Three-quarters (76%) of organisations rely on chartered accountants for data integrity, an increase of six percentage points since 2023, research conducted for Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) has found.

The profession ranks third globally for trust behind doctors and engineers against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, digital disruption, and eroding institutional confidence.

"At a time of eroding trust in institutions, Chartered Accountants are bucking the trend,” said Ainslie van Onselen, chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide.

“In a world shaped by AI, disinformation, and rising demand for accountability, our profession is standing tall – not just for technical excellence, but as guardians of trusted data and ethical leadership.

"Across CAW’s global network, member institutes are leading the way in equipping Chartered Accountants and students to meet emerging challenges and opportunities head-on. This is more than a vote of confidence – it’s a mandate for leadership.

“Chartered Accountants are being called to lead not only in financial stewardship, but in helping businesses navigate ethical and digital frontiers.”

Data accuracy and misinformation emerged as key challenges in CAW's fifth Trust Survey, which was carried out by Edelman DXI, with three in four business leaders voicing concern.

Rosemary Keogh, CEO of Chartered Accountants Ireland, said the group's members have been in strong demand to provide guidance through Covid, Brexit, economic shocks and the cost-of-living crisis.

"The last time this research was conducted, 67% of business leaders reported that they turned to Chartered Accountants for their services or advice to navigate economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis," Keogh said.

"Fast forward to 2025, and while the challenge has evolved, the reliance on Chartered Accountants for strategic guidance remains.

“In 2025, data accuracy and misinformation are key challenges in the business environment. 76% of respondents identify these as key concerns for their business, with Ireland and Northern Ireland recording some of the sharpest increases in concern among all the markets surveyed."

Regarding AI, 83% of respondents agreed that the profession provides the critical analysis for business decisions, while 74% said the profession plays a crucial role in driving business AI investment. 

Photo: Rosemary Keogh. (Pic: Supplied)