The group said all of its global financial services sectors – wealth and asset management, insurance and banking and capital markets – delivered double-digit growth. This was attributed to strong demand for regulatory-driven transformation services and opportunities across digital delivery, data analytics and financial technology.

“This year we realised strong gains across both developed and emerging markets, despite volatile conditions in many individual markets and a slowing global economy. We are proud of this year's results, which saw fast-paced growth across all of our businesses and in each geographic area,” said EY's global chairman and chief executive, Mark Weinberger.

EY, which also issues reports on the wealth management industry, boosted revenues across all four service lines. Advisory grew 17.6 per cent; assurance by 8.1 per cent; transaction advisory services by 15.5 per cent; and tax by 10.3 per cent.

As part of its "Vision 2020" strategy, EY said it was investing in innovations in disruptive technology, as well as audit quality, digital and analytics. In July, the group created a global innovation team, led by Silicon Valley executive Jeff Wong as global chief innovation officer.