Agility and resilience in a changing world - Outlook for 2026

It has been a long-held view that businesses adapt well to uncertainty, and the professional services industry has often been ahead of the game in this. That effect was supercharged by the pandemic and was again in evidence in 2025, when geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and a slow-moving global economy provided a difficult background to cross-border commerce.

What does 2026 hold in terms of the accounting industry outlook? For some economies, undoubtedly it will be more of the same, although we will all be hoping for an upturn in economic activity around the world, and an easing of the tensions that characterised the last 12 months. But whatever the details, resilience will continue to provide competitive advantage – and AI and digital transformation will continue to play a vital role in the ability of businesses to adapt and thrive.

In 2026, resilience will mean leveraging data-driven decision-making and scenario planning to stay ahead of volatility, alongside building an agile culture that is adaptable and forward thinking. With that as a starting point, here are my insights for the year ahead in professional services. Embracing volatility is about understanding change: change in the business environment and change in the way in which we leverage the skills of our teams and new technologies.

Transformation and innovation

Digital transformation will no longer be optional. While that has been true for several years, the rapid evolution and adoption of AI in professional services make embracing advanced digital technology more important than ever. Alongside AI, automation and cloud-based platforms have become the backbone of accountancy and advisory services.

In terms of professional services trends for 2026 we can expect the deeper integration of AI for audit analytics, risk assessment and predictive insights. Firms that have yet to start their AI journey should consider doing so sooner rather than later, though of course adoption should be considered and gradual rather than at breakneck speed. Like other digital innovations, AI is a useful tool to complement actions and processes rather than a quick fix or magic bullet.

The success with which businesses embrace technology and digital solutions, and use them to their fullest, will define industry leaders in the second half of the decade.

Agile leadership

It is up to leaders to embrace agility and champion it in their firms to maximise their business resilience in 2026. Agility is the ability to be adaptable to change and ready to pivot quickly when market conditions shift, ensuring your organisation stays ahead of disruption. It is about responding to client needs in real time and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Agility is the mother of resilience.

Every firm needs to develop an agile culture, but that starts from the top. Show your own adaptability by being open to new ideas and ways of working. Demonstrate fearlessness around the adoption and implementation of new technology. Make horizon scanning for risks and opportunities part of your role.

Adapting to a changing world is not always straightforward. In 2026, leaders need to champion change through transparency, curiosity and honesty.

Meeting client expectations

Just as technology and working cultures evolve, so do client expectations. Clients increasingly demand real-time insights and personalised advisory services.

Some of this is about technology. Firms investing in advanced dashboards and collaborative digital platforms will lead the way.

It is also about the approach. Clients increasingly want partners as well as providers. They want business advisors who will proactively suggest new or better ways of doing things, based on the client’s unique circumstances. They expect to be forewarned of emerging threats and advised of new opportunities, so they can take timely action. Firms that help clients stay ahead of their curve will become indispensable.

A more complex world

Being adaptable and resilient allows firms to thrive in an ever-more complex world. As well as trade tensions and economic challenges, professional services firms should prepare for stricter global ESG standards in 2026. This will require them to provide guidance on compliance and impact measurement. Many will put robust ESG assurance services at the heart of their offer.

Firms may continue to struggle to find the talent they need in 2026, especially as the focus of recruitment efforts shifts to tech-savvy professionals who can combine financial expertise with data analytics and AI literacy – a rare breed. Soft skills are also essential, and leaders need strong communication and change management capabilities to guide teams through transformation. Firms should develop people-first recruitment and retention strategies, as well as maximising the talent they already have through training and continual development. 

And, while the adoption of new technology is essential, the risks of technology grow with our dependence on it. With the increase in AI adoption, this year is likely to see an even more intense focus on cybersecurity and data integrity. Evidence of rock-solid cyber defences is becoming a non-negotiable factor in client due diligence checks. Cybersecurity can be a point of difference.

These will certainly be UHY International’s priorities this year, as we continue to focus on innovation, client-centricity and global connectivity. Our goal, as always, is helping clients enjoy greater success in 2026 and beyond.

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