EY Malta rolls out enterprise scale AI in audit services

EY Malta has announced the rollout of enterprise‑scale agentic artificial intelligence (AI) within its assurance services, strengthening audit quality and enhancing the experience for local businesses as part of EY’s global “All in” strategy.

The new technology is embedded directly into EY Canvas, EY’s global audit platform used by audit teams in Malta and around the world. Built on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Foundry and Microsoft Fabric, the AI‑enabled framework supports auditors in analysing large volumes of data, dynamically addressing risk and accessing continuously updated auditing and accounting guidance in real time.

For organisations operating in Malta, this transformation translates into more focused, risk‑based audits, reduced administrative burden and deeper insights, while maintaining the essential role of professional judgement, scepticism and human oversight.

The rollout follows extensive global testing and piloting and marks a key milestone in EY’s multibillion‑dollar investment in audit quality, technology and people. AI capabilities are now embedded across all phases of the audit, with further enhancements expected to support end‑to‑end audit activities by 2028.

Shawn Falzon, Assurance Leader and Partner at EY Malta, said: “This investment represents a meaningful step forward for our clients in Malta. By embedding advanced AI directly into our audit platform, we are able to focus more sharply on risk, quality and insight, while reducing disruption and administrative effort for clients. Crucially, this technology strengthens, rather than replaces professional judgement, supporting greater confidence and trust in the audit process.”

The enhanced audit methodology comes at a time when Maltese organisations are increasingly navigating complex regulatory environments, digital transformation initiatives and the growing use of AI in business operations. EY’s updated approach enhances the depth, relevance and confidence of audits in this evolving landscape.

Beyond statutory audits, the same frameworks underpin a broader suite of assurance and advisory services available locally, including AI readiness assessments, governance, risk management and controls. These services support organisations as they adopt AI responsibly, manage emerging risks and deliver measurable outcomes.

During The MIA Conference – “From oversight to innovation: Driving Quality and Integrity in Accountancy”, Shawn Falzon participated in a panel discussion titled “How is Digitalisation (including AI) Reshaping Assurance and Quality Assurance?”. Representing EY and in his capacity as Deputy Chairperson of the MIA Audit and Assurance Group, he shared insights on how these changes are being brought to life in practice, introducing EY’s Future of Audit. Now. approach.

As he noted during the discussion, “The transformation is really about doing the right work, at the right time, with the right support, so our teams can spend less time on administrative tasks and more on addressing risk and strengthening audit quality.”

The deployment is supported by EY’s long‑standing alliance with Microsoft, whose cloud and AI technologies are deeply integrated into the EY technology platform. All new capabilities have been developed and deployed in line with EY’s responsible AI principles.

EY is also continuing to invest in its people in Malta through a global training programme designed to upskill audit and technology risk professionals. The programme combines structured and immersive learning and will be continuously updated to reflect changes in regulation, technology and audit standards.