Core Insights - Enterprises are transitioning from a phase of experimentation with AI tools to a more strategic adoption approach, with investors anticipating a significant increase in AI budgets by 2026 [1][2] Investment Trends - A survey of 24 enterprise-focused VCs indicates that while AI budgets will increase, the spending will be concentrated on fewer contracts rather than a broad range of products [2] - Predictions suggest that 2026 will mark a consolidation phase where enterprises will focus on selecting winning AI technologies and reducing overlapping tools [2][3] Spending Focus - Enterprises are currently testing multiple AI tools for single-use cases, but as they identify effective solutions, they will rationalize their budgets and invest in technologies that demonstrate clear results [3][4] - There is an expectation of a bifurcation in AI spending, where a small number of vendors will capture a significant share of enterprise budgets, while many others may experience stagnant or declining revenues [4] Areas of Investment - Enterprises are expected to increase spending in three key areas by 2026: strengthening data foundations, optimizing models post-training, and consolidating tools [5] - The focus will also be on AI safety and oversight, as organizations seek dependable AI solutions that can transition from pilot programs to scaled deployments [5][6]

Core Insights - Hong Kong-based accounting firms are planning to expand their workforce in 2026, aiming to attract newly qualified accountants while increasing the adoption of artificial intelligence [1][5] Group 1: AI and Workforce Expansion - KPMG China emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for human workers but rather a complement, with no plans to reduce hiring despite AI integration [2] - AI is seen as a catalyst for talent attraction and retention, improving quality and efficiency in accounting roles [2][5] - Other major accounting firms are also unveiling hiring plans while deploying AI without replacing human staff [5] Group 2: Specific Hiring Plans - Deloitte China plans to hire approximately 1,000 people in Hong Kong and invest HK$500 million (US$64 million) over the next four years to enhance capabilities in fintech, capital markets operations, and AI [6] - EY's senior partner plans to expand his team from 80 to 130 by 2026, anticipating increased demand for debt restructuring and liquidations due to economic challenges [7] Group 3: Role of AI in Accounting - AI assists accountants in taking on new job roles, which aligns with the interests of young professionals seeking diverse career opportunities [4] - AI's capabilities in summarizing documents and transcribing meeting minutes significantly enhance efficiency in handling large volumes of documents and transaction records [8]

In the face of rising inflation, American consumers are increasingly interested in receiving cryptocurrency as Christmas gifts, according to a recent survey conducted by Visa Inc. What Happened: The report highlighted the shift in consumer behavior in the wake of escalating living costs. Despite inflation eating into disposable income, the desire for digital assets as gifts is on the rise.Although inflation has somewhat receded from its post-pandemic peak, the cost of essentials such as housing, food, insur ...

硅谷的繁荣背后，是一场"人才与机会"的极化 在硅谷的对话里，"极化"几乎是一个反复出现的词：最顶尖的人才被疯狂争抢，普通人的入口却在变窄。 原创：于盈 秦朔朋友圈 这次去硅谷，我几乎是"密锣紧鼓"地连轴转：短短几天内见了三十多位朋友——涵盖教授、投资人、创业者及企业高管——与其中不少朋友就同一话题展 开深度交流：世界正在发生结构性变化，而人工智能正把这种变化极速加快。 我今年去了美国东西两岸，东岸受美国政府政策变化与不确定性影响大，普遍情绪更"灰"。而硅谷离政治中心更远，同时又站在AI爆发的潮头，空气里弥 漫着另一种气息：兴奋、野心与希望交织，甚至让人生出"历史正在眼前铺展"的强烈共鸣。 可越是欣欣向荣，越让我感到一丝强烈的分裂：同样在美国，同样在AI时代，圈内圈外、快适应者与慢适应者，正在被拉出一道新的分水岭。 有人提到，市场正在分裂成两个极端： 一方面，顶尖AI人才陷入激烈竞价战，争夺热度堪称夸张。这次有朋友提到，一位清华博士毕业、在OpenAI任职三年的从业者，就被另一家科技巨头开 出1000万美元（不含股权）的高薪挖角。AI创业公司的估值更令人惊叹，不少刚起步的项目，天使轮估值就达数千万甚至上亿美元。 ...

