Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the world, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) is certainly no exception.
While these AI tools augment many aspects of deal sourcing, analysis, execution, and integration:
- How do you ensure your career in this field stays on track?
- How do you stand out so you aren’t replaced by machines?
To truly future-proof your career in M&A, it’s not just about mastering the latest technology, highlighting the human skills that machines simply cannot replicate is crucial. While embracing and applying innovative AI tools helps you stay relevant, it’s your unique human abilities – like critical thinking, creativity, relationship-building and emotional intelligence – that will set you apart in a rapidly evolving industry. Don’t let the pursuit of tech-savviness overshadow what makes you truly indispensable as you progress in your career.
On this page, you’ll find expert insights focused on the most vital element: elevating your irreplaceable human strengths to secure your place and thrive within the high-stakes world of M&A.
How AI is transforming careers in M&A
In recent years, powerful generative AI tools have become widely accessible, prompting a complete rethink of traditional deal processes, as we outline on our AI in corporate finance hub.
AI has enabled M&A teams to work faster and deliver deeper analytical insights than ever before. It also offers up opportunities for those in junior roles to focus on the more interesting and perhaps more fulfilling aspects of the job. However, this is only possible to achieve by effectively integrating these tools into their workflows and processes and allowing the AI tools to augment the mundane routine tasks. Ultimately those professionals who embrace these tools and integrate them into their daily lives, will have a competitive advantage.
However that will not be enough to progress one's career in M&A. It's those M&A professionals who leverage and continue to develop their human capabilities, that machines cannot replicate through algorithms and large language models, that will truly thrive.
Leadership perspective
Video from the in-person careers event that took place on 10 February 2026 to be inserted once ready.
At an in-person event held on 10 February 2026 at Chartered Accountants' Hall, we heard from Charindra Pathiwille, Deloitte’s Managing Partner for Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory and member of the Deloitte UK Executive Group, on the enduring role of human expertise in an AI‑enabled world.
His exclusive content offers practical, experience‑based perspectives on how AI is reshaping M&A work – and how professionals can future‑proof their careers.
Download resource
We’ve published a concise two‑page document outlining tips for developing an AI‑resilient career in M&A.
Explore more AI career resources from ICAEW
For further reading on AI’s growing role in corporate finance, explore:
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