Grant Thornton Charts New Course with Billion Investment in AI Technology
On September 4, 2025, Grant Thornton, a prominent global accounting firm, unveiled an ambitious plan to allocate billion over the next three years toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies across its extensive professional services network. This strategic investment aims to enhance its capabilities in accounting, tax, and advisory services, facilitating a people-centric model that prioritizes both innovation and quality service delivery.
The newly established Grant Thornton Advisors, which operates within a multidisciplinary platform created in January 2025, will spearhead this initiative. The firm has received significant backing from private equity firm New Mountain Capital, which purchased a substantial stake in Grant Thornton US in June 2024. This funding not only signifies confidence in Grant Thornton’s growth potential but also underscores the firm’s transition into an alternative practice structure. Under this model, Grant Thornton LLP functions as a licensed CPA firm that offers attest services, while Grant Thornton Advisors LLC handles business advisory and non-attest services.
As of now, the multinational platform boasts a range of sister firms from across the globe, including those in Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the Cayman Islands, and the Channel Islands. This extensive reach positions Grant Thornton to leverage international expertise while adapting to local markets.
Central to this colossal investment is the provision of advanced technology; Grant Thornton Advisors intends to empower its workforce of over 13,500 professionals operating from 60 international offices with access to Microsoft 365 Copilot. This initiative follows a successful pilot project in which the AI tool was deployed among a select group of 400 professionals, resulting in marked productivity improvements. The aim is to duplicate this success on a broader scale, thereby enhancing service delivery across all levels of the organization.
Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors, emphasized the dual focus of this investment: “This isn’t just about investing in AI and technology; it’s about investing in our people.” The firm’s approach seeks to equip professionals with the tools they need to work more efficiently and creatively, cultivating an environment where individual work styles are respected and productivity is optimized. This philosophy not only aims to bolster internal efficiency but also seeks to elevate client experiences through enhanced service quality.
The implications of this AI investment extend beyond mere efficiency gains. As articulated by Mike Kempe, CIO of Grant Thornton Advisors, the rollout of tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot will allow team members—from newcomers to seasoned professionals—to better manage their workloads, save time, and make informed decisions. These innovations are anticipated to enhance the firm’s capacity to deliver personalized, high-quality services to clients.
Tom Puthiyamadam, the managing partner for advisory services in the U.S., echoed these sentiments, asserting that the rollout of Copilot is just one component of a broader strategy to harness AI and technology in a way that complements human insights. He stated, “We’re building a full-service platform amplified by AI and advanced technologies. Investing in tools such as Copilot is a critical next step in this effort.”
The past year has seen Grant Thornton Advisors make substantial strides in establishing an AI maturity model tailored to its operational framework. In May 2025, it launched CompliAI, a proprietary AI solution designed specifically to assist clients in monitoring and managing risks associated with compliance.
In an effort to bolster its capabilities further, Grant Thornton Advisors recently acquired Auxis, a leader in outsourcing and business modernization services based in the United States, and Stax, a strategy consulting firm that focuses on commercial due diligence, value creation, and exit planning for private equity firms and their portfolio companies.
This strategic maneuvering by Grant Thornton places the firm at the forefront of a rapidly evolving professional services landscape, where the integration of AI is increasingly viewed as essential for maintaining a competitive edge. As clients demand faster, more tailored solutions, firms like Grant Thornton are stepping up to leverage technology, ensuring they remain indispensable partners in their clients’ success.
In conclusion, with a significant investment in AI technology and a thoughtful approach to workforce empowerment, Grant Thornton is poised not only to enhance its service offerings but also to redefine standards within the accounting and advisory sectors on a global scale. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for the firm as it seeks to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing economic landscape while upholding its commitment to delivering unparalleled service quality.
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