HLB Global’s Advisory – Tax – Audit Conference 2026

The conference, which was held in London from 14-17 July, 2026 had the theme ‘Precision, Performance and Partnerships’. More than 180 delegates attended, representing 80 HLB firms from 40 different countries.

HLB’s ESG Forum, held on 13 July, was the precursor of the conference, and gave delegates a chance to discuss the future of sustainability reporting and assurance. Including keynote speeches and a panel debate, the forum explored the competitive advantages of ESG reporting, as well as regulatory obligations.

To commence the ATA Conference itself, HLB’s global chairman, Bill Hagaman, and global CEO, Marco Donzelli, made opening addresses before attendees heard a keynote from Paralympic gold medallist Emma Wiggs MBE. Wiggs shared insight into the mindset that drives elite performance, including the value of resilience, performing under pressure, and remaining curious.

The future that is unfolding isn't one where finance and accounting professionals are replaced – but one where their responsibilities will change. Success in this transition depends on making clear assessments of where AI will add value, establishing clear policies and governance in use, and the cultivation of skills that complement technical capabilities.

ACCA expects that coming years will see organisations develop more integrated workflows based on the principle that AI adoption is not just about distinguishing high versus low-value activities – but focusing on outcomes, quality and value.

Only a minority of finance and accounting teams have implemented AI solutions – but these resources are widely available, and organisations are reviewing opportunities and workforce needs.

AI adoption is expected to accelerate in coming years, especially as our data shows investment on AI initiatives is increasing, and widespread cloud adoption provides a crucial foundation for AI implementation.

The profession is still in the invention and adoption stage of AI, as demonstrated by investment data and current adoption/usage statistics. And the profession is embracing the learning and employment challenge offered by AI as shown by the recently announced changes to the ACCA Qualification which embraces emerging advances in technology and sustainability.

The report adds that widescale use of a general-purpose technology, like AI, may take longer than anticipated.

Read How is AI reshaping finance and accounting work?

Then, through a programme of working groups, debates and plenary sessions that followed, the three-day conference highlighted the importance of anticipating changes in an increasingly dynamic international environment. Geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, and the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence, were among the key topics discussed by senior professionals.

Important takeaways included the value of collaboration in helping find solutions to common problems, embracing the HLB network for growth opportunities and to better serve clients, and the need for a culture of constant innovation to fully connect AI and human intelligence.

Marco Donzelli, global CEO of HLB commented, “One of the most notable strengths of the HLB network is the opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges, and propose solutions with people that you may not otherwise meet. The 2026 ATA Conference was the perfect opportunity to do just that.

“With a varied programme drawing on our specialists and internationally recognised guest speakers, the event allowed HLB members from around the world to explore opportunities and challenges, all while making and strengthening personal connections.”

FSCS deposit protection covers cash holdings up to £120,000 per UK-authorised banking license for eligible businesses. One in three businesses currently hold over £1 million with a single bank, which is over eight times the protection limit.* Even among businesses with multiple banking relationships, three quarters still hold more than the protection limit at their primary bank.

It’s also worth pointing out that while some larger businesses might not be eligible for FSCS protection, leaving large sums of cash in a single account still exposes businesses to significant concentration risk should their bank fail or restrict access. Apply that exposure to a national scale, and it quickly adds up to millions across businesses up and down the country – making it, in turn, a bigger topic for you to discuss with your business clients.

This is also where offering advisory services can make a genuine difference. Reviewing where your clients’ cash sits, whether balances exceed the protection limit at any single institution, and whether funds are spread across banks holding separate banking licenses, is practical, actionable advice with real consequences for clients if something goes wrong.