Ernst & Young Global Limited

https://www.ey.com

EY, legally known as Ernst & Young Global Limited, is a multinational professional services network and one of the "Big Four" firms, headquartered in London, England. Its core mission is "Building a better working world" by providing insights and quality services that help build trust and confidence in capital markets and economies, while fostering leaders who deliver long-term value to clients, people, and communities.

EY offers a comprehensive suite of services across four integrated service lines: Assurance, Tax, Consulting, and Strategy and Transactions. These services encompass financial audit, tax advisory, digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, strategy consulting through EY-Parthenon, financial advisory, and legal services. The firm serves a diverse global client base, including Fortune 500 multinationals, private equity firms, governments, and high-growth startups, operating across various industries such as financial services, technology, energy, health, and consumer products.

Led by Global Chair and CEO Janet Truncale, effective July 1, 2024, EY maintains a strong market position as a leading professional services provider. The firm has been actively investing in advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, with initiatives like EY.ai, a platform unifying AI innovation, and the global rollout of enterprise-scale agentic AI in its Assurance services to redefine the audit experience. While a proposed split of its auditing and consulting arms, known as "Project Everest," was canceled in April 2023, EY continues its focus on innovation and client value. The firm is consistently recognized for its workplace culture, appearing on Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Latest updates

US Corporate Leaders Signal AI Adoption Lag Despite Growth Optimism

Event summary

  • 80% of US corporate leaders surveyed by EY-Parthenon report growth has become more challenging.
  • 97% of organizations have altered growth strategies in the last 12 months due to external factors.
  • 78% of executives believe AI will accelerate growth, yet 63% are primarily using it for efficiency.
  • Only 34% or less trust AI output for key growth decisions like pricing, product development, and M&A.

The big picture

Despite widespread optimism about AI's potential, US corporate leaders are grappling with a disconnect between ambition and execution. The survey underscores a broader trend of heightened uncertainty and volatility impacting growth strategies, forcing companies to re-evaluate their approaches and prioritize AI adoption while simultaneously addressing internal limitations and competitive threats. The reliance on AI for productivity rather than growth signals a potential missed opportunity for market leadership.

What we're watching

Trust Deficit
The significant gap between executive optimism about AI and actual trust in AI-driven decisions suggests a protracted adoption cycle, potentially delaying revenue generation and competitive advantage.
Internal Constraints
The survey highlights internal obstacles like risk compliance and legacy infrastructure as barriers to AI adoption; these issues may require substantial investment and organizational restructuring to overcome.
Competitive Response
The fear that AI is enabling new market entrants and threatening existing revenue streams indicates that incumbents must aggressively innovate and adapt to avoid disruption.

EY Names 525 Finalists for Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Event summary

  • EY US announced 525 finalists for the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Awards across 17 regions.
  • The Entrepreneur of the Year program has recognized over 11,000 entrepreneurs globally since 1986.
  • Regional winners will be announced throughout June, with national awards presented in November at the Strategic Growth Forum.
  • Finalists were selected based on criteria including entrepreneurial spirit, company growth, and impact.

The big picture

EY's Entrepreneur of the Year program serves as a key marketing tool, reinforcing the firm's brand as a champion of innovation and growth. The program's longevity and global reach demonstrate the ongoing demand for recognition and networking opportunities among ambitious business leaders. The selection process and subsequent community access are designed to cultivate client relationships and generate referral business for EY's broader suite of services.

What we're watching

Selection Bias
The criteria for selection, while broad, may disproportionately favor companies aligned with EY's consulting and advisory services, potentially skewing the representation of truly disruptive businesses.
Ecosystem Impact
The long-term value of the 'lifetime membership' within the EY entrepreneurial ecosystem will depend on the actual resources and network access provided, and whether it translates to tangible business benefits for award winners.
Forum Attendance
The Strategic Growth Forum’s continued relevance hinges on attracting a diverse and influential group of high-growth CEOs and investors, and whether it remains a valuable networking and deal-making opportunity.

