EY’s AI Transformation: Collaborating with Microsoft for a People-Centered Future

EY’s bold journey into AI isn’t just about tech—it’s about reimagining work itself. Over the past seven years, the global professional services leader has invested US$1.4 billion in artificial intelligence to revolutionize not only how its professionals operate but also how clients experience value. By embedding AI into every facet of its operations and forging a close partnership with Microsoft, EY offers an insightful roadmap for organisations eyeing a people-centred digital transformation.

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A Strategic Investment in the Future of Work​

EY’s holistic AI transformation is built on the understanding that innovation is best achieved through collaboration rather than isolation. Katherine Boiciuc, EY’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for Oceania, sums it up perfectly: “One of the most important lessons we’ve learned along the way is that going solo can be incredibly challenging.” Instead, EY aligns itself with industry-leading partners like Microsoft to accelerate AI adoption across departments and projects.
Key highlights include:

• Seven Years of Transformation: EY has spent years refining its approach, capitalizing on AI’s potential through structured investments.
• US$1.4 Billion Investment: A substantial commitment that underscores the organisation’s belief in AI as a catalyst for change.
• Integrated Service Offerings: From offering AI-powered cloud engineering in transformation projects to integrating AI as an option even when it isn’t the central focus, EY is ensuring its clients receive customized solutions that drive efficiency.

In this way, EY is not just keeping pace with technological trends but is actively defining the course for future business operations. For IT professionals and Windows users alike, this is a reminder that strategic AI investments can lead to a more agile, responsive, and innovative business landscape.

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Harnessing AI Infrastructure with Microsoft Partnerships​

EY’s transformative efforts are powered by a robust “alliance stack” of tools and platforms, many of which are driven by Microsoft’s cutting-edge technologies. Two standout integrations in EY’s digital ecosystem are:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot: Already in use by around 5,000 team members across Oceania, this generative AI tool boosts productivity by assisting with everyday tasks like report generation, communication drafting, and data analysis.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 & Copilot for Sales: Modernizing EY’s CRM system, these tools help deliver unified client insights through enhanced collaboration and streamlined processes.

By embedding AI into practical applications, EY demonstrates how traditional enterprise processes—ranging from cloud migration to customer relationship management—can be enhanced with AI. It’s a clear signal to Windows and IT professionals: taking advantage of integrated solutions like these can lead to significant productivity gains and operational efficiency.

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EY.ai Ecosystem and EYQ: A New Age of Productivity​

At the core of EY’s internal AI initiatives is the EY.ai ecosystem, a centralized “AI factory” model designed to foster innovation while safeguarding data and maintaining robust security. The ecosystem includes dedicated labs where employees can experiment and ideate with AI—safely exploring how these technologies can be harnessed for client-centric solutions.

Introducing EYQ​

The launch of EY.ai EYQ in October 2023 marks one of the largest private, secure generative AI ecosystems globally. EYQ’s infrastructure is anchored on Microsoft Azure and leverages OpenAI’s GPT-4 via the Azure OpenAI Service, underscoring the importance of robust cloud computing in AI evolution.
Key features of EYQ include:

• Versatile Conversational Assistants: Built on extensive EY knowledge, these serve as reliable collaborators in generating reports, drafting client communications, and even writing code.
• Integrated Prompt Management: Facilitates the execution of a wide range of tasks, ensuring that standard operations can be automated to free up human creativity.
• Collaborative Workspaces: Enable multiple users to work simultaneously within a unified conversation, enhancing cross-functional teamwork.

With more than 167,000 monthly users globally—and a significant number engaging monthly from New Zealand—EYQ is demonstrably changing the way employees work. For Windows users who depend on Microsoft’s ecosystem, this seamless integration of AI into day-to-day tasks is both a model and a motivator for adopting similar strategies within their organisations.

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A New Era of Agentic AI​

The concept of agentic AI is at the forefront of EY’s transformation strategy. This innovative approach goes beyond automating repetitive tasks—agentic AI tools like Bertie, Sadie, and Artie act as active collaborators in everyday operations. It’s not unusual now to hear team members casually say, “Let’s ask Artie” during meetings, reflecting how naturally these tools have been woven into the operational fabric.

