86% of Americans rank data privacy as a top concern, and 40% say they don't trust brands to manage their data ethically (Forbes, 2025). In this climate, C-suite leaders face a defining challenge: balancing the promise of AI innovation with the growing demand for transparency. Trust is no longer a soft metric—it’s the engine of growth, brand equity, and regulatory survival.  

A recent global study by the University of Melbourne and KPMG revealed some thought-provoking insights on artificial intelligence (AI). While 66% of people reported regular use of AI, and 83% believed in its benefits, only 46% felt they could trust AI systems.