KPMG’s newly released Global Tech Report 2026 paints a clear picture of where organizations stand on artificial intelligence and advanced technology adoption and where many are likely to struggle next. According to the report, 68% of organizations expect to reach the highest level of AI maturity by the end of 2026, yet only 24% say they have successfully scaled AI across multiple use cases and achieved consistent ROI today. The gap between ambition and execution is widening as companies move beyond experimentation and attempt to embed AI directly into core operations. global-tech-report
For leaders across debt collection, banking, fintech, healthcare, and financial services, the findings underscore a familiar tension. AI is no longer viewed as optional. Eighty-eight percent of organizations surveyed are already investing in agentic AI, meaning autonomous digital agents designed to execute tasks, make decisions, and interact with systems without constant human oversight. Yet scaling those investments introduces complexity, governance challenges, and uneven returns.
The report highlights several key dynamics shaping the next phase of AI adoption:
- ROI remains inconsistent. While 74% of respondents say their AI initiatives are delivering some business value, only 24% report ROI across multiple use cases. High performers report an average return of 4.5x, compared to an industry average of 2x.
- Talent shortages persist. More than half of organizations surveyed say they lack the skills needed to execute their digital transformation strategies, even as AI adoption accelerates.
- Human expertise still matters. Despite rapid growth in digital workers, organizations expect 42% of their technology workforce to remain permanent human staff by 2027. Among top performers, that number rises to 50%.
- Partnerships are becoming essential. Ninety percent of organizations plan to expand their technology partnerships over the next year to gain access to specialized expertise and speed up innovation.
KPMG’s research suggests that success in the next phase of AI adoption will depend less on chasing new tools and more on disciplined execution. Organizations that move beyond pilot programs, align AI initiatives with business objectives, modernize data foundations, and invest in both people and governance are far more likely to see durable returns.
As the report asks, the challenge ahead is whether ambition can truly match reality. For organizations navigating collections, payments, compliance, and customer engagement, the answer may determine who leads and who falls behind in the intelligence age.
