New Survey from Wolters Kluwer reveals internal auditors plan to double AI adoption by 2026

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services, has released compelling survey findings on the current levels of adoption, future plans and key drivers related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in internal audit. The survey shows that 39% of internal auditors are already employing AI and a further 41% intend to adopt AI in the next 12 months.

Frans Klaassen, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Wolters Kluwer Audit & Assurance and Corporate Tax said: “The findings of our research show that AI is set to transform internal audit in the next 12 months, with adoption set to double to 80%. Over half of internal auditors identified productivity and efficiency gains as the key advantage of AI adoption in the coming year. To realize the transformative potential of AI, auditors will need access to advanced, secure technologies to optimize their operations. As a global leader in audit and assurance, Wolters Kluwer TeamMate is committed to continuous innovation to bring cutting edge and award-winning solutions to the market.”

Key findings include:

AI adoption in internal audit set to increase by 100%

• The survey revealed that AI adoption will double to 80% in 2026 as 39% of internal auditors are already employing AI and a further 41% intend to adopt AI in the next 12 months.
• This increase in adoption may be vital, as 46% of respondents indicated that AI adoption in their internal audit function was lower than in other areas within the same business, and only 21% identified that AI adoption was higher than other areas.

Key drivers for increasing AI adoption? Enhancing skills and access to technology

• 45% of survey respondents identified training in AI skills and tools as the greatest positive impact on increasing AI adoption and 84% would consider AI skills as important when recruiting for their internal audit function.
• 27% of respondents identified access to dedicated AI-powered internal audit technologies as the key driver behind AI adoption. 15% cited the need for robust business-wide governance, and 13% highlighted the importance of internal audit leadership setting an example for AI adoption.

Productivity is the key reward of AI adoption for internal auditors

• Looking at the key advantages of AI adoption, 54% of respondents reported that AI will drive efficiency and productivity gains in the next 12 months for internal auditors.
• 24% shared that AI will free up auditors to focus on higher-value strategic activities and 13% expect AI to increase accuracy and reduce human error.

The survey was conducted with 4,214 Internal Audit professionals on April 30, 2025 during Navigating AI in Internal Audit: Opportunities and Challenges, a webinar from Wolters Kluwer TeamMate. This survey underscores the growing importance of AI in internal audit and the need for businesses to invest in AI training and technologies to drive further adoption and realize the benefits of this transformative technology.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of €5.9 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

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