Boomer AI Adoption Signals Untapped Market, Demands Inclusive Design

Event summary

  • An EY survey of 2,515 individuals aged 60-85 across 16 countries reveals 38% are actively learning about AI.
  • 80% of surveyed boomers express skepticism about the accuracy of AI-generated content.
  • Businesses investing in age-inclusive design and transparent data governance are likely to gain a competitive advantage.
  • EY is launching pilot programs in Germany and Indonesia in mid-2026, partnering with Arist to provide accessible AI upskilling content.

The big picture

This EY report challenges the assumption that older adults are resistant to AI, revealing a significant demographic eager to learn and adopt the technology. The findings underscore the business imperative to prioritize age-inclusive design and transparent data governance to capture this untapped market, while also highlighting the societal responsibility to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to AI literacy. Failure to address this demographic’s needs risks exacerbating existing inequalities and missing out on a substantial economic opportunity.

What we're watching

Market Opportunity
The demonstrated interest in AI among older adults suggests a significant, previously overlooked market segment for businesses willing to adapt their offerings and communication strategies. Success will depend on overcoming data privacy concerns and providing accessible, trustworthy resources.
Workplace Impact
The disparity in AI adoption between employed and retired boomers highlights the continued importance of the workplace as a primary avenue for AI education and integration, requiring targeted support for those transitioning out of the workforce.
Scalability
The success of EY’s pilot programs with Arist will determine whether accessible AI upskilling can be effectively scaled beyond Germany and Indonesia to reach a broader demographic and address the global digital divide.

Federal Modernization Stalled by Skills Gap, Legacy Systems

Event summary

  • An EY survey of 131 US federal government leaders reveals 89% face barriers to efficiency.
  • The workforce skills gap is cited as the top barrier (44%), surpassing budget constraints (34%) and outdated infrastructure (32%).
  • While 92% view AI as critical, 86% cite barriers to scaling its use agency-wide, largely due to legacy system integration and skills shortages.
  • 81% of agencies self-assess modernization efforts as 'A' or 'B', yet only 22% have fully transformed IT systems, with 26% still largely reliant on legacy infrastructure.
  • It takes an average of over a year to move an IT program from pilot to full-scale deployment, highlighting a significant bottleneck.

The big picture

The EY survey underscores a critical disconnect between federal agencies' aspirations for modernization and their ability to execute. While AI adoption is prioritized, the persistent reliance on legacy systems and a severe workforce skills gap are creating a significant bottleneck, hindering the government's ability to deliver on efficiency promises. This situation risks undermining public trust and potentially impacting the delivery of essential services.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The lack of unified AI governance strategies across agencies will likely impede broader adoption and risk creating fragmented, less effective implementations.
Execution Risk
The protracted timeline for IT program deployment (over a year) suggests a systemic inability to translate strategic goals into operational reality, potentially requiring significant process overhaul.
Regulatory Headwinds
Increased scrutiny of AI usage within government, coupled with existing procurement hurdles, may further slow the pace of modernization and necessitate a re-evaluation of current approaches.

EY Lowers Barrier to Privacy-Preserving Smart Contracts with New Sandbox

Event summary

  • EY launched the EY Blockchain Privacy Sandbox on March 26, 2026, a web-based environment for experimenting with privacy-preserving smart contracts.
  • The sandbox leverages Starlight, a zero-knowledge proof compiler originally developed by EY and released into the public domain.
  • The sandbox aims to simplify the development process by removing the need for complex local setups and enabling API-based integration.
  • Grand View Research projects the global zero-knowledge proof market to reach $7.6 billion by 2033.

The big picture

The launch of the EY Blockchain Privacy Sandbox reflects the growing enterprise interest in leveraging public blockchains while addressing data privacy concerns. Zero-knowledge proofs are increasingly seen as a key enabler for this, but the complexity of implementation has been a significant barrier. EY’s move to open-source Starlight and provide a simplified development environment aims to democratize access to this technology and accelerate its adoption within the broader financial services and enterprise sectors.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The pace at which developers and organizations adopt the EY Blockchain Privacy Sandbox will indicate the true demand for accessible ZKP tooling and the effectiveness of EY’s open-source strategy.
Starlight Integration
How readily third-party developers integrate Starlight into their own environments will determine its long-term viability and impact on the broader ZKP ecosystem.
Competitive Response
Other consulting firms and blockchain infrastructure providers will likely respond to EY’s move, potentially leading to a race to offer similar, or more comprehensive, privacy-enhancing development tools.

