EY rolls out AI audits across global Assurance business

EY has launched agentic artificial intelligence across its global Assurance business, rolling it out in audit work conducted through the EY Canvas platform.

The rollout brings a multi-agent framework to the audit system used by 130,000 Assurance professionals across 160,000 audit engagements in more than 150 countries and territories. The technology is integrated with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Foundry and Microsoft Fabric, and is being embedded directly into Canvas for audit workflows.

The deployment marks a shift in how audits are conducted as clients generate larger volumes of data and assurance work increasingly extends to AI-related risks and controls. EY Canvas processes more than 1.4 trillion lines of journal entry data each year, giving the new system a substantial base across the firm's audit work.

Alongside the rollout, EY has updated its audit approach and methodology. The new framework is intended to reduce administrative work for clients, improve risk assessment and keep human judgment central to the audit process.

AI is now being embedded across all phases of audit work globally through Canvas following a period of testing and pilot programmes. EY expects the system to support end-to-end audit activities by 2028.

The announcement is part of EY's multibillion-dollar commitment to audit quality, technology and staff under its broader All in strategy.

"As we help the world's leading organizations transform, we hold ourselves to the same standard - starting as 'client zero.' The rapid growth of data, and the new complexities of assuring AI, demand that our people and technology evolve faster than ever. EY's human-led, AI-powered audit of the future is a market-leading example of enterprise AI in action, delivering greater value, deeper insight and increased confidence for our clients and stakeholders - accelerated by our continued investment under the All in strategy," said Janet Truncale, Global Chair and Chief Executive Officer, EY.

Audit shift

The firm is also broadening its assurance work for clients developing their own AI systems and processes. Its updated methodology and frameworks support a wider suite of services covering AI diagnostics, governance, risk management and controls for both audit and non-audit clients.

The expansion comes as more companies move from experimentation to larger AI programmes. EY cited survey findings showing that 97% of companies have either begun an enterprise-wide transformation or plan to do so.

Marie-Laure Delarue, Global Vice Chair - Assurance, linked the firm's internal technology deployment to that of client demand.

"EY's commitment to our own transformation uniquely positions us to help organizations around the world implement AI at scale. With our people at the center, and powered by our alliance with Microsoft, EY is delivering greater value, deeper insight and increased confidence for our clients and stakeholders - as we continually redefine the value of the audit in an AI era," Delarue said.

Microsoft tie-Up

Microsoft's cloud and AI products sit at the centre of the new audit framework. The multi-agent system in Canvas is built on Microsoft Foundry, Fabric and Azure, extending an alliance that has already shaped parts of the firm's technology stack.

EY is also among 14 organisations in the inaugural Frontier Firm AI Initiative, a collaboration between Microsoft and the Harvard Digital Data Design Institute focused on large-scale AI deployment.

"EY's pioneering use of Microsoft's cloud and AI solutions shows what is possible when advanced technology is deployed at enterprise scale. As a recognized Frontier Firm, EY is leading the way in responsible, scalable AI for assurance - accelerating innovation while helping organizations realize real business value," said Judson Althoff, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Commercial Business, Microsoft.

The new systems were developed, tested and deployed in line with EY's nine principles of responsible AI. The firm has also joined the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence Industrial Affiliates Program as it expands its work in the field.

Singapore context

In Singapore, the initiative also reflects broader efforts to encourage the use of AI in professional services, including accountancy and legal work. EY said AI skills could help move professionals towards higher-value tasks by reducing time spent on routine processes.

"This enterprise-scale agentic AI global initiative underscores what we truly believe to be the future of audit at EY. Our continued investment bears testament to our commitment to audit quality, our clients and our people. With multi-agent functionalities embedded into our global Assurance technology platform, EY Canvas, EY professionals are empowered to continue providing high-quality audits - supported by AI and led by a deep understanding of our clients' businesses.

In Singapore, this agentic AI initiative also aligns with the government's move to encourage organisations, starting with the accountancy and legal professions, to leverage AI to transform workforces and workflows. AI skills adoption can also help uplift Singapore's accountancy sector, allowing professionals to move up the value chain as they spend more time helping clients and businesses see the larger picture behind the data," said Wei Hock Lee, Singapore Head of Assurance, EY.

To support the rollout, EY has created a global training programme for audit and technology risk professionals this year. It includes in-person and immersive learning and will be updated as regulations, technology and methodology evolve.

"EY's bold steps to embed AI within one of our most foundational services - building trust and confidence in capital markets - send a strong signal about the power, potential and reliability of this technology. This transformation is underpinned by EY's deep, long-standing strategic alliance with Microsoft, whose cloud and AI technologies are integral to the responsible, secure and scalable deployment of advanced AI across EY's assurance business globally," said Raj Sharma, Global Managing Partner - Growth & Innovation, EY.