Seven out of ten professional services firms in Spain now use artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily work, according to the fifth edition of Wolters Kluwer’s Advisory Barometer. The survey, conducted in March 2026, highlights rapid digitisation, heightened regulatory pressure, and persistent talent shortages—issues that CIOs, CTOs, and other technology leaders must navigate when supporting advisory‑focused organisations.
Advisory Barometer Findings on AI Adoption
The Advisory Barometer, released by Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting Spain, shows that 71 % of advisors use AI in their daily work, up from 42 % a year earlier—a 66 % increase in one year. Respondents cite automation and efficiency as the primary benefit, with 71 % of law firms naming these gains as the top AI advantage. At the same time, 63 % express concerns about data quality and 53 % point to a lack of internal expertise and training.
AI’s perceived impact on service delivery is also quantified: 55 % of firms believe AI improves client advisory services, while 46 % say it optimises internal processes. The technology is emerging as a strategic tool for shifting the advisor’s role from routine tasks toward higher‑value consulting. The barometer notes that 84 % of firms see technology freeing up time by reducing monotonous work, and 51 % anticipate a future focus on advisory services rather than administrative duties.
Technology Priorities and Cloud Adoption
Beyond AI, the report outlines broader technology trends shaping the sector. 68 % of advisory firms now list digitalisation as a high priority, an increase of 11 percentage points since 2025. Cloud‑enabled collaboration is gaining traction: 74 % of firms either use or plan to implement a collaborative model supported by cloud technology, and 53 % already operate a hybrid mix of cloud‑based and on‑premises solutions, five points higher than in 2025.
Clients’ digital maturity is improving as well. The proportion of client companies with a low level of digitisation fell to 22 %, down from 39 % in 2025, while the average digital‑maturity score rose to 68 % from 55 % a year earlier. Firms reporting a high level of client digital maturity nearly doubled, reaching 10 %.
Regulatory Overload and Talent Challenges
Regulatory pressure remains the sector’s dominant headache. 64 % of advisors identify regulatory overload as the main challenge, and 95 % say regulatory changes increase their workload. To cope, 78 % turn to software solutions, up from 71 % in 2025. Awareness of new invoicing regulations is high: 85 % are up to date on the Anti‑Fraud Law (Verifactu) and the Crea y Crece electronic invoicing law, two points higher than in 2025 and more than 11 points above 2024 levels. Nonetheless, 61 % believe most companies are not yet prepared for these changes, a slight improvement from the 74 % recorded in 2025.
Time‑tracking regulation also features prominently. 82 % of consulting firms are up to date on the upcoming digital time‑tracking system, yet 54 % of their clients still record working hours manually. While 53 % of firms have compatible software, only 33 % report that their clients also use time‑tracking software, a 28‑point increase from the previous year.
Talent scarcity compounds these pressures. 74 % of firms cite a lack of qualified candidates, and 53 % see generational succession as a risk. 57 % of advisors consider the profession unattractive, attributing this to excessive bureaucratic burdens (85 %) and limited social recognition (58 %). These figures mirror the 2025 survey, indicating a persistent structural issue.
Key Takeaways
- 71 % of Spanish advisory firms now use AI daily, up from 42 % a year earlier, marking a 66 % growth in adoption.
- 68 % of firms prioritize digitalisation, and 74 % plan or have implemented cloud‑based collaborative models.
- Regulatory overload is cited by 64 % as the sector’s main challenge, with 95 % reporting increased workload from regulatory changes.
TechInsyte's Take
The barometer confirms that AI and cloud tools are moving from experimental to core components of advisory workflows in Spain. While firms are eager to leverage these technologies, gaps in data quality, expertise, and regulatory readiness create friction points for IT leaders. Monitoring how firms address talent pipelines and compliance automation will be critical for vendors and buyers aiming to support a sector in rapid digital transition.
Source: Businesswire