EY Partners with 8090 to Launch AI-Native Software Development Lifecycle

Event summary

  • EY US and 8090 have jointly launched EY.ai PDLC, an AI-native software development lifecycle platform.
  • The platform leverages 8090's Software Factory and aims to reduce software development time from months to days or weeks.
  • EY projects EY.ai PDLC will increase software development productivity by 70% and cost efficiency by 70%, while accelerating delivery by a factor of 80.
  • The framework will initially be deployed to tens of thousands of EY US consultants.

The big picture

The partnership represents a significant shift towards AI-native software development, addressing the long-standing challenges of cost overruns, slow delivery, and quality issues that plague traditional software development processes. EY's move signals a broader trend among professional services firms to leverage AI to enhance their service offerings and gain a competitive edge. The success of EY.ai PDLC could reshape the consulting landscape and accelerate the adoption of AI-driven development practices across enterprises.

What we're watching

Implementation Risk
The success of EY.ai PDLC hinges on the effective adoption and integration of the platform across tens of thousands of consultants, which could face resistance or require significant training and process adjustments.
Competitive Response
Other consulting firms and software vendors will likely accelerate their own AI-driven development offerings, potentially eroding EY's competitive advantage if the platform's benefits are not demonstrably superior.
Vendor Dependency
EY's reliance on 8090's Software Factory creates a vendor dependency, and any disruption or price increases from 8090 could negatively impact EY's ability to deliver the promised value to clients.

Consumer Beverage Preferences Shift to Wellness, AI-Driven Discovery

Event summary

  • EY's Consumer Beverage Survey, conducted in November-December 2025, polled over 2,500 consumers in the US and Brazil.
  • 58% of US consumers are now paying attention to beverage ingredients, while 52% are willing to pay more for health-focused options.
  • AI-powered beverage recommendations are significantly more prevalent in Brazil (45%) than in the US (27%), with 70% of Brazilians expecting to use them in the future.
  • Gen Z in the US shows a lower rate of alcohol consumption (47%) compared to older generations, while energy drink consumption remains high across younger demographics.

The big picture

EY's survey highlights a fundamental shift in consumer behavior within the beverage industry, driven by a desire for transparency, functional benefits, and personalized experiences. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, who are increasingly shaping demand and accelerating the adoption of digital tools for product discovery. Beverage companies must adapt their strategies to cater to these evolving preferences or risk losing market share to more agile competitors.

What we're watching

Regional Disparities
The rapid adoption of AI-driven recommendations in Brazil suggests a potential divergence in digital engagement strategies for beverage brands operating across different markets.
Wellness Redefined
The broadening definition of 'wellness' beyond basic health will force beverage companies to innovate beyond simple ingredient reduction and consider more holistic consumer needs.
Generational Loyalty
The shift in alcohol consumption patterns among younger generations may necessitate a re-evaluation of brand loyalty programs and marketing strategies to retain these consumers.

AI Governance Lags as Tech Companies Race to Autonomous Systems

Event summary

  • A new EY survey reveals 97% of US technology executives prioritize autonomous AI for long-term competitiveness.
  • 52% of department-level AI initiatives operate without formal approval or oversight.
  • 45% of technology executives reported a data leak in the last 12 months, linked to unauthorized AI tool usage.
  • AI spending is projected to increase by 5% year-over-year, with 79% allocating more to cybersecurity.

