The Bottom Line: Is the M&A market ready for liftoff?

How is AI really being used in accounting and finance? We went directly to the source for answers! In this episode, we welcome Alex Gee, Head of Financial Integrity at OpenAI, who pulls back the curtain to show how the company behind ChatGPT is actively deploying its own technology to transform its finance and accounting. Tune in to see demos of these real-world use cases in action. • 00:05 - Introduction • 02:00 - Open AI's strategy for integrating AI in its accounting and finance functions • 13:10 - Setting the foundation for AI agents • 21:20 - Demo: AI agents for risk management • 26:50 - Demo: Using vibe for tax return forms • 36:35 - Demo: Using AI-powered financial modeling for warrants

In this episode of The Sustainability Report, KPMG professionals Louise Santacruz and Bryce Ehrhardt shift the conversation around sustainability regulations from what the rules say to what it takes to put them into practice. They're joined by Savannah Wilson, Senior Manager, ESG Regulatory Reporting at The Estee Lauder Companies, and Kenny Green, Sustainability Controller at Booking Holdings, for a grounded look at how two global organizations are building - and stress testing - their sustainability reporting programs. Together, the group examines the real-world work behind managing overlapping frameworks like CSRD, ISSB and California's climate laws - the move from voluntary reporting to data that can stand up to regulatory scrutiny - and what it takes to design processes that can scale across jurisdictions. They also explore the mindset shift required to turn regulatory pressure into smarter systems, shared infrastructure and reporting models that serve more than one purpose. If you're trying to untangle evolving global requirements or looking for practical ways to move your organization from simply complying with to meaningfully operationalizing sustainability reporting, this conversation offers clear perspective - and a path forward.

KPMG professionals Sean Egan and Olga Roberts provide a technical deep-dive into the pivotal outcomes of the NAIC Fall 2025 Meeting and their immediate implications for the insurance industry. As regulators continue their focus on transparency and solvency, this discussion serves as a critical guide for financial reporting professionals navigating the latest statutory accounting shifts.

Get the key insights on the CSRD and ESRS post-Omnibus changes in just minutes. The Bottom Line is a quick summary for when you need to stay informed on the fly.

Late 2025 brought long-awaited clarity to the EU regulatory landscape, empowering companies to move forward with confidence. In this episode of The Sustainability Report, we break down the two landmark updates: the EU agreement on amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the newly proposed simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Tune in as we explore the strategic implications of these changes, including why it's crucial to re-evaluate your CSRD scoping assessment and how to approach the ESRS simplifications. We also discuss CSRD compliance in the broader context of overall sustainability reporting and strategy journeys. For more information on EU sustainability reporting, visit https://kpmg.com/us/en/frv/reference-library/2025/sustainability-reporting-eu.html

Getting a deal to the finish line is a monumental task. But what few appreciate is that navigating the SEC's post-acquisition reporting rules can be just as complex. The path forward is filled with hidden tripwires that can impact future capital raises and strategic plans. We simplify the disclosure game with former SEC veteran, Melissa Rocha. We break down the essential requirements that every acquirer must face and reveal the secrets to the all-important waiver process - sharing what it truly takes to build a winning argument with the staff. Then, we discuss the often-overlooked traps, including how a future offering can completely change your compliance timeline. The Bottom Line is a quick summary for when you need to stay informed on the fly. For more, go to https://kpmg.com/us/en/frv/podcasts.html.

Getting a deal to the finish line is a monumental task. But what few appreciate is that navigating the SEC's post-acquisition reporting rules can be just as complex. The path forward is filled with hidden tripwires that can impact future capital raises and strategic plans. We simplify the disclosure game with former SEC veteran, Melissa Rocha. We break down the essential requirements that every acquirer must face and reveal the secrets to the all-important waiver process - sharing what it truly takes to build a winning argument with the staff. Then, we discuss the often-overlooked traps, including how a future offering can completely change your compliance timeline. For more, go to https://kpmg.com/us/en/frv/podcasts.html.

How does a global tech giant with over 350,000 employees build and maintain an award-winning ethical culture? Fresh off being named one of the 'World's Most Ethical Companies' by Ethisphere, two of Cognizant's executives are pulling back the curtain. In this episode, we sit down with John Brennan, Chief Audit Executive, and Marc Levin, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, to uncover the secrets behind their success - including how they're navigating the ethical challenges of AI, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and an ever-changing regulatory environment. For more, go to https://kpmg.com/us/en/frv/podcasts.html.

In a world defined by 'compound volatility,' the deal landscape has fundamentally shifted. Buyers are proceeding with more discipline as sellers are proceeding with caution in bringing assets to market. We unpack the latest in terms of deal activity and what it might signal for the year ahead. Plus, we explore how drivers of compound volatility (tariffs, interest rates, AI demands) are impacting diligence and how companies are navigating this complexity. Then we end by discussing how to create value through M&A and other key attributes of the most successful dealmakers. For more, go to https://kpmg.com/us/en/frv/podcasts.html. The Bottom Line is a quick summary for when you need to stay informed on the fly.

In a world defined by 'compound volatility,' the deal landscape has fundamentally shifted. Buyers are proceeding with more discipline as sellers are proceeding with caution in bringing assets to market. We unpack the latest in terms of deal activity and what it might signal for the year ahead. Plus, we explore how drivers of compound volatility (tariffs, interest rates, AI demands) are impacting diligence and how companies are navigating this complexity. Then we end by discussing how to create value through M&A and other key attributes of the most successful dealmakers. For more, go to https://kpmg.com/us/en/frv/podcasts.html.