KPMG International Limited is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. It operates as a multinational professional services network and is one of the Big Four accounting firms, alongside Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), and PwC. The firm's history dates back to 1870 when Sir William Barclay Peat joined an accounting firm that would later bear his name. The current iteration, KPMG, was formed in 1987 through the merger of Peat Marwick International (PMI) and Klynveld Main Goerdeler (KMG). The name 'KPMG' is an initialism derived from the names of the founding members: Piet Klynveld, William Barclay Peat, James Marwick, and Reinhard Goerdeler.
KPMG member firms operate in 143 countries and territories, with a collective workforce of nearly 273,000 partners and employees. In the U.S. alone, KPMG LLP has approximately 36,000 employees and partners across over 90 offices. The organization serves a diverse client base that includes business corporations, governments, public sector agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. Its service lines are structured to address industry-specific issues and opportunities across various sectors such as financial services, healthcare, energy, technology, and public service. KPMG is committed to driving positive, sustainable change by helping organizations identify risks and seize opportunities. The firm emphasizes a culture built on its values, focusing on integrity, excellence, courage, respect, and doing what matters. KPMG has made significant investments in technology and talent to provide trusted advice and innovative solutions, including the development of platforms like KPMG Clara, which utilizes artificial intelligence and automation. The firm's global structure consists of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee, which provides support services to the member firms.