The Dual Role of AI in Modern Workspaces​

• Creativity Meets Efficiency: While Microsoft 365 Copilot opens creative avenues for problem-solving, EYQ emphasizes production and execution. This dual approach enables employees to approach tasks with both imaginative and methodical support.
• Human-Centric Automation: Agentic AI strikes a delicate balance—it automates essential functions without overshadowing the human expertise that drives strategic decision-making. This balance ensures that technology complements workforce skills rather than replacing them.

By leveraging agentic AI, EY is redefining what productivity looks like in the modern workplace. For IT professionals and organisations on the Windows ecosystem, the key takeaway is clear: a harmonious blend of creative and operational AI fosters a culture where innovation thrives without compromising human oversight.

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Governance, Training, and Responsible AI Practices​

One of the standout aspects of EY’s AI transformation is its steadfast commitment to responsible AI. EY’s approach is built on nine core principles:

• Accountability
• Data Protection
• Reliability
• Security
• Transparency
• Explainability
• Fairness
• Compliance
• Sustainability

These principles are not mere words on paper. They ground EY’s operational practices—ensuring that every AI-powered initiative adheres to strict governance standards. With foundations in traditional audit and governance practices, EY has seamlessly extended its frameworks to oversee AI risk.

Empowering a Knowledgeable Workforce​

EY’s commitment to AI training is equally robust. Every professional within the organisation is required to engage in foundational AI training, supplemented by advanced upskilling opportunities through initiatives like the EY Badges program. This program:

• Offers external certifications in future-focused skills, including advanced AI training from Microsoft and other reputable providers.
• Requires up to 45 hours of combined training (15 hours of theory and 30 hours of hands-on application) per badge.

In practice, these training efforts have led to a significant uplift in AI competencies, as evidenced by internal surveys that show a strong day-to-day reliance on AI tools across the board.
For IT professionals and Windows users, this commitment to training highlights the importance of continuous learning in an era where technology evolves at breakneck speed. Integrating structured training and responsible governance into digital strategies is essential for any organisation aiming to harness AI effectively.

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Looking Ahead: A Future Shaped by Collaboration​

EY’s forward-thinking approach is not about resting on its laurels—there’s an ongoing commitment to evolution. The collaboration with Microsoft is set to deepen with the introduction of over 80 new products and features from Microsoft, poised to boost client outcomes and workplace efficiencies even further.

Strategic Collaboration for Broader Impact​

The strategic partnership between EY and Microsoft isn’t solely driven by the pursuit of operational excellence; it also targets broader societal challenges—ranging from sustainability to workforce transformation. Leaders like Rik Irons-Mclean, CTO for Enterprise Commercial at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, emphasize that the joint efforts are now moving beyond proof-of-concept initiatives into real-world applications that offer measurable business benefits.
This dual focus on immediate value and long-term societal impact provides inspiration for all IT professionals. Whether you're an enterprise IT manager, a Windows user keen on leveraging Microsoft’s latest productivity tools, or part of an organisation looking to responsibly embed AI into your operations, EY’s journey offers several lessons:

• Embrace collaboration over isolation to accelerate innovation.
• Invest in robust infrastructure (like Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 Copilot) to support AI integration.
• Prioritize responsible AI practices and continuous training to safeguard ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

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Conclusion​

EY’s transformation isn’t just a case study in technological upgrade—it’s a comprehensive rethinking of how work can and should be done in an AI-powered future. From its extensive partnership with Microsoft and the development of transformative tools like EYQ and agentic AI assistants to its unwavering commitment to responsible AI practices, EY is leading by example in the digital age.
For Windows users, IT professionals, and corporate leaders alike, the lessons are clear: adopting a people-centred AI strategy, backed by cutting-edge technology and a strong governance framework, is not only possible but essential for future success. As organisations continue to explore the vast potential of AI, EY’s journey serves as a beacon—demonstrating that the right balance of technology, training, and teamwork can transform challenges into opportunities.
In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying informed about these trends is more crucial than ever. As Microsoft continues to innovate and upgrade its suite of products, and as organisations like EY push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI, the future of work looks not only more productive but also more humane.

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Source: Microsoft AI the EY way: Inside the organisation’s holistic, people-centred AI transformation – New Zealand News Centre