Charting the Future: How CFOs Are Navigating Change with Technology and Foresight​

AI adoption in finance is soaring, with 72% of leaders now using AI tools—up from 34% last year. Modern finance teams are applying AI for automation, forecasting, risk management, and compliance, quickly evolving from early trials to clear strategies that deliver results.

Generative and agentic AI are transforming the field, enabling autonomous goal planning and smarter decision-making. By using advanced methods like task mining and process heat maps, CFOs are boosting efficiency and strategic value. This rapidly changing landscape is setting a new standard for holistic AI integration, positioning finance leaders at the forefront of innovation and business transformation.

Finance teams are upgrading FP&A capabilities to meet the need for agile, data-driven decisions. With automation and cloud technology, cost savings are clear, but the real ROI comes as AI tools mature. CFOs are transforming FP&A from isolated tasks to collaborative, tech-powered processes that use quality data for smarter forecasting and dynamic scenario planning.

Predictive analytics are now at the heart of strategy, supporting innovation across procurement and supply chains. As economic uncertainty continues, these advances help finance leaders optimise costs, boost resilience, and drive long-term growth. The future of finance is connected, strategic, and ready for any challenge.

A robust technology foundation is essential for finance organisations to remain agile and resilient, enabling insight and strategic action. Cloud solutions and automation are driving impressive gains in cost savings and efficiency, while early-stage AI and machine learning are just beginning to show results. Upgrading outdated systems is essential—legacy tech slows progress and racks up technical debt.

Forward-thinking CFOs are embracing cloud migration, advanced analytics, and better data quality to keep pace with business changes. Technology enablement underpins smarter operations and strategic decision-making, helping finance leaders excel in today’s complex environment. Modernisation isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the key to unlocking operational excellence and future growth for finance organisations.

CFOs are making data security and privacy a top priority amid rapid technology modernization, especially as AI adoption accelerates.  The adoption of AI brings new cybersecurity challenges, such as sophisticated threats and risks from cybercriminals using AI tools. With growing and evolving regulations from agencies like the SEC and EU, finance leaders are working closely with security teams to manage third-party risks and keep up with compliance requirements. Recent data shows that many cybersecurity incidents involve outside partners, making strong governance and oversight critical.

As technology advances, quality data and robust regulatory awareness are essential for protecting organizations and building long-term resilience.