KPMG’s Analyst Event Highlights The Critical Role Of Technology And AI In Driving Business Transformation
KPMG’s Analyst Event Highlights The Critical Role Of Technology And AI In Driving Business Transformation
In February, KPMG hosted its global analyst event in Orlando, unveiling its 2025 strategy as well as sizeable investments in technology and artificial intelligence (AI). As part of its commitment to AI, the firm has pledged $100 million over the next four years to enhance its AI services through its partnership with Google Cloud, complementing its $2 billion, five-year AI and cloud initiative with Microsoft that began in 2023. Over the course of the two-day event, KPMG showcased client case studies, alliance partnerships and platform demonstrations, highlighting strategies to:
- Move from AI experimentation to AI value creation.
KPMG’s 2024 survey of 1,300 CEOs found that two-thirds would invest in AI regardless of economic conditions. However, at the event it was noted that demonstrating ROI and ensuring trust are key barriers to AI adoption. This is echoed in Verdantix survey findings: 47% of firms report that successful AI pilot projects are the most significant factor influencing AI investment. To instil greater confidence in responsible and ethical AI use – and therefore drive adoption – KPMG has launched its Trusted AI framework, which contains policies and practices built on principles of privacy, transparency and data integrity.
- Adopt an ecosystem-based approach to address complex client challenges.
At the event, alliance partners including KNAPP, Microsoft, Salesforce and SAP highlighted the increasing demand for integrated software and service ecosystems to drive innovation. As an early access partner for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure OpenAI Service, KPMG pilots these technologies with select business groups, rigorously testing and refining solutions in real-world environments, acting as ‘client zero’ for its AI investments. Many other services providers are also expanding their investments in AI to enhance their service-delivery.
- Enable AI-powered business transformation through KPMG Velocity and KPMG Clara.
Throughout the event, KPMG reaffirmed its commitment to AI innovation with its latest digital solutions, KPMG Velocity and KPMG Clara. Launching in mid-2025, KPMG Velocity is an AI-powered business transformation platform that integrates KPMG’s key frameworks – Connected Enterprise, Powered Enterprise, Trusted Imperative and KPMG Elevate – to provide trend analysis, ESG insights, cyber security and regulatory intelligence. KPMG Clara is a platform for financial and sustainability audits; it was recognized as a key innovation that placed KPMG as a leader in the 2024 Verdantix Green Quadrant on ESG and sustainability assurance. Both platforms are built on KPMG’s cloud-based AI platform, ensuring globally standardized service delivery.
As AI transformation accelerates across industries, change risk management will be essential and should be woven into delivery strategies to ensure successful adoption and long-term value realization. With firms navigating this new environment, KPMG will need to focus on effectively communicating its capabilities to the public and prospective clients, while also highlighting the importance of trust in AI technology.
