The Big Four are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and blockchain technology with an enthusiasm that reveals the huge potential and game-changing nature these developments offer the world of accountancy.

But with their vast resources being harnessed to recruit and acquire the best and brightest practitioners and start-ups, where does this leave the mid-tier firms who may not have the financial clout to compete?

Are they in danger of losing clients in, for example, the audit market as the Big Four begin to offer sophisticated solutions that promise a safer, faster, more effective and cheaper service?