The discussion continues to explore the newly introduced international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS), ISO/IEC 42001. It focuses on the practical roadmap to achieving certification, outlining essential steps, common challenges, and proven approaches for AI-driven organisations seeking to align their operational practices with this evolving standard.
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Roadmap to ISO/IEC 42001 Certification
Roadmap to ISO/IEC 42001 Certification
The conversation in the latest episode of Risk Associates’ podcast series shifts from high-level concepts to practical execution. As organisations prepare for ISO/IEC 42001 certification, preparation, documentation, best practices, and structured implementation emerge as central priorities. These elements form the baseline for achieving maturity, demonstrating accountability, and building trusted AI operations.
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 Artificial Intelligence Systems Manual serves as a foundational document where organisations outline and define the clause requirements of relevant standards. It provides a structured framework for implementing, maintaining, and demonstrating compliance with ISO 42001, ensuring that every aspect of AI governance is clearly documented and traceable.
According to Waqas Haseeb,
“A document called the Artificial Intelligence Systems Manual is where you define the clause requirements of the standards.”
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 conducting gap analysis to documentation and implementation, organisations can navigate emerging regulatory landscapes while demonstrating responsible AI practices.
According to Waqas Haseeb,
“It’s not just about getting clients certified, it’s about building sustainable AI governance.”
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.
