Ernst & Young (EY) has implemented agentic AI across its audit services globally, including in Hungary. According to the firm, the new technology currently supports approximately 160,000 audit engagements and aims to simplify processes, improve risk assessment accuracy, and increase transparency and operational efficiency for both clients and staff.
Scope, operation and planned deployment
EY is integrating artificial intelligence across the entire audit lifecycle. The rollout followed extensive testing and pilot phases, and the company expects the system to support all audit business activities by 2028. The platform processes roughly 1.4 trillion general ledger lines annually and supports about 130,000 professionals worldwide. The solution operates in more than 150 countries and territories, including Hungary.
Impact on clients and staff
EY says the new solution reduces administrative burdens for clients while enhancing the precision of risk assessments. The firm stresses that human judgment, professional skepticism, and expertise remain central: the AI complements and supports practitioners within controlled boundaries. The technology adapts to the specifics of individual engagements to improve quality and the user experience for both clients and employees.
Kónya Zsolt, EY Hungary’s partner responsible for audit services, noted that the firm treats its own organization as a “zeroth client,” following the same transformation path it recommends to customers. He said the main challenge was to embed AI into daily operations in a way that makes processes not only faster but also more reliable and transparent.
Technology partners and responsible AI framework
The development builds on strategic partnerships, notably with Microsoft, whose cloud and AI solutions are closely integrated into EY’s technology stack. EY emphasizes that the new tools were developed, tested and deployed in line with the firm’s nine principles of responsible AI—a framework intended to ensure controlled and ethical application.
Kovács Zoltán, an EY Hungary partner, asserted that the crucial question today is not whether an organization uses AI but under what principles and controls it does so. EY aims to provide guidance to clients on responsible AI use based on its practical experience.
Training and risk management
Alongside the technical rollout, EY has launched a global training program to develop the competencies of professionals dealing with audit and technology risks. The program includes interactive and in-person training elements, and the curriculum is continuously updated to keep pace with regulatory, technological and methodological changes.
Summary
EY’s deployment of agentic AI targets improved efficiency in audit processes, more accurate risk assessment, and greater transparency. The solution offers large-scale data processing and broad geographic coverage while the firm emphasizes responsible, human-centered application and ongoing professional training.
