KPMG introduces continuous AI agents to enhance services

KPMG has announced plans to use intelligent agentic AI to enhance its services in audit, tax, and advisory. These AI systems will work continuously, acting as digital colleagues to boost productivity and customer service across the firm. This move raises concerns about job impacts as AI becomes more common. David Rowlands, KPMG's head of AI, explained that these AI agents will possess both intelligence and emotional intelligence. This means they can better understand client needs and improve service quality. Other firms, like PwC, are also adopting similar AI technologies to enhance efficiency and customer experiences. Agentic AI is designed to automate complex tasks without human help. This technology is a step beyond traditional chatbots and could change industries significantly. It might also lead to job displacement, especially in tech companies, as AI becomes capable of performing tasks currently done by humans. Experts predict that AI could replace many mid-level software engineering jobs by 2025, significantly cutting costs for companies like Meta. IBM's CEO has suggested that up to 30% of jobs in areas like Human Resources might also be automated in the next five years.