Restructuring and insolvency professionals want clearer guidance on AI use

Restructuring, turnaround and insolvency professionals have made a good start on using artificial intelligence (AI) to support their work, but significant barriers are holding back wider adoption, according to new research published by R3 in association with Alph4.

A new report based on a survey of R3 members and qualitative research with practitioners, legal professionals and technology specialists is believed to be the first comprehensive review of how professionals in this area are currently using AI and automation in their work.

It found that while adoption of more advanced AI remains limited, interest in the technology is growing. Around four in five of those surveyed (81%) have digitised their document intake, and more than half (52%) are using tools such as Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT. However, fewer than one in ten respondents report using machine learning or AI agents.

More than 90% of respondents expect AI to improve efficiency and save time, while almost three-quarters believe it will reduce administrative burdens. Two-thirds agree that AI will create a step change in efficiency across the profession.

However, the research identifies several barriers to wider adoption, including data security and confidentiality concerns, uncertainty around professional indemnity insurance and a lack of regulatory guidance. There were also concerns about training and skills as well as structural challenges created by traditional business models.

The report also highlights concerns about the impact of AI on future professionals. More than three-quarters of respondents expect AI to change the skills required in the profession, with digital literacy, ethical awareness, data analysis and client communication expected to become increasingly important.

R3 President, Sonia Jordan, a Restructuring and Insolvency Partner at Knights, said ‘This report provides the first comprehensive picture of how AI is being used by restructuring, turnaround and insolvency professionals. While there are already examples of AI helping to analyse data, review documents and improve efficiency, adoption remains at an early stage as firms explore what these technologies mean for their businesses. The companies that are likely to benefit most will be those that build technology literacy, put appropriate governance in place and focus on using AI to enhance professional judgement.

“We hope this report stimulates discussion about how AI is being used in practice, how firms can adopt it responsibly and how the barriers to wider adoption can be addressed. R3 will continue that conversation including at events like our Smaller Practices Group forum, and we encourage members to share their experiences and views with us.”

Robert Guidi, CEO of Alph4 and author of the report, added “It’s clear from our research that AI won’t replace professional judgement. Instead, the greatest opportunities lie in using technology to support practitioners, automate routine tasks and free up more time for higher-value advisory and investigative work. As the technology evolves the opportunity is not simply to do the same work faster, but to rethink how professional services are delivered.”