EY launches enterprise-scale agentic AI to redefine the audit experience for the AI era

• Embedded agentic AI and modernized audit approach to power 160,000 audit engagements globally
• New EY capabilities, integrated with Microsoft technology, strengthen quality, transform workflows and enhance the client and people experience
• New AI assurance services support clients' AI-enabled transformations

The EY organization today announced the global roll-out of enterprise-scale agentic AI in Assurance, marking a fundamental shift toward AI-transformed audits. These new releases, alongside a modernized audit approach, are part of a multibillion-dollar commitment to audit quality, technology and people, which will continue as part of the EY 'All in' global strategy.

EY is directly embedding a new multi-agent framework, integrated with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Foundry and Microsoft Fabric, into EY Canvas - the single, global Assurance technology platform that processes more than 1.4 trillion lines of journal entry data per year. Encompassing the daily workflows of 130,000 Assurance professionals across 160,000 audit engagements and more than 150 countries and territories, these capabilities will help audit teams orchestrate complex tasks, processes and technologies, and address risks more dynamically, while accessing continuously updated auditing and accounting guidance - at unprecedented scale and speed.

This overall agentic integration immediately embeds AI in all phases of the audit globally through the EY Canvas platform. This follows a sustained period of extensive and successful testing and piloting. It is expected to support all end-to-end audit activities by 2028.

This technology is underpinned by a modern approach for EY auditors, which will reduce administrative burden for clients, improve risk assessments, and maintain the fundamental role of human judgment, skepticism and insight. This will tailor workflows to engagements, further strengthen quality, streamline processes, provide additional insights, drive confidence and improve the audit experience for EY clients and people.

Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO, says:

"As we help the world's leading organizations transform, we hold ourselves to the same standard - starting as 'client zero.' The rapid growth of data, and the new complexities of assuring AI, demand that our people and technology evolve faster than ever. EY's human-led, AI-powered audit of the future is a market-leading example of enterprise AI in action, delivering greater value, deeper insight and increased confidence for our clients and stakeholders-accelerated by our continued investment under the All in strategy."

Supporting organizations through their own transformation journeys

These enhancements come at a pivotal moment as organizations seek to unlock the full potential of AI. A recent EY CEO survey shows that 97% of companies have already embarked on an enterprise-wide transformation, or plan to do so.

The EY organization's updated audit methodology and frameworks support greater depth, relevance and confidence in the audit at a time when the complexities associated with providing assurance on AI are dynamic and still emerging.

They also underpin a suite of assurance services for audit and non-audit clients spanning AI diagnostics, governance, risk management, and controls-helping organizations assess readiness, manage AI related risks, and support accountability and measurable outcomes as they modernize.

Marie-Laure Delarue, EY Global Vice Chair - Assurance, says:

"EY's commitment to our own transformation uniquely positions us to help organizations around the world implement AI at scale. With our people at the center, and powered by our alliance with Microsoft, EY is delivering greater value, deeper insight and increased confidence for our clients and stakeholders - as we will continually redefine the value of the audit in an AI-era."

Powering responsible AI at scale

This deployment is underpinned by the EY organization's strategic alliances, particularly with Microsoft, whose cloud and AI technologies are deeply integrated into the EY technology platform. The multi-agent framework embedded in EY Canvas is built on Microsoft Foundry, Fabric and Azure.

EY is part of the inaugural class of the Frontier Firm AI Initiative, a collaboration between Microsoft and The Harvard Digital Data Design Institute, and one of only 14 participating organizations recognized for deploying advanced AI at scale.

Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft commercial business, says:

"EY's pioneering use of Microsoft's cloud and AI solutions shows what is possible when advanced technology is deployed at enterprise scale. As a recognized Frontier Firm, EY is leading the way in responsible, scalable AI for assurance-accelerating innovation while helping organizations realize real business value."

These new AI capabilities have been developed, tested and deployed in alignment with the EY organization's nine principles of responsible AI, and they come as EY deepens its commitment in this important area by joining the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Industrial Affiliates Program.

In addition to its significant investment in technology, EY has built a global training program to further upskill all global audit and technology risk professionals this year. The structured program will include immersive and in-person learning and will be continuously updated in line with developments in regulation, technology and methodology.

Raj Sharma, EY Global Managing Partner - Growth & Innovation, says:

"EY's bold steps to embed AI within one of our most foundational services - building trust and confidence in capital markets - send a strong signal about the power, potential and reliability of this technology. This transformation is underpinned by EY's deep, long standing strategic alliance with Microsoft, whose cloud and AI technologies are integral to the responsible, secure and scalable deployment of advanced AI across EY's assurance business globally."

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Notes to editors

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

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