The big picture

The EY survey highlights a critical disconnect between the aggressive pursuit of autonomous AI and the lagging development of robust governance frameworks within technology companies. This 'velocity paradox' creates significant operational and reputational risks, as evidenced by the reported data leaks and IP compromises. The prioritization of speed-to-market over thorough vetting suggests a willingness to accept higher levels of risk, which could ultimately impede long-term growth and innovation.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The shift from centralized to federated AI governance models will likely accelerate as companies attempt to balance speed and control, potentially creating interoperability challenges if standards aren't established.
Regulatory Headwinds
Escalating geopolitical tensions and sovereign AI mandates will continue to constrain AI scaling plans, forcing companies to navigate complex and potentially conflicting regulatory landscapes.
Execution Risk
The rapid increase in AI spending, particularly in cybersecurity and talent, may outpace organizational capacity, creating execution risks and potentially hindering the realization of anticipated benefits.

Fleet Electrification's €246 Billion Savings Potential Hinges on Ecosystem Coordination

Event summary

  • A new EY-Eurelectric report estimates European corporate fleet electrification could unlock €246 billion in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030.
  • The report projects full fleet electrification could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to one billion tonnes by 2030.
  • While operating cost advantages are already visible, total cost of ownership (TCO) remains a barrier due to upfront costs, residual value uncertainty, and grid infrastructure limitations.
  • Fleet operators account for 60% of new vehicle sales in the EU, highlighting their significant influence on BEV adoption.

The big picture

The report underscores a critical tension: while the economic and environmental benefits of fleet electrification are clear, realizing those benefits requires a coordinated effort across a complex ecosystem. This highlights the systemic risk inherent in transitioning to electric mobility, where fragmented incentives and infrastructure limitations can derail even compelling business cases. The success of this transition will depend on the ability of stakeholders to overcome these structural barriers and collaborate on a shared vision.

What we're watching

OEM Response
Original Equipment Manufacturers will need to aggressively address upfront price gaps and improve battery transparency to drive broader adoption, potentially through buyback programs and standardized data sharing, or risk losing market share to competitors.
Policy Stability
The effectiveness of fleet electrification hinges on policymakers providing stable, multi-year incentives and regulatory frameworks, as fragmented policies are currently hindering investment decisions.
Grid Investment
The pace of grid infrastructure development and investment in anticipatory capacity will directly impact the scalability of fleet electrification, particularly for high-demand sectors like trucking and depot-based charging.

US CEO M&A Intent Surges, Signaling Shift from Defensive to Growth Mode

Event summary

  • 62% of US CEOs plan to pursue M&A in the next 12 months, a 27-percentage-point increase from September 2025.
  • US CEO M&A intent (62%) outpaces global CEO intent (53%), indicating a divergence in regional economic outlooks.
  • 85% of US CEOs have altered strategic investment plans in the past year, with 46% accelerating and 39% delaying investments.
  • Nearly half (44%) of US CEOs cite accelerated AI adoption as the biggest positive factor for growth in 2026.
  • 97% of US CEOs are currently undergoing or planning a significant enterprise-wide transformation initiative, prioritizing top-line growth.

The big picture

The EY-Parthenon survey reveals a significant shift in US CEO sentiment, moving away from a defensive posture towards a proactive growth strategy driven by M&A and enterprise-wide transformation. This divergence from global trends suggests a unique confidence in the US economy, coupled with a desire to leverage acquisitions to secure technology, talent, and scale. The emphasis on AI highlights a recognition of its transformative potential, but also underscores the challenges of implementation and risk mitigation.

What we're watching

Deal Execution
The surge in M&A intent may strain deal capacity, potentially leading to higher transaction costs and increased scrutiny from regulators given ongoing geopolitical tensions.
AI Integration
The ability of US CEOs to translate AI enthusiasm into tangible, commercially viable applications will be a key differentiator in achieving the promised growth acceleration.
Investment Resilience
Whether the accelerated investment plans can withstand further geopolitical shocks and potential economic slowdowns remains to be seen, particularly given the significant alterations already made.

