The sugar rush is over: The Big Four must wake up from their pandemic dream

UK · 2026-09-30

1. Step 1 · The triggerpandemic-era over-hiring by the Big Four creates excess advisory capacity as demand normalizes
2. Step 2 · Knock-onconsulting clients (including SMEs) reduce spend and renegotiate contracts, lowering sector revenue and forcing cost cuts
3. Step 3 · Reaches youKPMG and peers announce layoffs and fee pressure, shifting bargaining power to buyers and lowering SME advisory costs

The trigger is reported by the source below. The steps that follow are Branch²’s traced reasoning — how the shock could reach a business like yours, not a prediction.

Source: City A.M.

This is automated analysis for information only. It is not investment advice, not a recommendation, and not a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Branch² is not authorised or regulated. Do your own research.