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AI drives consultant demand
Welcome to International Accounting Bulletin’s World Survey 2026 edition. This year’s Survey ranks 54 global accounting Networks and Associations. For FY25, overall growth remained positive yet slowed down for the 34 accountancy networks, sitting at 7%, bringing total fee income to $307.2bn. From this, networks outside of the Big Four reported only 2% growth. Meanwhile, the 20 associations that took part achieved a total fee income of $40.9bn bringing a collective growth of 10%; albeit this growth fell slightly below last year’s reporting at 13%, it is the second year in a row that associations have achieved higher growth than the networks. As well as the overall World Rankings, this edition also includes breakdowns by service lines and regions, as well as rankings for The Big Four.
In 2025, IAB reported much about the growth in AI investment that was deemed to be an imperative to realise, for the survival of accounting firms. In 2026, that message has been absorbed with accounting networks and associations rapidly deploying technology and partnering across global regions.
From early this year, the story has moved on with Agentic AI systems sitting at the core of discussions and strategic spend. AI agentic systems, beyond ChatGPT, are an openly exciting area for discovery of new opportunities for the profession.
These smart agents can handle repetitive tasks, analyse large datasets, and simulate scenarios - but they still rely on human expertise to interpret results and advise clients. This shift is creating broader consulting and advisory roles, from audit and tax to strategic and transactional services, generating fresh revenue streams. To succeed, accountants will need AI literacy, data analysis skills, regulatory know-how, and advisory expertise, turning insights into actionable guidance. The thinking is that, far from replacing jobs, AI agents amplify the value of accountants, enabling smarter decisions and stronger client partnerships.
In this edition's features, we take a deep dive into the focus and reported numbers shaping the accounting profession in 2026 and beyond. Joe Pickard, group editor of Professional Services, and Ravi Chandra Varma Nampalli, Data Analyst at GlobalData, bring us an analysis with essential figures and insights from IAB’s World Survey 2026, highlighting the global trends and shifts that every firm should know about.
Zoya Malik, International Accounting Bulletin editor-in-chief, explores with global accounting leaders the trends and outlook for 2026, speaking to C-Suite executives and industry experts about the regulatory, AI, M&A and staffing pressures redefining ‘Authority and Opportunity in an Age of Acceleration.’ Governance remains a cornerstone of professional integrity, and Memoria Lewis of ML Consultants offers a close-up view of how transparency, inclusivity and robust structures are maintained within member-led accounting associations, suggesting what effective oversight looks like in practice. Career trajectories are also evolving, with ACCA's latest research, summarised by CEO Helen Brand, revealing that flexible, personalised career paths are overtaking traditional linear roles, reshaping how finance professionals will grow and adapt over the next decade. Generational dynamics are emerging in the private wealth sector as well; new research from Ocorian highlights how younger members of family offices are broadening their networks of trusted advisors, compared to founding generations, signalling important shifts in governance, investment approaches and expectations. Technology continues to drive change, and Cyrus Mewawalla, head of Strategic Intelligence at GlobalData, examines 2026 Tech Predictions, while focusing on cryptocurrencies and blockchain. His analysis identifies the likely winners and losers as these technologies roll out, offering insight into how innovation will intersect with regulation, client demand, and strategic planning.
Together, these features provide a snapshot of a profession in transformation, blending data, insight and foresight to guide accounting leaders and practitioners through a year of change and opportunity.
16th International Accounting Forum
On 25 June 2026, senior leaders from across accounting, audit and advisory will gather in London for the 16th International Accounting Forum. Co-hosted by International Accounting Bulletin and The Accountant publications, IAFA is a senior-level strategy forum designed for decision makers who need clarity, confidence and competitive advantage.
Join IAB and The Accountant’s teams, CEOs, CFOs, Managing Partners and Heads of Audit, Advisory, Tax, Digital and Talent for a day of insight, benchmarking and high-value networking. Register here.
Click to enter for International Accounting Awards 2026.
I look forward to your feedback.
Zoya Malik
editor-in-chief