Although M&A activity has slowed in recent years, the deals going through demand increasingly complex due diligence. Buyers must assess a wide range of factors including the target’s exposure to economic and geopolitical volatility, regulatory compliance, tax, environmental, social and governance performance, and litigation risk. AI technologies are now playing a pivotal role in streamlining this process. Advanced AI tools enable enhanced due diligence by rapidly reviewing vast datasets, identifying financial crime and anti-money laundering compliance issues, and flagging inconsistencies or potential risks for further investigation by the buyer and its legal team. This not only improves accuracy and efficiency but also frees up valuable human resources, allowing deal makers to focus on strategic elements such as negotiation and stakeholder engagement. With appropriate oversight, the integration of AI into the M&A lifecycle offers transformative potential, reshaping how transactions are assessed, executed and managed.