KPMG Managing Partner, Philippe Meyer, explains:

“We’re committed to walking the talk on technology, and playing a leading role in making Luxembourg realise its digital potential. When we talk of growth, it’s not only the figures which play a part – it’s also the impact we have in the public space, in the industries in which we work, and the ways we help our clients to be the architects of a smarter, better future. This year, we’ve managed to move forward in leaps and bounds, and today is about celebrating these success stories.”

Georges Bock, Head of Tax, was enthusiastic about the role of technology in our community:

“Given the growing importance of financial education, we are launching a web-based tool, the “KPMG Tax Calculator” to help people better calculate their tax due. We’ll be offering the application free of charge – so by using the calculator, anyone can benefit from an expert-built tool without paying an expert fee, making sure people meet their tax obligations, while also learning how the government provides incentives for long-term saving. It’s designed to be simple and easy to use – but we’re eager to get feedback on whether it lives up to expectations. The tool is part of our strategy “Tax 2020” strategy developed in this financial year, which is designed to make tax digital and prepare ourselves, as well as our clients, for technology and Data & Analytics in tax. We are ready to embrace the change.”

Pascal Denis, Head of Advisory, further explained how technology is central to KPMG action:

“Building on the interest generated by FundsDLT, we see more and more people knocking on our door to find out how blockchain can become a reality in other areas. The digital revolution will create smarter, safer, more customer-friendly ways of distributing, and buying products and services. That’s why we’ve invested in technology to help boost Luxembourg’s name not only at home, but also abroad. The impact is truly international, but we would not have been able to do this alone. Collaboration is the new competition: firms are working together to achieve a common vision. The FinTech awards is another example of how collective impact, and the work of a wider community, has allowed us to attract new FinTech firms and innovate in double quick time. We expect to see more of this “open innovation” trend in the future.”

Emmanuel Dollé, Head of Audit, explained how KPMG’ people are critical to the innovation process:

“Blockchain is just one example of our employees embracing technology and an entrepreneurial spirit. We’re committed to making this a cornerstone of our working culture. This year, we held an inaugural “intrapreneurial” competition for our staff, the Kosmo challenge, to identify innovative revenue-generating ideas. We had over thirty teams apply, and the winners will see their ideas come to life. It’s a new approach to innovation that empowers our employees, and helps them build a real business, within our business, with all the support of our people behind them.”

Philippe Meyer, Managing Partner, explained the role of KPMG people in this revolution:

“Technology is developing in double quick time, and we believe it essential to match its brisk pace. This takes the active contribution of all our people, no matter what their field, to develop expert-led technology that can create a better experience for customers of all kinds, while helping respond to emerging risks. The foundation of all this, however, is deep technical expertise: real insight, understanding and analysis of complex matters. A relentless focus on quality, coupled with an ethical approach to work, has helped us to achieve this in a passionate but responsible manner.”