About Brenda Vethanayagam

AI Governance and Certification

Brenda Vethanayagam leads PwC Canada's launch of groundbreaking AI governance certification services, including ISO 42001 AI Trust Accreditation, providing independent assurance for AI systems.[2][5][11][13][15] These first-to-market solutions aim to build trust in AI by addressing governance gaps, with warnings that Canadian companies are falling behind.[12] She promotes frameworks for responsible AI transformation, as highlighted in events like the WAI Symposium 2026.[1]

Risk Management in AI

Vethanayagam focuses on reducing AI risks in the Canadian market through robust governance and assurance.[8] Her expertise intersects with financial services risk appetite versus reality,[4] and she connects AI to broader risk audits and frameworks evolving slower than AI adoption.[5] In finance, she explores AI's role in transformation alongside standards like IFRS 18.[6]

Assurance and Professional Standards

As a CPA, CA, she engages with assurance topics, including AICPA's peer review questionnaire and AI's implications for auditing.[3] PwC's services under her involvement offer assurance for AI, positioning it as essential for trust.[11][15]

Career Journey and Public Engagements

From co-op student to Partner, Vethanayagam transformed her career by embracing disruptive domains like AI.[10] She speaks at events like CFA Society Toronto webinars on financial futures,[7][9] and contributes to discussions on trust in AI as a defining moment for Canada.[14]

Thought Leadership Collaborations

She collaborates with experts on panels and posts, including WAI Symposium with Negar Farjadnia and Jesslyn Dymond,[1] AI governance with Kevin Siong and Emmet Daly,[2] and finance transformation with Byrne.[6]