G lobally, businesses are projected to spend an estimated $2.5 trillion on AI this year, according to research firm Gartner —but for many, the return on that investment is iffy. Manish Sharma, chief strategy and services officer for Accenture, says his clients often ask why their AI investment hasn’t yet shown gains. His typical answer: “Technology is almost never the constraint,” says Sharma. “The constraint is what sits underneath, because layering AI on top of broken infrastructure, siloed data and outdated workflows only automates waste.” A better solution, he says, is for companies to think about how they’ve structured themselves—even before AI—and in what ways they can use AI tools to streamline their current processes.

“AI makes us more productive, and clients respond by giving us more work, not less,” says Sharma. This approach of using AI for efficiency gains to help businesses trim additional steps is part of the reason Accenture ranked among the most recommended firms on Forbes ’ list of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms of 2026.

The ranking, produced in partnership with market research firm Statista , is based on national surveys of consultants (partners and directors at management consulting firms) and clients (executives) in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as a global survey of 5,400 consultants and 3,700 clients covering 31 countries across the globe. Survey respondents were asked which consulting firms they would recommend (excluding their own) across 13 industries (such as aerospace, construction and insurance) and 15 functional areas (such as data analytics, risk management and sustainability).

Firms that were “very frequently” recommended (in the top 10%) made our list with a 5-star rating, those that were “frequently” recommended (between the top 10% and 40%) received 4 stars, and other firms with a sufficient number of recommendations received 3 stars. In addition to consulting firms, consulting networks—platforms where independent consultants and clients can connect—were rated using the same method. In total, 208 consultancies (200 consulting firms and eight consulting networks) were recognized in one or more categories this year.

Many of the companies that ranked highly last year rose to the top again in 2026. Accenture took the lead this year, amassing 27 5-star ratings and one 4-star rating, followed by Deloitte , which earned 25 5-star ratings and three 4-star ratings. Those two firms were followed by McKinsey & Company , with 21 5-star ratings and seven 4-star ratings, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) , with 19 5-star ratings and nine 4-star ratings, along with Bain & Company , KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) , each earning a mix of 5- and 4-star ratings in all 28 categories.

Like Accenture, BCG’s focus has also been on training its teams to use AI beyond a foundational level in order to build a more efficient business. “Tools and solutions are more plentiful than ever, but clients know what makes a difference is whether their people can adopt the tools in ways that make them more productive, insightful and innovative, and that they avoid the risk of falling prey to AI hallucinations and AI slop,” says Alicia Pittman, BCG’s global people chair. An important element in achieving this, she adds, is ensuring that their people don’t outsource their critical thinking and judgement to machines.

Pittman cites a recent project at Dallas Fort Worth Airport in which BCG incorporated frontline teams as the consulting firm built new digital tools designed to help the airport manage its growing number of passengers. Two AI-enabled platforms were built: one that ultimately helped reduce roadway congestion by 24%, Pittman says, and another that aided maintenance efficiency. Both platforms were successfully handed off to the employees at DFW because they had been integral in creating the tools and were then trained in how to use them.

At Paris-headquartered consulting network Malt , Vincent Huguet, the company’s CEO and co-founder, says some businesses are increasingly shifting away from traditional consulting firms, especially if they’re on the hunt for niche strategists or highly specialized experts to take over a project within days instead of weeks. Huguet shares the example of Malt’s client, Doctolib, a European healthcare tech company, which found and partnered with Malt consultants within 48 hours of beginning a search.

Even large corporations recognize the benefits of finding and hiring talented freelancers through consulting networks. Recently, says Huguet, L’Oréal recruited a single senior organizational specialist from Malt, rather than a larger consulting firm, to help the beauty company restructure its management teams, because the specialist could effectively get the job done without the overhead costs associated with a firm.

At Alvarez & Marsal , Steve Wallace, the company’s chief operating officer, says there is a growing need for transaction advisory services at the firm. “In a more selective deal environment, investors need greater conviction before deploying capital,” says Wallace. Therefore, clients are seeking thoughtful, experienced consultants who can offer a clear picture of a company’s financial risks and realistic revenue sources before investing.

In addition, Wallace notes, clients are looking for long-term advisors who will partner on projects and drive improvements. “It’s why we think firms with deep sector expertise, independence and hands-on execution will be best positioned to help clients navigate this environment and to earn enduring client relationships , ” says Wallace.

To find top consulting firms and networks that are building these strong client relationships, check out our full list of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms .

Forbes ’ fifth annual list of the World’s Best Consulting Firms was produced in partnership with market research firm Statista , and is based on national surveys of consultants (partners and directors at management consulting firms) and clients (executives) in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as a global survey of 5,400 consultants and 3,700 clients covering 31 countries across the globe. These approximately 9,000 total survey respondents were asked which consulting firms they would recommend (excluding their own) across 13 industries (such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and financial services) and 15 functional consulting areas (such as artificial intelligence, marketing, sustainability and supply chain management). To be eligible for evaluation, consulting firms were required to maintain offices in at least three of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

Firms that were “very frequently” recommended (in the top 10%) made our list with a 5-star rating, those that were “frequently” recommended (between the top 10% and 40%) received 4 stars, and other firms with a sufficient number of recommendations received 3 stars. In addition to consulting firms, consulting networks—platforms where independent consultants and clients can connect—were rated using the same method.

Ultimately, 208 consulting companies (200 consulting firms and eight consulting networks) were recognized in one or more categories of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2026.

As with all Forbes lists, companies do not pay to participate or be selected. To read more about how we make these lists and their methodologies, click here . For questions about this list, please email listdesk [at] forbes.com.