Ernst & Young, commonly known as EY, is one of the largest professional services firms in the world. It provides a range of services, including audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. Founded in 1989 through a merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co., EY operates in over 150 countries and employs hundreds of thousands of professionals. EY is part of the "Big Four" accounting firms, which also include Deloitte, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The firm is known for its commitment to quality and integrity in financial reporting and business practices. EY also emphasizes innovation and technology in its service delivery.