Tech Trends 2026: Five AI trends reshaping accounting opportunities

Ryan is an Audit & Assurance principal with more than 15 years of management consulting experience, specializing in strategic advisory to global financial institutions focusing on banking and capital markets. Ryan co-leads Deloitte's Artificial Intelligence & Algorithmic practice which is dedicated to advising clients in developing and deploying responsible AI including risk frameworks, governance, and controls related to Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and advanced algorithms. Ryan also serves as deputy leader of Deloitte's Valuation & Analytics practice, a global network of seasoned industry professionals with experience encompassing a wide range of traded financial instruments, data analytics and modeling. In his role, Ryan leads Deloitte's Omnia DNAV Derivatives technologies, which incorporate automation, machine learning, and large datasets. Ryan previously served as a leader in Deloitte’s Model Risk Management (“MRM”) practice and has extensive experience providing a wide range of model risk management services to financial services institutions, including model development, model validation, technology, and quantitative risk management. He specializes in quantitative advisory focusing on various asset class and risk domains such as AI and algorithmic risk, model risk management, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, market risk and credit risk. He serves his clients as a trusted service provider to the CEO, CFO, and CRO in solving problems related to risk management and financial risk management issues. Additionally, Ryan has worked with several of the top 10 US financial institutions leading quantitative teams that address complex risk management programs, typically involving process reengineering. Ryan also leads Deloitte’s initiatives focusing on ModelOps and cloud-based solutions, driving automation and efficiency within the model / algorithm lifecycle. Ryan received a BA in Computer Science and a BA in Mathematics & Economics from Lafayette College. Media highlights and perspectives First Bias Audit Law Starts to Set Stage for Trustworthy AI, August 11, 2023 – In this article, Ryan was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, Risk and Compliance Journal about the New York City Law 144-21 that went into effect on July 5, 2023. Perspective on New York City local law 144-21 and preparation for bias audits, June 2023 – In this article, Ryan and other contributors share the new rules that are coming for use of AI and other algorithms for hiring and other employment decisions in New York City. Road to Next, June 13, 2023 – In the June edition, Ryan sat down with Pitchbook to discuss the current state of AI in business and the factors shaping the next wave of workforce innovation.

As chief technology officer and executive sponsor of Deloitte’s CIO Program, Bill Briggs helps clients anticipate the impact that emerging technologies may have on their business in the future and how to get there from the realities of today. He is responsible for research, eminence, and the incubation of emerging technologies affecting clients’ businesses and shaping the future of Deloitte Consulting LLP’s technology-related services and offerings.

Brian Crowley is a managing director at Deloitte & Touche LLP leading the Data Science group within Audit & Assurance (A&A) Technology and Transformation. To help elevate audits and enhance operational excellence, the Data Science team designs, develops, and deploys artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities, including Generative AI. In addition, Brian crafts the overall group strategy, manages operations, and leads the team of data scientists and audit subject matter specialists. He also leads the design of operational and governance models that support each phase of the AI lifecycle, from ideation through development, deployment, and monitoring, and aligns those activities and processes with appropriate technology solutions to ensure effective and consistent Machine Learning Operations (MLOps). A sought-after speaker on matters of emerging technologies in the Finance and Accounting professions, Brian has more than 15 years of experience in serving audit clients in the diversified manufacturing and commodity trading space. During a three-year hiatus, he worked in the A&A Services Group within Deloitte’s Professional Practice Network assisting with the development of various guides, tools, and training materials. A life-long resident of Connecticut, Brian lives with his wife in Fairfield, CT. He is a licensed certified public accountant in Connecticut and holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Accounting from the University of Connecticut. Brian enjoys traveling around the world with his wife just as much as he loves spending nights with friends playing strategy board games.

Jean-Denis is an Audit & Assurance partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, based in the San Francisco office. He leads the US Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) industry for Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance practice. His focus within the industry lies in Software/SAAS, GenAI, B2C - advertising, publishing, gaming and social platforms. Jean-Denis has experience in technical accounting & reporting, SOX, internal audit design & testing, and controllership process transformation. He leads and also serves as Chair to the National Group Manager Advisory Committee working to identify key strategic initiatives for transformation of our Audit & Assurance business. He is a licensed CPA in California and holds a BA in Business Economics from University of California, Santa Barbara.