This article was originally published by the Thomson Reuters Institute and is repurposed here with permission.
Based on perspectives from 1,500+ global professionals, the 2026 AI in Professional Services Report (formerly Generative AI in Professional Services) identifies how GenAI and Agentic AI are fundamentally reshaping the legal, tax, and accounting sectors.
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
3 mission-critical insights for 2026
In 2026, the gap between “using AI” and “mastering AI” is the new competitive frontline. This report reveals the data behind the 40% adoption surge and the rise of autonomous workflows. Below are the 3 mission-critical trends
- The 40% tipping point: Org-wide AI adoption has surged from 22% to 40%. Standardized integration is no longer optional.
- The rise of Agentic AI: 15% of elite firms have moved beyond chatbots to Autonomous Agents that execute multi-step workflows.
- The ROI blind spot: Only 18% of firms currently track AI’s business value. Learn how to bridge the measurement gap
Key insights from the report include:
- From adoption to strategy: Why the era of AI experimentation is over and strategic integration now matters
- GenAI at scale: How AI is already reshaping workflows across professional services
- The rise of agentic AI: What autonomous AI means for productivity, risk, and control
- Measuring success: Why most organisations still struggle to define and track AI ROI
- Client and firm misalignment: Where expectations around AI use remain unclear
- Business model implications: How AI is forcing a rethink of pricing, value, and professional roles
Download the 2026 AI in Professional Services to understand how AI is changing professional services today and what leaders must do to ensure AI delivers strategic, measurable value in the years ahead
