Disruptive technology, FinTech, and data analytics are some of the emerging issues challenging clients, according to Doug McPhee, a partner and global head of valuation services with KPMG. During an interview with the IVSC, McPhee pointed to technology such as artificial intelligence and bots replacing humans, the rise of autonomous vehicles, rapidly changing habits as a result of the sharing economy, and impact of millennials. “For traditional manufacturers and bricks and mortar operators, this poses a real threat and assessing how this may impact on value in the near-term cannot be underestimated,” he said. FinTech, such as blockchain and distributed ledger technology, “has the potential to really upend many long established and previously thought to be hugely insulated businesses,” he observes. A focus on data analytics and digitization helps in terms of depth of analysis and speed of response. On a macro level, major global corporates are faced with doing difficult deals in more difficult parts of the world, and typically in some kind of collaborative structure, such as a joint venture. “Information and transparency in such markets can be challenging as well as taking a view on growth rates in hugely green and inflationary markets,” he said.