Chartered Accountants among world’s most trusted professions in an era of AI and misinformation

In today’s climate of economic uncertainty, digital disruption, and eroding institutional confidence, Chartered Accountants are recognised by finance and business decision makers as one of the world’s most trusted professions. According to the fifth wave of the Trust Survey conducted by Edelman DXI for Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), the profession ranks third globally for trust, just behind doctors and engineers – and significantly ahead of other accountancy qualifications.

While trust in the “accountancy” profession overall has declined by three points since 2023, trust in Chartered Accountants remains steady, creating a record 5-point gap that reinforces the value of the Chartered Accountancy designation. As businesses navigate misinformation, AI adoption, and the demand for ethical leadership, Chartered Accountants continue to stand out as trusted stewards of financial integrity and reliable data.

“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.”

Trusted partners in times of transformation

Since the first wave of research in 2018, Chartered Accountants have consistently been seen as trusted partners in times of uncertainty, providing guidance through global crises such as COVID-19, Brexit, economic shocks, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Today, finance and business leaders are increasingly turning to Chartered Accountants to help them navigate digital transformation challenges – including AI integration and the threat of misinformation – and provide strategic leadership in adapting to a fast-changing landscape.

The rise of the data guardian and ethical steward

The Edelman DXI study reveals that three in four businesses now rely on Chartered Accountants to ensure data integrity: a +6-point rise since 2023. Their role is seen as fundamental to both financial stewardship and safeguarding ethical decision-making in an age of algorithmic risk.

Challenges and opportunities; a leadership gap to be filled

Trust in Chartered Accountants is on a strong upward trajectory, with credibility on purpose-driven issues up by 13 points. Expectations from business leaders are also increasing, giving a clear signal that the profession is viewed as central to advancing purpose. While expectations are rising slightly faster than delivery, this only highlights the profession’s growing relevance and the opportunity to lead.

At the same time, like many sectors, Chartered Accountancy faces pressures around talent. However, Chartered Accountants have an opportunity to fill a critical leadership gap, extending beyond technical finance to guiding organisations through complex ethical, digital, and societal transitions.

“This is more than a vote of confidence – it’s a mandate for leadership,” said Ms van Onselen. “Chartered Accountants are being called to lead not only in financial stewardship, but in helping businesses navigate ethical and digital frontiers. CAW’s global network is stepping up, equipping their members and students to meet this moment with integrity, insight and impact.”

“At a time when truth is contested and data is vulnerable, the role of Chartered Accountants as data guardians has never been more vital,” said Penelope Mantzaris, Director at Edelman DXI. “Our research shows they are not only trusted, but they are also increasingly indispensable.”

About the research

The Trust Survey, conducted by Edelman DXI in partnership with Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), has been running since 2018. The 2025 wave explores public and business trust in the accountancy profession during a period marked by global disruption and transformation. This year’s focus includes themes such as trust, AI adoption, misinformation, purpose-driven leadership, and talent. The Trust Survey offers a longitudinal view of how the Chartered Accountant designation is perceived by business leaders globally, particularly in relation to shifting expectations around technology, transparency, and ethics. The research had a sample size of 1,725 finance decision-makers (Director level and above) within businesses across 10 markets.

The 2025 AI Transformation Report, conducted by Ipsos UK in partnership with Chartered Accountants Worldwide, surveyed over 2,700 Chartered Accountants across 48 countries to understand how the profession is preparing for the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption. Review the report here: A profession poised for AI transformation demands upskilling and leadership – Chartered Accountants Worldwide