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New IntelAgree Report Highlights Concerns Over Legacy Contracts

In an era where speed and efficiency are paramount, contract management is undergoing significant change, as highlighted by the latest report from IntelAgree, a leader in AI-powered contract lifecycle management. The 2026 CLM Trends Report sheds light on how contract and legal teams are grappling with increasing demands for quicker responses, regulatory challenges, and the integration of artificial intelligence into their existing workflows.

Key Findings of the Report

Conducted between August and October 2025 and involving over 50 professionals in the field, the survey revealed alarming trends that reflective of the evolving landscape of contract management. Here are some of the notable findings:

• - AI Implementation: An impressive 95% of participants reported exploring or already implementing AI in their contract processes. This indicates a widespread recognition of AI's potential to streamline operations and improve outcomes.
• - Speed as a Priority: A staggering 81% indicated that accelerating the contract review and approval processes is their top priority for 2026. This underscores the urgent need for efficient workflows in a fast-paced business environment.
• - Challenges with Turnaround Times: Approximately 71% stated that shorter timelines for contract turnaround remain their biggest hurdle, highlighting a gap that many organizations are struggling to bridge.
• - Concerns Over Legacy Contracts: Perhaps most striking, 62% expressed worries about hidden risks associated with older agreements. This reflects a significant realization that legacy contracts may harbor unforeseen challenges that could jeopardize organizations if unaddressed.

David Hull, CEO of IntelAgree, emphasized the transformative nature of these findings, stating, "The pressure on contract teams has fundamentally changed. Executives are now viewing contracts not merely as legal documents but as strategic assets that are core to driving forecast and revenue decisions."

Understanding the Change

The shifts documented in the report serve as an essential barometer for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of modern contract management. With AI maturity and executive expectations rising, elucidating how teams are adapting to these pressures is crucial. The report offers invaluable insights into trends and benchmarks, allowing organizations to assess their internal strategies against industry standards.

Five critical themes were explored in the report:
1. Speed and Complexity Pressures: Teams are squeezed between the necessity for rapid cycles and the complexities inherent in negotiation processes.
2. Negotiation Bottlenecks: Identifying and addressing points of delay in negotiations is vital for enhancing efficiency within contract teams.
3. Visibility Gaps: Many teams face challenges in maintaining visibility across their contract portfolios, which can lead to missing vital details or deadlines.
4. AI Adoption Patterns: Understanding how AI can be effectively integrated into the contracting process is paramount for today's legal teams.
5. Preparing for 2026: As regulations continue to evolve, teams must equip themselves to adapt strategically.

Conclusion

The insights from the IntelAgree report are imperative for contract professionals seeking to overcome contemporary challenges in contract management. As executive perspectives shift and the role of contracts expands, it is clear that understanding risks, particularly hidden ones in legacy contracts, is essential. As teams strategize for 2026, the report provides a roadmap for navigating an increasingly complex landscape, underscoring the importance of speed, precision, and informed decision-making in contract lifecycle management.

For more detailed information and a comprehensive understanding of the industry trends, the full report can be downloaded from IntelAgree’s website. With organizations leveraging AI and adopting new practices, the road ahead promises to be filled with both opportunities and challenges in contract management.