The Big Four’s reliance on legacy partnership structures contrasts with rivals like McKinsey & Co, whose alumni lead nearly 30 Fortune 500 companies. While AI adoption aims to boost efficiency, KPMG’s controversial demand for auditors to accept lower fees using AI tools sparked internal backlash, illustrating the risks of over-reliance on technology. Analysts warn that without revenue growth, the firms’ long-term viability hinges on balancing partner retention with cost control.