Wolters Kluwer Survey: Internal Auditors Plan to Double AI Adoption by 2026

A new survey by Wolters Kluwer reveals significant insights into the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in internal auditing. The survey indicates that 39% of internal auditors are already using AI, with an additional 41% planning to implement AI within the next 12 months.

Frans Klaassen, Senior Vice President at Wolters Kluwer Audit & Assurance, highlighted the transformative potential of AI, predicting that AI adoption in internal audit will double to 80% by 2026. He emphasized that internal auditors will need access to advanced, secure technologies to fully capitalize on AI’s potential, especially in improving productivity and efficiency.

AI adoption in internal audit to double by 2026, survey reveals.

Key findings from the survey include:

• AI Adoption on the Rise: AI adoption in internal audit is expected to surge, with 80% of internal auditors set to use AI by 2026, up from 39% currently.

• Key Drivers: Training in AI skills (45%) and access to AI-powered audit technologies (27%) are the main factors driving AI adoption in the sector.

• Productivity Gains: 54% of respondents foresee AI enhancing efficiency and productivity in the next year, while 24% expect AI to free auditors to focus on more strategic tasks.

• Importance of Skills: 84% of internal audit professionals say AI skills will be a key consideration when hiring new staff.

The survey was conducted with 4,214 internal audit professionals during Wolters Kluwer’s "Navigating AI in Internal Audit: Opportunities and Challenges" webinar on April 30, 2025. It highlights the critical need for companies to invest in AI training and technologies to meet the growing demand for AI-driven audit solutions.