How to Choose an AI Consultant in 2026

"Everyone" is offering AI today. Between agencies selling PowerPoint decks, generalist freelancers, and software vendors, how do you choose an AI consultant capable of delivering tangible results in a demanding profession? Here are the criteria that truly matter.

1. Look for someone who builds, not just presents

The first filter is the most important. Many consultants stop at diagnosis and recommendations: they deliver a report, sometimes a roadmap, and the implementation is left to you—or a third-party technical provider. The result: a disconnect between strategy and execution, extended deadlines, and often a project that never makes it to production.

Prioritise a profile that designs, develops, and deploys themselves. It's the difference between an idea and a running system. It's also a guarantee of realism: someone who codes knows what is feasible, at what cost, and in how much time. See what this looks like in practice.

2. Demand real systems, not just demos

An impressive demonstration proves nothing. The real question is: has the consultant already put AI agents integrated with existing business tools into production, running on a daily basis? Ask for concrete examples in your sector—or a similar one—and how the solutions connect to the software you already use.

3. GDPR compliance is not optional

For a law firm, an accounting firm, or a public authority, data is inherently sensitive. Systematically check:

• Hosting: Does the data remain in France / the EU?
• Pseudonymisation of data sent to AI models.
• Scope of use: Does the agent only answer questions related to its function?

A good consultant integrates these points from the design phase, not as an afterthought. We detail this topic in our article GDPR and AI: what regulated professions need to know.

4. Beware of the "big bang" approach

A credible AI project starts small: a high-impact use case, deployed quickly, that proves its value and the time saved. You measure, then you expand. Avoid promises of a total transformation in a single project: it's the surest way to bring everything to a halt.

5. Check for experience with cautious professions

Earning the trust of a notary or an accountant—professions known for their caution—is an excellent indicator. It proves the consultant knows how to work within a demanding framework, explain concepts without jargon, and provide reassurance about risks.

In summary: The checklist

• They build themselves (full-stack), not just create slides.
• They show systems in production, not prototypes.
• They guarantee EU hosting + GDPR from the design phase.
• They propose a gradual, scalable approach.
• They have already won over regulated professions.