Chartered Accountants rank third globally for trust, behind doctors and engineers, as businesses increasingly rely on the profession to navigate AI adoption, misinformation, and ethical challenges.
Chartered Accountants continue to be viewed as one of the world’s most trusted professions, according to the latest data from Edelman DXI for Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW).
The designation ranks third globally for trust among finance and business decision-makers, behind only doctors and engineers, and maintains a clear lead over other accounting qualifications.
While confidence in the accountancy profession overall has slipped slightly by three points since 2023, trust in Chartered Accountants has remained steady, creating a record five-point gap that reinforces the value of the professional designation.
The data comes amid growing concern over digital disruption, artificial intelligence adoption, and misinformation in business, highlighting the role Chartered Accountants play as reliable stewards of financial data and ethical decision-making.
“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.”
Bruce Cartwright, CEO of ICAS, noted the importance of the designation for professional credibility. “Trust is the foundation of our profession, so it’s encouraging to see strong levels of confidence in those who hold the Chartered Accountancy designation. This global survey reinforces the trust society places in our members and highlights their role in ethical leadership and financial stewardship in an evolving digital landscape.”
Alan Vallance, Chief Executive of ICAEW, added that the results underscore the profession’s increasing relevance in AI and digital transformation. “The rigorous training undertaken by our members, together with the robust decision-making frameworks set out by our Code of Ethics, makes them natural allies of business,” he said. “ICAEW continues to support the profession globally with essential skills as it adapts to modern challenges, including a greater focus on ethics, sustainability, and AI in our flagship ACA qualification.”
The survey also points to the expanding responsibilities of Chartered Accountants. Three in four businesses now rely on the profession to safeguard data integrity, a six-point increase from 2023.
Credibility in purpose-driven issues has risen 13 points, reflecting growing expectations for accountants to provide leadership on ethical and strategic issues, not just financial reporting.
“These findings represent more than a vote of confidence – they are a mandate for leadership,” van Onselen said. “Chartered Accountants are being called to lead not only in financial stewardship but in guiding organisations through ethical and digital frontiers.”
Penelope Mantzaris, Director at Edelman DXI, emphasised the profession’s growing importance in the current climate. “At a time when truth is contested and data is vulnerable, the role of Chartered Accountants as data guardians has never been more vital,” she said. “Our research shows they are not only trusted but increasingly indispensable.”
The Trust Survey has tracked perceptions of the accountancy profession since 2018. The 2025 wave surveyed 1,725 finance decision-makers across ten global markets, with a focus on AI adoption, purpose-driven leadership, misinformation, and evolving expectations around transparency and ethics.
In parallel, CAW’s 2025 AI Transformation Report surveyed over 2,700 Chartered Accountants across 48 countries to assess how the profession is preparing for AI-driven change in business and finance.
