2026 marks the strategic phase of AI — one where organizations redefine workflows, reshape value, and build AI directly into the foundation of their business strategy.

Mike Abbott

Head of Thomson Reuters Institute

AI’s impact on professional services

GenAI adoption surges

Generative AI (GenAI) use has nearly doubled, with 40% of professionals saying their organizations now use it — up from 22% last year. Only 19% say their organizations have no plans to adopt.

Workflows are shifting

GenAI is becoming embedded in daily work. More than 80% of current users engage with it weekly and more than 90% say they expect it to become a central part of their workflow within five years.

Agentic AI’s growth stage

Only 15% said their organizations use agentic AI, yet an additional 53% say their organization is either planning or considering it. By 2030, 77% expect agentic AI to be central to their workflow.

Industry questions emerge

Today, 66% of professionals support using GenAI in daily work and say they feel optimistic about its future. Yet, many anticipate significant industry disruption, with growing concern that AI may threaten jobs, billing models, and traditional professional roles.

AI’s ROI remains elusive

Despite widespread AI adoption, only 18% of professionals say their organizations track return on investment (ROI) — and mostly through internal metrics. Another 40% say they don’t know if ROI is measured at all, leaving many professionals using AI without clear success criteria.

Client-firm AI disconnect

Two-thirds of corporate respondents want their outside firms to use AI, yet fewer than 20% mandate it, creating confusion since many professionals receive conflicting client guidance. Most believe firms should initiate clearer AI conversations.

Special Report

2026 AI in Professional Services Report

Now in its fourth year, the 2026 AI in Professional Services Report (formerly Generative AI in Professional Services Report) from the Thomson Reuters Institute examines how AI is reshaping the legal, tax, accounting, risk, fraud, and government sectors.

Drawing on perspectives from more than 1,500 professionals, this report highlights that the era of early AI adoption has passed. Today marks the strategic phase of AI, in which organizations redefine workflows, reshape value, and build AI directly into the foundation of their business strategy. Discover a clear view of where generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI are gaining traction, how expectations and business models are shifting, and how leaders need to prepare as AI becomes an essential pillar of professional work.