In the second episode of Risk Associates’ exclusive series, Roadmap to ISO/IEC 42001 Certification, we continued exploring the new international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). The session, moderated by Syed Zahran and joined by Waqas Haseeb, Director of Certification Services and AI management systems expert, delved into the practical roadmap for ISO/IEC 42001 certification tailored for AI-driven organisations. The discussion explored key steps, challenges, and best practices for organisations looking to align their AI processes with this emerging standard.
The conversation moved beyond abstract ideas and zoomed into preparation, documentation, best practices, and implementation, all of which set the foundation for achieving certification.
Syed opened with a key question: where should organisations begin?
Waqas emphasised that clarity of intent is the first step. “It starts with clarity organisations need to define their certification objectives: Is it to build trust? Ensure compliance? Enter new markets? That shapes everything that follows.”
From there, the roadmap moves to a tailored gap analysis. Unlike a generic checklist, this analysis compares the current AI governance model against ISO/IEC 42001 requirements covering risk treatment, lifecycle controls, transparency, and explainability. According to Waqas, the process helps highlight where gaps exist and what needs reinforcement.
The dialogue then shifted to the importance of documented policies and procedures. ISO/IEC 42001 requires not just good practices, but formalised structures around how AI is governed.
Organisations are expected to prepare documents including AI risk registers, lifecycle management policies, algorithmic transparency measures, and incident response procedures. Waqas clarified that most entities already have fragments of these controls, but ISO/IEC 42001 integrates them into a cohesive framework that ensures accountability and governance.
Syed asked how organisations can move from preparation to implementation. Waqas stressed that this must be treated as a business initiative, not only an IT project. Cross-functional buy-in from leadership, compliance, and technical teams is essential.
One of the challenges highlighted was the difficulty of capturing tacit knowledge, especially in research-driven or start-up environments where AI systems evolve quickly. Ownership also emerged as a recurring issue, as AI projects often involve hybrid teams. Waqas noted, “ISO 42001 pushes for defined roles and documented accountability.”
Embedding governance into everyday workflows is what ensures AI maturity. Rather than adding bureaucracy, the standard builds alignment across functions.
The episode also outlined how the certification process unfolds in practice. Risk Associates’ role includes readiness reviews, tailored support for domain-specific AI use cases, and a structured pathway from initial preparation to final audit.
Waqas explained that transparency and early engagement are critical. “Be transparent, document your decision logic, and engage your teams early. Our goal is not just to certify you it’s to help you build sustainable AI governance.”
This framing positioned certification not as a one-off milestone, but as an enabler of trust, resilience, and operational maturity.
The episode concluded with a clear message: ISO/IEC 42001 certification is a journey that strengthens both AI systems and organisational credibility. By following a structured roadmap from defining objectives and gap analysis to documentation and implementation organisations can navigate emerging regulatory landscapes while demonstrating responsible AI practices.
As the series continues, the spotlight will move to real-world success stories of organisations already leveraging ISO/IEC 42001 to drive trustworthy, ethical, and future-ready AI operations.
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