Trust Shapes AI’s Future: Key Findings from Global Studies

The growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) systems is prompting a significant examination of trust in technology. As autonomous AI increasingly takes over decision-making roles, understanding the dynamics of trust in this new landscape is crucial for both businesses and consumers.

Trust Gap Impacts AI Deployment

A global study conducted by KPMG and Melbourne Business School reveals that while 66% of people utilize AI on a weekly basis and 83% recognize its benefits, only 46% express trust in these technologies. The findings from the Stanford HAI AI Index 2025 echo this sentiment, indicating a hesitance about the positive transformation AI might bring to society.

In sectors such as finance and healthcare, where algorithmic decisions significantly influence credit and compliance, this low level of trust poses a measurable barrier to business growth. Responding to these concerns, regulators in various regions are enhancing oversight. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported that federal agencies are prioritizing transparency, documentation, and oversight in AI deployments. Similarly, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act mandates that providers of high-risk AI systems prepare comprehensive technical documentation, detailing model design and risk management before market introduction.

Despite these challenges, investment in AI technology continues to rise. According to PYMNTS, global AI spending is projected to exceed $2.8 trillion by 2029, driven largely by automation across finance, logistics, and data infrastructure. Yet, as noted by the World Economic Forum, “AI can only scale at the speed of public confidence.”

Governance: The Foundation of Trust

As AI systems evolve into what the World Economic Forum refers to as the “agent economy,” where digital agents negotiate and make decisions on behalf of users, the need for robust governance becomes paramount. The potential for bias, misuse, and cybersecurity risks increases with this autonomy.

An analysis by CIO highlights that governance serves as the “blueprint for trust,” emphasizing that oversight must be integrated into AI design through rigorous documentation and human reviews. This requirement is gaining traction across the private sector. A report on Discover Financial Services indicates that even early adopters of AI are advocating for cautious implementation, stressing that trust and governance must evolve in tandem with technological innovation.

According to KPMG’s 2025 board-readiness survey, over half of Fortune 500 companies now maintain formal AI governance committees, reflecting a growing commitment to align AI performance with regulatory and ethical standards.

Trust as a Competitive Advantage

The World Economic Forum characterizes trust as the “new currency” within the AI economy, suggesting that it plays a crucial role in transforming innovation into widespread adoption. A report from the Wall Street Journal indicates that consumers are more inclined to engage with AI-powered platforms when data usage is transparent, and opt-out options are clearly defined.

Karen Webster, CEO of PYMNTS, extends this notion to the broader data economy, asserting that trust has become the only true currency of information exchange. Companies that maintain transparent and auditable data practices are better positioned to build resilient business models.

The KPMG global trust study further supports this perspective, revealing that 70% of global respondents advocate for stronger AI regulation to enhance accountability. For investors and corporate boards, this sentiment directly influences enterprise valuation. Systems lacking verifiability are increasingly viewed as compliance risks rather than innovative assets, underscoring the importance of establishing trust in the AI landscape.

As AI technology continues to advance, the establishment of trust will be pivotal in determining its impact on society and the economy. Moving forward, the focus on transparency, governance, and public confidence will shape the trajectory of AI’s integration into everyday life.