North America Regional Review
Confidence built through judgement and trusted collaboration
Mid-sized accountancy tax and advisory firms across North American are decision making at speed to take advantage of the current growth trends, while managing competing signals from markets, regulators and policymakers.
Investment continues unabated, crossborder activity remains strong and clients are pressing ahead with growth plans, despite a turbulent market. Success will be marked by confidence in the face of uncertainty. Leaders want to move forward knowing that advice is grounded, objective and informed by real experience.
For Praxity firms in North America, this environment plays to longstanding strengths: deep local understanding, independence and the ability to draw on trusted peers when complexity increases.
Pace is reshaping expectations
Marc Feigelson, CEO of Kaufman Rossin.
In the United States, growth stories are frequently tied to expansion or consolidation across state lines, acquisitions or international activity. Clients often arrive focused on opportunity, only to encounter layers of operational and regulatory complexity that mean the client firm has to familiarise itself at speed with the environment.
Marc Feigelson, CEOelect of Kaufman Rossin, sees this regularly across their client landscape. Businesses move quickly, sometimes faster than their internal structures can comfortably manage. Employment rules vary, tax positions shift and compliance expectations differ sharply depending on geography. Clients want advisers who can help them make sense of these realities without slowing progress.
This is where practical judgement matters. Clients are rarely looking for exhaustive technical detail. The prevalence of large language models and AI solutions mean the access to granular data is easier than ever. What they do need is perspective, prioritisation and reassurance that decisions are being made with a full understanding of risk.
Canadian firms are navigating similar pressures, though the tone is often more cautious. At MNP, leaders describe clients taking time to scrutinise investment decisions more carefully, shaped by economic conditions and policy direction. Even so, momentum remains. Growth has not paused, but it is pursued with sharper questioning and a strong focus on resilience.
Across both markets, firms that can respond quickly while maintaining clarity are best positioned to support clients effectively.
The value of independence in a connected market
Ownership models across professional services continue to attract attention in North America, particularly as private equity investment expands. Regulatory oversight remains relatively light, allowing clients themselves to shape expectations around independence and alignment.
For many, clarity here supports trust. Marc Feigelson notes that clients, including those backed by private equity, often value advisers whose independence is straightforward and easily understood. It removes uncertainty at decisive moments and reinforces confidence that advice is offered solely in the client’s interest.
Within Praxity, this independence sits alongside connection. Member firms retain autonomy while drawing on a global network of peers who share similar values and professional standards. In a region where clients increasingly operate across borders and jurisdictions, this combination proves powerful.
Rather than relying on scale alone, Praxity firms collaborate where needed, bringing in trusted partners with local insight and established relationships. For North American clients expanding internationally, or international businesses entering North America, this approach provides continuity without dilution.
Technology supports progress, not promises
Technology remains a central theme across the region, but conversations have become more grounded. Artificial intelligence, data analytics and automation are now part of everyday workflows for many firms. Clients are less interested in the novelty of the next great technology and more focused on outcomes.
Marc Feigelson describes a shift in how professional value is delivered. As technology supports processing and analysis, advisers spend more time interpreting information and helping clients understand how it applies to their business. The emphasis moves upward, towards insight, judgement and communication.
Canadian firms echo this perspective. At MNP, technology adoption is framed around reliability and integration. Tools are implemented where they enhance consistency and insight, supported by clear governance and human oversight. Trust remains central, particularly in areas such as audit, tax and advisory where accountability is critical.
For Praxity firms, shared learning plays an important role here. Members exchange practical experience on what works, what clients value and how to introduce technology responsibly. This collective insight helps firms move forward with confidence, knowing they are not navigating these changes alone.
Working closer with clients
Another defining feature of the North American market is the way relationships are deepening. Managed services, outsourced finance functions and ongoing advisory support continue to gain traction, particularly among midmarket organisations seeking flexibility and consistent access to expertise.
Technology makes these models possible, but proximity makes them successful. Clients want advisers who understand their context and remain engaged over time. They value continuity and accessibility, especially when conditions change quickly.
This closer working relationship also heightens awareness of risk. Cyber security, data protection and operational resilience sit quietly behind many engagements. Even when clients do not raise these topics directly, expectations are clear.
Marc Feigelson points to the importance of preparedness. Firms must demonstrate strong internal controls and confidence in their technology environment, not only within their own operations but across any partner relationships.
For Praxity firms, this shared responsibility reinforces the importance of common standards. Trust extends across the alliance, supporting clients who rely on multiple firms in different jurisdictions. Confidence in one firm is strengthened by confidence in the network around it.
Regulation, preparedness and shared perspective
Regulatory pressures continue to influence advisory work across North America, though they manifest differently in the US and Canada. Changes in trade policy, enforcement priorities and political cycles create uneven challenges for clients operating across borders.
Midmarket organisations often turn to advisers for help understanding potential exposure before it becomes urgent. Scenario planning, stress testing and risk assessment are now regular parts of advisory conversations.
Canadian firms see particular demand in sectors where policy and investment intersect closely, while US firms often focus on multistate operations, employment practices and compliance frameworks. In both cases, clients value advice that is clear, pragmatic and proportionate.
Here, Praxity’s collective insight adds depth. Member firms bring regional understanding to the table and share perspectives across markets. This helps clients anticipate challenges rather than responding under pressure, and supports advisers in offering balanced, wellinformed guidance.
A region aligned with the Praxity model
Taken together, these regional experiences highlight why North America aligns closely with the Praxity model. Independence, collaboration and professional judgement become practical tools that help firms and clients navigate complexity with confidence.
Marc Feigelson’s perspective underlines the importance of this balance. Success comes from building organisations that are prepared, well governed and focused on client outcomes above all else as conditions change. That approach resonates strongly across the region.
From Canada, MNP leaders reinforce this message with a focus on resilience and trust. Careful decisionmaking and a longterm view support sustainable growth, even in uncertain conditions.
As North America looks ahead, the opportunity lies in continuing to combine local expertise with global connection. Praxity firms are well placed to do just that, supporting clients with advice that is prompt, objective and grounded in shared experience.
In a market defined by pace, trust, judgement and collaboration become the foundations of confidence.