In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Ryan Pearcy is joined by Eriona Bajrakurtaj and Kevin Fitzgerald to break down the most significant developments in accounting tech news and fintech news. The team explores how major platforms are moving beyond simple automation to embed artificial intelligence directly into the core of the accounting workflow.

The conversation covers the recent Intuit Get Connected event, where the global platform announced a massive shift toward AI-driven compliance. We examine what the partnership with Anthropic means for the rollout of custom AI agents and how the new business tax beta aims to proactively identify tax savings. The panel also reviews the latest product roadmap from FreeAgent and how they are positioning themselves to compete with larger players through rapid development and MTD readiness.

Beyond the software updates, we look at the broader economic landscape affecting the profession. Drawing on the latest data from Xero and Employment Hero, we discuss the 8.8 per cent rise in SME wages, persistent late payment challenges, and why the era of the Frankenstack—disjointed software collections—is rapidly coming to an end in favour of unified systems.

We also highlight new innovations in compliance and portfolio management, including the MTD Command Centre from Bots for That, the integration between FYI and AMLCC, and Starling Bank's expansion into integrated tax software.

00:00 Intro and Welcome

02:40 Employment Hero

03:21 Intuit scales up AI capabilities as MTD deadline approaches

07:38 Intuit partners with Anthropic to bring custom AI agents

11:33 Intuit launches business tax AI beta to simplify filings

14:06 FreeAgent product spotlight 2026

18:37 Latest Xero data reveals small businesses are still facing persistent late payment challenges

21:18 Latest Xero data reveals small businesses are still facing persistent late payment challenges

23:33 UK SME wages rise by 8.8 per cent sparking concerns over potential price increases

27:28 Innovations in Fintech and Compliance Tools

27:37 Bots for That unveils a new MTD control centre for centralised client portfolio management

29:51 FYI and AMLCC integrate to automate anti-money laundering compliance for accountancy firms

31:09 Starling Bank expands business features with integrated HMRC-recognised software for digital tax

33:08 Xenon Connect releases a process tool to replace manual checklists for compliance reviews

35:19 Outro

This episode is sponsored by Employment Hero. Visit their website: https://employmenthero.co.uk