Major Accounting Firms in Hong Kong to Expand Hiring in 2026 Alongside Accelerated AI Adoption
Written by: Nour Abdelkader
Major Accounting Firms in Hong Kong to Expand Hiring in 2026 Alongside Accelerated AI Adoption
Major accounting firms in Hong Kong are planning to expand their workforce in 2026 as part of efforts to attract new accounting talent, while simultaneously accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies—without cutting human jobs, according to industry officials.
Andrew Wong, Partner for Audit Quality and Professional Practice at KPMG China, said that AI is not viewed as a replacement for employees, but rather as a complementary tool that enhances performance and efficiency.
“We have not seen any reduction in hiring due to AI, nor do we plan to do so in the future,” Wong said, noting that these technologies have improved service quality and become a key attraction for young talent, according to a report by the South China Morning Post cited by Al Arabiya Business.
Wong added that AI has enabled accountants to take on new and more diverse roles, aligning with the aspirations of younger generations seeking impactful careers. He highlighted AI’s effectiveness in analyzing large volumes of data, detecting anomalies, and addressing complex challenges in the era of big data.
Expansion Plans and Major Investments
Meanwhile, Deloitte China announced last October plans to hire around 1,000 employees in Hong Kong, alongside investing HK$500 million (approximately US$64 million) over the next four years to expand its capabilities in fintech, capital markets operations, and artificial intelligence.
In the same context, Derek Lai Kar-yan, Senior Partner and Asia-Pacific Leader for Restructuring and Turnaround at Ernst & Young, said many young professionals are increasingly interested in restructuring and liquidation work, but expect employers to provide AI tools that enhance efficiency.
Lai revealed plans to expand his team from 80 to 130 employees by 2026, anticipating higher demand for restructuring services amid economic slowdown and growing reliance on preventive measures to address geopolitical tensions and tariffs.
Government Support and Strategic Direction
Damian Green, Non-Executive Chairman of Manulife Financial Asia and a member of the Financial Services Development Council, said recent studies, including the Microsoft–LinkedIn Work Trend Index, show strong employee interest in using AI at work and expecting their companies to keep pace with technological change.
Green emphasized that integrating AI capabilities into professional services is critical to maintaining Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub, noting that the government supports this direction through a HK$3 billion funding program for future technologies.
He added that government-backed research centers are collaborating with the private sector to prepare future talent, targeting early-career professionals and students to ensure effective use of AI technologies in the workforce.
