TFS Gulf 
- Hywel Ball, former EY UK chair, isn’t mincing words when it comes to AI adoption; the Big 4 are lagging behind smaller rivals.
- Speaking to the Financial Times, Ball explained that the bigger you are, the harder it gets to change fast.
Big 4 AI adoption is slow
The Big 4 are throwing billions at AI.
They’ve got R&D labs, partnerships with top tech firms, and proof-of-concept tools.
But rolling out new technology across thousands of staff, multiple service lines, and global offices takes time — far more time than it takes for smaller, more agile firms.
It’s change management at a scale where even small process tweaks take months — if not years.
Meanwhile…
Mid-sized and boutique firms don’t have those layers.
They can pick a new AI tool, train the team, and have it powering client work way sooner.
Hywel Ball calls them “just the right size” big enough to invest in AI, but small enough to make it stick fast.
That agility is giving them a real edge. While the Big 4 are still piloting, smaller players are already winning new business.
Job curve…
Ball warns there will be some job losses at first, but “You’ll go through a curve,” he says.
As people learn how to use AI better, new roles will pop up fast, balancing things out.
If you are a CFO…
Partnering with large, traditional firms doesn’t guarantee access to cutting-edge AI solutions or transformational change.
Wrapping up…
Finally, the message for finance consulting firms: embrace AI not just as a tool, but as a core strategy.
This will be a key differentiator as demand grows for AI-powered financial transformation.
In short, the AI battleground is wide open, and it’s anyone’s game, provided you’re ready to adapt quickly and think beyond size.
FAQs
1. Why is AI adoption slower in large firms like the Big 4?
Large firms have complex structures, legacy systems, strict compliance requirements, and thousands of employees to train. All of this makes rolling out AI across the board slower than in smaller, more agile firms.
2. What are the biggest challenges in enterprise-wide AI deployment?
Key challenges include integrating AI into existing workflows, managing change resistance, ensuring data privacy and security, and avoiding disruption to ongoing client projects.
3. How are the Big 4 using AI?
Deloitte’s Halo: An AI-powered audit platform that analyses large datasets to identify anomalies and potential risks, enhancing audit efficiency and accuracy.
PwC’s GL.ai: Developed in collaboration with H2O.ai, this AI-enabled framework analyses reports and prepares summaries, leveraging natural language processing to process unstructured information efficiently.
EY Helix: An AI tool developed to enhance decision-making processes, providing deeper insights to clients.
KPMG Ignite: An AI platform designed to enhance risk management and compliance services, helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments.
(Source Financial Times)
