Global Advisory Conference 2026: Future of Consulting, Artificial Intelligence and Evolving Client Expectations

Representatives of BDO advisory practices from around the world took part in the Global Advisory Conference 2026, an international conference dedicated to the key challenges and opportunities shaping the professional services market. The event brought together Advisory leaders from across the global BDO network to share experience, discuss market trends and explore joint solutions in response to the rapidly changing business environment.

Andrii Borenkov represented BDO in Ukraine at the conference.

Professional services industry in transformation

One of the conference’s central themes was the transformation currently taking place across the professional services market. Participants noted that technological advances, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, the increasing role of data and ongoing market consolidation are reshaping traditional approaches to consulting faster than ever before.

During the discussions, experts emphasised that clients increasingly expect not standalone services or advice, but integrated solutions that help deliver tangible business outcomes. At the same time, international companies need a consistent approach and uniform quality standards regardless of the country in which a project is delivered.

Particular attention was given to the trends expected to shape the market in the coming years:

• accelerating adoption of AI and automation in professional services
• intensifying competition around client experience
• growing role of data and analytics in decision-making
• expansion of international collaboration and cross-border projects
• rising expectations for service speed, quality and scalability.

Artificial Intelligence and the future of client service

A dedicated conference session focused on “AI and the Future of Client Service”.

Participants explored how AI is transforming consulting firms’ business models, reshaping client interactions and influencing approaches to knowledge management and analytics. One of the key conclusions was that technology is increasingly becoming not merely a tool for improving efficiency, but a foundation for creating new value for clients.

At the same time, experts emphasised that the future of professional services will be built on a combination of human expertise, high-quality data and AI capabilities. Despite advanced levels of automation, professional judgement, an understanding of the business context and the ability to develop innovative solutions will remain key success factors.

Global collaboration as a competitive advantage

The conference also addressed ways to strengthen international collaboration across BDO teams, develop shared capabilities and build a more integrated approach to client service.

As many companies operate across multiple jurisdictions, there is a growing need for access to expertise from different markets and the ability to engage specialists quickly, regardless of their geographical location. This makes the international network and knowledge sharing among its members an important advantage for clients.

The conference also reaffirmed that the future development of the consulting business will largely depend on firms’ ability to combine local expertise with global capabilities, embrace innovation and adapt quickly to market needs.
    

“Participating in the Global Advisory Conference 2026 gave us an opportunity to see how rapidly the professional services market is transforming and which challenges are now shared by businesses across different countries. The discussions on the use of artificial intelligence, the development of client experience and international collaboration were particularly valuable. Sharing practical experience with colleagues from different jurisdictions helps us better understand global trends and find new ways to create value for clients. We also see that Ukraine is often ahead in the practical application of technology, and this is a competitive advantage we need to build on,” said Andrii Borenkov.

 


 

What this means for BDO in Ukraine

Participation in the Global Advisory Conference 2026 enabled BDO in Ukraine to contribute to strategic discussions on the future of consulting, gain practical insights from colleagues across different countries and explore approaches currently shaping the development of professional services internationally.

Knowledge sharing across the global network helps strengthen expertise, adopt modern approaches to working with clients and enhance the ability of the team at BDO in Ukraine to support businesses in line with international best practices.

If you have any further questions, please contact our specialists.