AI Is Accelerating Consulting and Introducing Risk

Consultants are under pressure to deliver faster, sharper insights. AI is helping, but it’s also creating new vulnerabilities inside client work.

According to the Management Consulting Industry Report 2026, 54% of consultants admit to using AI tools without approval, often driven by deadlines and efficiency demands.

At the same time:


50% cite misinformation as their top concern

35% report no formal AI policy in their organization

42% say lack of training is limiting productivity

There’s a growing disconnect between speed and control, with insights delivered faster but with less transparency and governance.

This report breaks down how leading consulting firms are navigating that tension, including:

  • How to enable AI adoption without losing oversight
  • Where shadow AI usage is highest (and why)
  • What “client-ready” AI governance actually looks like
  • How to protect credibility while increasing delivery speed

For consulting leaders, AI is an opportunity to get ahead of industry peers by building trust into every aspect of internal and client AI adoption.

This report contains original research from LexisNexis, and technology and data company that helps consulting professionals win and keep new business through faster, sharper, and more defensible strategic insights.