2 April 2025
When organizations apply for certification for their AI management system in accordance with ISO/IEC 42001, they seek to establish a structured approach in their AI management. Their goal is to establish AI systems that are ethically impeccable, transparent, and reliable. Once these are in place, they can manage the opportunities and risks involved in AI and align them to their business objectives. Unique AG, supplier of AI solutions for the financial services industry, has now been awarded the first certificate to be issued in Europe by TÜV SÜD in accordance with ISO/IEC 42001.
“Development and implementation of AI systems is a complex process. Certification under ISO/IEC 42001 provides confirmation that rigorous standards were upheld in planning, implementation, and integration of AI systems into existing systems and processes,” explains Dr. Ibrahim Halfaoui, AI expert consultant at TÜV SÜD. “The certificate serves as proof of an organization’s commitment to ethical, transparent, and responsible management.”
Unique’s certification sets new standards of trust
Swiss startup Unique has developed a platform for responsible AI solutions for the financial services sector. Alongside Unique’s own aim of developing trustworthy products, the EU AI Act and requests from customers spurred the company to address the topic of certification in accordance with ISO/IEC 42001. Before the certification audit could take place, the company had to align some of its processes to the specifications set out in the standard, which resulted in an extended AI policy, lifecycle management, and AI impact assessment to meet the standard. While the Compliance and IT Security departments will benefit the most from the new processes, Marketing and Sales will also reap major advantages from the new TÜV SÜD certification.
“Our aim is not only to achieve excellence, but also to demonstrate and model our excellence. By implementing the ISO/IEC 42001, Unique has consistently structured, documented AI processes that enable a high degree of transparency and traceability,” says Dr. Sina Wulfmeyer, Chief Data Officer at Unique. “The TÜV SÜD certification delivers a genuine advantage. We are at the cutting edge of innovation and can grow faster thanks to our structured processes.”
ISO/IEC 42001 at a glance
Developed specifically for the management of AI systems, the international ISO/IEC 42001 standard defines the requirements for setting up, implementing, managing, and continuously improving an AI management system (AIMS). The standard applies to all organizations using, developing, or supplying AI-based products or services. Certification in accordance with ISO/IEC 42001:2023 serves as a demonstration that the holder organization uses responsible AI and confirms its commitment to ethics, transparency, and responsible management.
For more information on certification in accordance with ISO/IEC 42001, visit tuvsud.com/en/services/auditing-and-system-certification/iso-iec-42001.
Picture caption: The certificate confirming that Unique has passed the ISO/IEC 42001 audit is presented at the company, with Thomas Janz, Dr. Ibrahim Halfaoui (both from TÜV SÜD), Michael Dreher, Dr. Sina Wulfmeyer, Daylan Araz (all three from Unique), Nikolaus Pinger (trail-ml), and Harald Vogel (TÜV SÜD). Source: Unique
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Press contact: Laura Albrecht