Life Sciences M&A Surge Masks Pipeline Concerns, China Emerges as Key Target

Event summary

  • Global life sciences M&A activity reached US$240 billion in 2025, an 81% increase from US$130 billion in 2024.
  • The average deal size rose to US$2.1 billion, a 107% increase year-over-year.
  • China accounted for 34% of alliance investment in 2025, up from 4% in 2020.
  • Analysts project a US$370 billion growth gap by 2032, driven by patent expirations and geopolitical risks.
  • AI-related deals have seen a 256% increase in potential value.

The big picture

The surge in life sciences M&A reflects a desperate search for growth amidst looming patent cliffs and geopolitical uncertainty. While 'Firepower' remains abundant, the industry's reliance on large-scale deals and China for innovation signals a heightened risk profile. The increasing importance of AI in dealmaking highlights a potential shift towards data-driven acquisition strategies, but also underscores the challenges of integrating new technologies and achieving expected returns.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
The low success rate (32%) of deals achieving revenue targets suggests a need for more rigorous post-acquisition integration strategies, particularly as deal sizes increase.
China Exposure
The significant reliance on China for innovation and investment creates geopolitical risk; Western firms must balance opportunity with potential regulatory or political shifts.
Pipeline Pressure
The widening growth gap will likely intensify M&A activity, but whether companies can consistently identify and integrate targets to offset patent losses remains a key challenge.

EY Launches Peer-Mentorship Program for State CIOs Amid Rising Public Sector Tech Challenges

Event summary

  • EY has launched the EY Government and Public Sector (GPS) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Advisor in Residence Program, effective December 18, 2025.
  • The program is an initiative of the EY Center for Government Modernization, designed to support state-level technology leaders.
  • The program leverages a CIO Advisory Council composed of former state CIOs, including Claire Bailey, James Collins, Chris Estes, Lori Victor Feller, Doug Holt, Karen Robinson, and Michael Tosh.
  • The program aims to address challenges like evolving cyber threats, budget pressures, and the complexities of governor appointments.

The big picture

State CIOs face increasing pressure to modernize IT infrastructure while navigating tight budgets and evolving security threats. EY’s program represents a recognition of the growing need for peer support and mentorship within the public sector, particularly as technology leadership transitions frequently due to political appointments. This initiative positions EY to capitalize on the demand for specialized advisory services within a market increasingly reliant on technology for citizen services.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The program’s success hinges on the active participation and influence of the Advisory Council; a lack of engagement could undermine its intended impact on state CIO decision-making.
Talent Retention
Whether the program can effectively address the broader issue of talent retention within state government IT departments remains to be seen, as mentorship alone may not solve systemic workforce challenges.
EY’s Expansion
The program’s rollout and expansion to other levels of government (federal, local) will indicate the broader market demand for EY’s public sector advisory services and its strategic priorities.

Healthcare Sector Braces for 2026: AI, Cybersecurity, and Financial Pressures Converge

Event summary

  • EY US projects eight key trends shaping the healthcare sector in 2026.
  • 88% of health leaders express trust in AI technologies, but responsible AI strategies are now critical.
  • 72% of health executives experienced moderate to severe financial impacts from cyber incidents.
  • Federal funding cuts are expected to impact Medicaid coverage for over 10 million individuals in 2026.

The big picture

EY's report highlights a pivotal moment for the healthcare sector, characterized by a confluence of macroeconomic headwinds, regulatory shifts, and technological opportunities. The need for financial resilience is forcing organizations to explore strategies like offshoring and third-party vendor partnerships, while the rapid adoption of AI necessitates a focus on responsible implementation and cybersecurity. These trends collectively suggest a period of significant restructuring and adaptation across the industry.

What we're watching

AI Governance
The effectiveness of proactive AI guidelines and checkpoints will determine whether the sector can realize AI's benefits without significant operational disruption or ethical concerns. The speed of adoption of agentic AI will be a key indicator of risk exposure.
Cybersecurity Investment
Whether healthcare organizations can translate the recognition of cybersecurity's strategic importance into sustained investment and improved resilience remains to be seen, particularly given ongoing financial pressures.
Regulatory Adaptation
The ability of providers and payers to adapt their models in response to federal funding cuts will dictate the long-term viability of care delivery and access for vulnerable populations.
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