI while maintaining trust and responsibility. It’s a smart blend of innovation, learning, and governance. Rather than simply follow trends, BDO is designing a future where technology serves people—not the other way around.
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News Source: Businesswire.com