Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be lambasted as a destroyer of jobs or lauded as a supporter of productivity. The conventional wisdom tends toward the latter, but some noted prognosticators have predicted the end of work. Regardless, sentiment in the UK seems fairly positive, as the most recent UK CFO survey shows that insiders are optimistic about AI’s benefits.
The Deloitte CFO Survey, released earlier this week, shares that 59% of UK CFOs are more optimistic over the past 12 months on the potential for AI to “boost the performance of their own organisation.” This is an increase from 39% when last measured in the third quarter of 2024.
Deloitte Senior Partner and CEO of Deloitte UK, Richard Houston, says they know technology was a big driver of US GDP in 2025, and that CFOs see potential in the year ahead for AI to boost UK business performance and fuel growth.
Aidana Zhakupbekova, CFO at Rydoo, shared her opinion on the report, noting that AI is revolutionising the finance functions of big firms. She says this frees up executives’ time to focus on high-value strategic goals.
“This is contributing to a rise in business confidence, underscoring the transformational power of AI when used correctly,” says Zhakupbekova, adding that choosing the right technology is key.
“As more and more finance chiefs realise the potential of AI to boost their performance, companies are willing to increase their capex on these digital tools.”
Other issues of note gleaned by the survey include:
- 96% expect to see a rise in investment in digital technology and assets by UK companies in the next five years;
- Corporate risk appetite (15%) has edged up from the lows seen in September (12%) but remains well below average levels (25%);
- CFOs who rated the level of external uncertainty as high or very high fell this quarter to 38%, compared to the last quarter at 41%.
