Future of Professionals Report 2026

Actionable insights for corporate leaders

Explore how corporate functions are responding to growing stakeholder, financial, and talent pressures, the strategic paths they are pursuing, and the actions leaders can take to prepare for the future

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Key findings

36
%
of professionals use AI their organization hasn't approved, creating invisible risks organizations cannot monitor or control
58
%
of professionals report some or significant stakeholder pressure to act faster on AI
15
%
of professionals are already seeing financial consequences of insufficient AI progress
30
%
of professionals are considering leaving their organization within two years due to a gap between the value they expect AI to deliver and their current experience
59
%
of professionals lack access to tools that meet professional accountability standards, the kind where errors carry real consequences

“Whether the tools are not yet in place, people are not trained, or there is a lack of company-wide understanding of the broader AI strategy, many businesses are missing the mark when it comes to AI implementation.”

Liz Zimick

President, Corporates, Thomson Reuters

Methodology

This action paper, based on the Future of Professionals Report 2026, draws from the perspectives of 404 professionals across corporate legal, risk and compliance, tax and accounting departments, global trade, and the wider C-suite, spanning 36 countries. It offers insights into the pressures facing corporate functions and the strategic paths organizations are pursuing in response.

We examine how AI is reshaping corporate functions and provide practical considerations for leaders looking to drive greater value, manage risk, and prepare their organizations for the future. Explore the full report to better understand the opportunities, risks, and strategic choices facing corporate functions today.

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