CLM Adoption Surges as Legal Teams Face Digital Pressure

A 2026 survey of 1,151 legal professionals across 10 countries reveals that 78% are ready to adopt Contract Lifecycle Management tools to address mounting compliance pressures and operational inefficiencies.

Zoho Corp.'s global survey examined how organizations manage contracts amid evolving regulations, AI integration, and stakeholder demands. Conducted across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, India, Netherlands, Philippines, Mexico, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, the research highlights critical gaps in current practices and shows growing momentum toward digital transformation in legal operations.

Legal departments are shifting from cost centres to strategic business drivers. Contracts govern all commercial transactions, and managing them efficiently directly impacts operational speed, cost control, and compliance outcomes. Organizations that digitize contract management gain competitive advantages through faster deal cycles, reduced risk exposure, and improved cross-functional collaboration that strengthens supplier relationships and enables data-driven insights.

Current State

The survey reveals a fragmented technology landscape where 66% of respondents still rely on word processors and document management systems for contracts, while 50% use manual methods. Only 31% currently use dedicated CLM platforms despite their comprehensive functionality.