This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. While CFOs want to see clear evidence that their investments create the expected value, most are still waiting for substantial ROI from their spending on AI tools, according to a new study. Only 14% of 200 U.S. finance chiefs surveyed by professional services firm RGP said they’ve seen a clear, measurable impact from their AI investments to date. At the same time, though, two ...

Core Viewpoint - Genius Group Limited has appointed DLA Piper as an advisor for its application for a dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to enhance shareholder value and accessibility [1][5]. Group 1: Dual Listing Process - The Board of Directors approved the pursuit of a dual listing on August 8, 2025, focusing on enhancing shareholder value and accessibility [2]. - The Company has shortlisted three potential exchanges: ASX, KRX (South Korea), and HKEX (Hong Kong), ultimately selecting ASX as the preferred venue [3][4]. - DLA Piper will prepare and lodge an In Principle Advice Application with ASX within the next 45 days, with the dual listing process expected to take approximately four months, pending ASX approval [5][6]. Group 2: ASX Advantages - ASX provides a streamlined pathway for NYSE Amex listed companies to access a deep Asia-Pacific investor base while maintaining their primary U.S. listing [3]. - The ASX framework allows for trading through CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs), enabling local investors to trade economic interests in GNS shares registered in the U.S. [4]. - ASX has over 2,000 listed entities and a daily trading volume exceeding US$3 billion, making it an ideal exchange for an international education company like Genius Group [7]. Group 3: Company Overview - Genius Group is a Bitcoin-first business offering AI-powered education and acceleration solutions, serving 6 million users across over 100 countries [8]. - The Company focuses on personalized, entrepreneurial AI pathways that integrate human talent with AI skills and solutions at various levels, including individual, enterprise, and government [8].

You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Wealth management executives are more bullish and confident in the health of the business this year than in past years, according to a recent survey by Wipfli, the advisory and accounting firm.  In the firm’s State of the Wealth Management Industry 2026 research report, 94% of the 124 wealth management executives surveyed said they expect their firm’s revenue to grow by 5% or more over the ...

12 Dec 2025 16:00:00 ET │ 21 pages US Equity Strategy 2026 Outlook: A Persistent But Volatile Bull CITI'S TAKE We set a 2026 S&P 500 base case target of 7700, predicated on an aggressive $320 in index earnings. AI investment tailwinds persist but performance dispersion within both the enablers and adopters of the technology is an ongoing dynamic. Broadening beyond that cohort is a key narrative. This includes both across the S&P 500 as well as down into US Small/Mid Cap. As we enter the fourth year of this ...

After Alphabet and Palo Alto Networks each acquired cybersecurity firms, tech company ServiceNow Inc., is in advanced talks to buy Armis, and Israeli military veterans-run cybersecurity startup for up to $7 billion, Bloomberg reported citing sources. If it goes through, this would be ServiceNow's largest acquisition to date.They added that while the talks are late stage and a deal may be announced soon, it could also collapse or another potential bidder may emerge, as per the report.ServiceNow spokesperson ...

Core Insights - IBM has significantly invested in AI over the decades, resulting in a stock increase of over 40% year to date [1] - The acquisition of Cognitus, which specializes in enterprise resource planning within the SAP ecosystem, is aimed at enhancing IBM's AI capabilities [1][2] Acquisition Details - Cognitus will bolster IBM's AI offerings by providing AI tools that meet the security, privacy, and regulatory needs of clients in regulated industries [6] - The acquisition aligns with IBM's focus on hybrid cloud services, combining public and private cloud benefits for its customers [5][4] - Cognitus' expertise in SAP implementations will complement IBM's existing SAP solutions, enhancing operational consistency for clients [7][8]