In 2026, private equity firms are relying more than ever on the strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI). In a challenging market environment characterised by macroeconomic uncertainties, pressure to improve efficiency and rising investor expectations, AI continues to grow in importance as a lever for value creation, operational excellence and cost efficiency. This is also confirmed by the latest edition of our English-language AI Quarterly Pulse Survey, which analyses the figures and trends in artificial intelligence within asset management and private equity organisations for the final quarter of last year.
A strong willingness to invest – even in a challenging environment
The US executives surveyed for the report plan to invest an average of US$101 million in AI over the next twelve months.
It is noteworthy that 78 per cent of private equity leaders view AI as a top investment priority even if a recession were to occur in the coming months.
At the same time, the question of measurable added value is coming into focus: 40 per cent of respondents expect a clear return on investment within the next twelve months, and 53 per cent within 12 to 24 months.
Macroeconomics and pressure to improve efficiency are shaping the AI agenda
Die drei wichtigsten Einflussfaktoren auf KI-Strategien in den kommenden sechs Monaten:
In future, companies should align their AI roadmaps even more closely with these three dimensions in order to secure their long-term competitiveness.
AI agents on trend – but with clear safety guidelines
Companies are moving from the experimental phase to the productive use of AI: 68 per cent of the companies surveyed are piloting AI agents, 24 per cent are already using them productively.
AI systems are used particularly frequently in internal areas such as risk, finance and IT, namely by 63 to 65 per cent of respondents. At the same time, caution prevails:
- 76 per cent rely on agents from established and trusted technology providers,
- 56 per cent refuse access to sensitive data without human supervision,
- 51 per cent generally prefer „human-in-the-loop“models instead of full autonomy.
Challenges: Trust and infrastructure
Despite a high willingness to invest, the monetisation of AI is taking time – 47 per cent of respondents do not expect a return on investment within the next 24 months.
Respondents cite the complexity of the systems (63 per cent), low confidence in the accuracy of AI results (53 per cent) and a lack of internal infrastructure to support implementation (40 per cent) as the main obstacles.
Although many companies are determined to invest in AI, they will only be able to realise the full value once the structural and technical prerequisites for trust, scalability and operational integration have been established.
The talent market is changing: new skills and roles are in demand
The demand for skilled AI personnel is rising rapidly, and almost three-quarters of the companies surveyed are paying salaries that are six to ten per cent higher for strong AI skills. In addition, around half of those surveyed plan to invest between US$5.0 million and US$9.9 million over the next 12 months to create new roles such as AI developers and AI experts.
Recruitment strategies are also changing:
- 71 per cent of private equity executives are changing their approach to recruiting early-career professionals, and
- 54 per cent are adapting their strategies for experienced talent.
Talent acquisition and development are becoming key prerequisites for sustainable AI scaling.
AI as an increasingly important driver of value for private equity
Overall, the results of our survey show that companies in the private equity sector view artificial intelligence as a clear strategic lever. They are investing, aligning their roadmaps more closely with market and efficiency pressures, driving forward the use of AI, and systematically building up the relevant capabilities. Achieving measurable value creation remains a challenging task and requires further investment in trust, infrastructure and talent.
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Tilman Ost
Partner, Deal Advisory, Private Equity, Global Private Equity Advisory Leader
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft