KPMG Podcast Series: Building Confidence

As expectations around trust and transparency continue to evolve, how can organisations demonstrate that their controls are working effectively?

In this episode, Grace Allan is joined by Stefan Waelti, Head of Assurance Technology at KPMG Switzerland, to explore the evolving assurance landscape, from SOC and ISAE reporting to integrated control frameworks and the importance of choosing the right assurance provider.

They also look ahead to AI assurance and discuss how growing expectations around governance, transparency and accountability are shaping the future of trust.

Want to explore more? Visit our 'Building confidence in your AI assurance journey' hubpage.

In Part 2 of this two-part Building Confidence podcast series, Grace Allan is joined again by Tom Collins, Partner in KPMG UK’s Controls Assurance team, to explore how assurance reporting is evolving in response to the growing impact of AI. Building on the fundamentals covered in Part 1, they discuss how organisations are beginning to think about AI within their control environments, and what this means for the future of SOC reporting.

The conversation explores the emergence of SOC 2+, including how assurance is expanding to cover AI governance, controls and broader stakeholder expectations. They also discuss how organisations can prepare — from understanding AI-related risks and integrating them into risk frameworks, to leveraging approaches such as KPMG’s Trusted AI framework.

With practical insights from real-world engagements, this episode highlights how organisations can position themselves for the next phase of assurance, where technology, innovation and trust are increasingly interconnected.

In Part 1 of this two-part Building Confidence podcast series, Grace Allan, Assistant Manager at KPMG UK is joined by Tom Collins, Partner in KPMG UK’s Controls Assurance team, to explore the fundamentals of SOC 2 reporting and why it’s becoming increasingly important for organisations today. They unpack what a SOC 2 report is, who typically needs one, and the key drivers behind adoption - from contractual requirements to competitive pressures in the market.

 

The episode also covers how organisations can approach their SOC 2 journey in a structured way - starting with a Readiness assessment, addressing control gaps, and building strong Security foundations. They share practical insights on what sets successful programmes apart, and the risks of skipping key steps, helping organisations drive real value from SOC 2, not just compliance.

 

Listen to Part 2 here, as we explore how assurance reporting is evolving in response to the growing impact of AI.

As sustainability expectations evolve and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, the boardroom agenda is being reshaped. So what should sustainability committees be prioritising right now?

In this episode, Krishna Grenville Goble, Director in KPMG UK's Board Leadership Centre, is joined by Richard Andrews, Head of Sustainability, and George Richards, Head of Sustainability Assurance, to explore six critical questions every sustainability committee should be asking.

From governance and accountability to risk, resilience and long-term value creation, they share practical insights on how boards can move beyond compliance and reporting to make sustainability a strategic driver of business performance.

Whether you're a board member, committee chair or sustainability leader, this conversation offers timely perspectives on the issues that matter most.

For more information, read out 'On the Sustainability Committee Agenda' article here

In this episode, Naz Peralta, Partner and Head of the Pensions Centre of Excellence, is joined by John Gething, Head of Defined Benefit Corporate Advisory, and Qasim Javid, Director in International Tax at KPMG to explore the evolving pension landscape and what it means for organisations today.

 

Our experts discuss how sponsors can unlock value from surplus, the key considerations when engaging with trustees, and the accounting and tax implications that can shape decision-making. From running schemes on to buy-in and buyout strategies, we break down what matters most for organisations navigating their pension journey.