First Advantage Releases 2026 Global Trends Report: Priorities and Outlook from HR Leaders and Job Seekers
MWN-AI** Summary
On March 13, 2026, First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: FA), a leading global software and data company, unveiled its 2026 Global Background Screening Trends Report, produced in collaboration with ClearlyRated. This comprehensive study, based on insights from over 5,000 Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs), HR leaders, and job seekers across nine industries and five global regions, examines the evolving dynamics of hiring and onboarding practices in today's workplace.
A significant finding from the report is the increasing prevalence of identity fraud, prompting employers to enhance their background screening protocols throughout the employee lifecycle. With 89% of HR hiring managers planning to implement additional screening and identity verification solutions within two years, the urgency to combat these risks is clear. The report emphasizes that risk management and hiring speed are now dual priorities, as slow hiring processes lead to candidate drop-offs, necessitating greater automation in screening efforts.
Additionally, the rise of global and flexible work environments is reshaping screening strategies. Over 60% of employers report an influx of candidates with diverse geographic work histories, complicating verification processes. Employers are responding by simplifying operations through vendor consolidation and streamlined screening practices.
The report also highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in hiring. While AI brings efficiencies to recruitment, it simultaneously presents new risks that organizations must navigate. Employers are increasingly adopting AI-driven identity verification tools to counteract evolving threats.
Joelle Smith, President of First Advantage, underscores the critical need for organizations to adapt their screening processes to prioritize risk mitigation in this shifting landscape. With a commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and insights, First Advantage aims to empower employers to build trust and manage risk effectively throughout the employee lifecycle.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent release of the 2026 Global Trends Report by First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: FA) underscores significant shifts in the workforce landscape that may present both challenges and opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the HR tech sector. The report highlights key trends impacting hiring practices, driven by rising identity fraud and the accelerated adoption of AI technologies.
One pivotal finding is the urgent need for enhanced employee lifecycle screening and identity verification. With 89% of HR hiring managers planning to enhance screening solutions, First Advantage stands to benefit from increased demand for its comprehensive identity solutions. This trend towards more rigorous screening indicates a robust market growth potential, suggesting that investors should closely monitor First Advantage's quarterly performance metrics and any strategic partnerships that could bolster its service offerings.
Additionally, the emphasis on balancing risk and hiring speed presents a dual challenge for employers. Companies increasingly seek automation to streamline hiring processes, which could drive further adoption of First Advantage's AI-driven tools. As competitive pressures to reduce hiring times mount and the gig economy expands, First Advantage's capabilities in integrated background checks and verification services position it favorably in a rapidly evolving market.
Moreover, the report highlights complexities arising from the global workforce. With over 60% of employers noting an increase in candidates with diverse international work histories, the demand for innovative screening solutions that ensure compliance and risk management will likely heighten.
In conclusion, First Advantage's strong market position amidst these transformative changes marks it as a promising investment in the HR tech space. Continued innovation and responsiveness to emerging risks will be critical for the company to maintain its competitive edge. Investors should evaluate the implications of these trends on First Advantage’s future financial performance and market strategy.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
ATLANTA, March 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: FA), a global software and data company, today released its 2026 Global Background Screening Trends Report in partnership with ClearlyRated. Drawing on insights from more than 5,000 CHROs, HR leaders, and job seekers, across nine industries and five global regions, this study captures the latest hiring and onboarding realities and priorities.
As one of the largest background screening and identity verification providers, First Advantage knows the importance of identifying and understanding trends within the fast-changing workplace environment for the benefit of its 80,000+ customers globally. Research results include the most up to date industry data on employee lifecycle screening, hiring speed, accuracy and efficiency, and the use of AI in the recruiting and hiring process.
Key findings from the 2026 Global Trends Report include:
- Rising Identity-Fraud Driving Employee Lifecycle Screening and Identity Verification.
Escalating identity-fraud, including job-related scams and widespread misrepresentation, is pushing employers to expand screening across the entire employee lifecycle. 89% of HR hiring managers plan to add additional background screening and identity verification solutions within the next two years to keep pace with rising risk.
- Risk and Speed are now dual mandates, not tradeoffs.
Risk is a top screening priority, but slow hiring processes continue to cause candidate drop-off. Employers are accelerating automation and integrations to deliver faster, more efficient screening.
- Global & Flexible workforces are reshaping screening strategies, including the need for operational simplicity.
More than 60% of global employers report growth in candidates with multi-country or multi-location work histories. Global applicants and the shift toward gig-friendly models are adding complexity to verification requirements. Employers are simplifying through vendor consolidation and streamlined screening processes.
- AI is Transforming Hiring and Creating New Risks.
AI is now widely used by employers and candidates, introducing both efficiencies and new avenues for fraud. Organizations are adopting advanced identity verification and AI-driven tools to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Joelle Smith, President, commented, “The hiring landscape is undergoing significant change, driving employers to prioritize risk mitigation as AI becomes a major catalyst for both innovation and emerging vulnerabilities. Our 2026 Global Trends Report makes it clear that organizations need smarter, simpler, and more secure screening and identity verification processes across the entire employee lifecycle. At First Advantage, we’re committed to delivering the technology, automation, and insights employers need to stay ahead of risk and build trust at every step.”
Explore the full 2026 Global Trends Report here.
About First Advantage
First Advantage (NASDAQ: FA) is a global software and data company. We provide comprehensive, end-to-end identity solutions, criminal background screening, credential verifications, drug and health screening, and continuous risk monitoring. Combining AI-powered proprietary technology platforms with proprietary data, primary source data, and third-party data, we help organizations hire with confidence and manage risk across the entire employee lifecycle. With over 80,000 customers worldwide – including approximately two-thirds of the Fortune 100 – we deliver fast, comprehensive, and reliable solutions for employers, their candidates, and their employees. We conduct more than 200 million screens annually across over 200 countries and territories, supported by our verticalized go-to-market strategy, decades of experience, and proprietary databases containing over 1 billion records. For more information, please visit our website at https://fadv.com/.
Media Contact
Katelyn Brower
Director, PR, Social, Events
Katelyn.Brower@fadv.com
FAQ**
How is First Advantage Corporation FA addressing the challenge of rising identity fraud in its background screening solutions, as highlighted in the 2026 Global Background Screening Trends Report?
What specific AI-driven tools is First Advantage Corporation FA implementing to enhance hiring processes while mitigating emerging risks, according to the recent trends report?
In light of the 2026 trends, how is First Advantage Corporation FA adapting its services to cater to the growing demand for global and flexible workforce identity verification?
What strategies is First Advantage Corporation FA employing to balance the need for speed in hiring with risk mitigation, as emphasized in the findings of the Global Trends Report?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: FA).
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