The Future of Finance: AI Adoption Takes Center Stage
Unveiling the Findings
In a groundbreaking survey conducted by Wolters Kluwer, vital insights regarding the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector have been revealed. The findings showcase a substantial shift in how finance leaders are integrating AI into their workflows, anticipated to transform the industry dramatically by 2026.
Current Adoption Rates are on the Rise
According to the survey, only 6% of finance leaders currently employ agentic AI. However, 38% of respondents plan to embrace this technology within the next 12 months. This projected adoption leads to an impressive 44% utilization by 2026, marking an incredible 600% surge from the current figures.
Economic Conditions Driving Change
The current economic volatility has catalyzed 67% of finance leaders to explore AI for the first time, especially in areas like Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). As companies face unpredictability, leveraging AI appears to provide the data-driven insights needed to navigate uncertain waters.
Competitive Edge Through AI
The data suggests that 14% of finance leaders intend to increase their AI integration due to the escalating challenges posed by the economic climate. Meanwhile, 8% wish to maintain their usage levels, reflecting a strong commitment to leveraging technology for survival and growth.
Staffing Needs and Resources
Interestingly, 33% of respondents ponder hiring additional team members to manage the complexities introduced by economic fluctuations. Similarly, 24% are considering restructuring their teams to better align with evolving market needs. Yet, 22% of finance leaders admit to lacking sufficient resources but feel constrained from making necessary changes.
The Importance of AI Skills
When it comes to recruitment, 85% of finance leaders regard AI skills as crucial for their teams. Furthermore, 11% view these capabilities as essential, highlighting the skills gap that many organizations face in attracting the right talent to harness the power of AI.
Data Readiness as a Catalyst
Data readiness stands out as a primary driver for AI adoption. Four out of ten respondents (44%) cited it as a significant factor in realizing AI’s potential. This underscores the importance of proper data management and analytical readiness in facilitating successful AI implementations.
Enhancing Proficiency in AI
In recognition of these trends, Wolters Kluwer has launched a Learning Hub aimed at improving AI fluency and data proficiency among finance professionals. This initiative is directed at optimizing technology use and enhancing overall productivity in finance roles.
The Advantages of AI
The advantages of adopting AI are clear. 40% of finance leaders point to increased accuracy and reduced human error as leading benefits, while 36% highlight efficiency gains. The promise of a more streamlined operation is enticing, and organizations are starting to realize the potential of AI in driving operational excellence.
Anticipating Significant Time Savings
Efforts to embrace AI are expected to create significant efficiencies. Around 42% of respondents anticipate saving 10% of their working time—equivalent to 26 days—over the next year. This newfound time could allow finance leaders to concentrate on more strategic outputs, further leveraging their resources.
Larger Savings on the Horizon
Interestingly, 24% of leaders envision even greater savings, predicting a 20% reduction in working time (or 52 days) through increased AI usage. Meanwhile, 22% expect about a 5% time saving (or 13 days). These projections highlight the transformative impact AI can offer across finance departments.
Continuous Innovation is Key
Karen Abramson, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Corporate Performance & ESG, emphasized the organization’s dedication to ongoing innovation for the finance office. The introduction of the CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform with Ask AI demonstrates their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of finance leaders.
The Evolution of Ask AI
The evolution of Ask AI into an embedded super agent signifies a significant leap forward. This technology is designed to mobilize cutting-edge agentic capabilities across various use cases—from responding to voice commands in multiple languages to conducting in-depth data analysis without requiring IT expertise.
Transformative Role of Agentic AI
Agentic AI stands to redefine the very fabric of financial leadership, according to industry experts. By enabling decisions backed by real-time data analysis, finance leaders can operate with a newfound agility and foresight.
Survey Insights from CCH Tagetik inTouch25
The survey was conducted with a robust group of 392 finance leaders during the CCH Tagetik inTouch25 conference on 21 May 2025. This annual event is pivotal for discussing innovations in corporate performance management, garnering insights from top players in the field.
Previous Studies and Insights
Earlier in 2025, Wolters Kluwer also released a study focusing on trends in accounting and taxation, further enhancing the narrative around modernization and innovation in financial practices. Such studies indicate a growing paradigm shift in how financial professionals approach their roles.
The Call for Daily Insights
As the industry evolves, staying informed is critical for finance professionals. The call for subscribing to daily newsletters indicates a critical need for timely insights that can provide a competitive edge in an ever-changing landscape.
In Conclusion: Embracing AI for Future Growth
As demonstrated, the narrative surrounding AI adoption in finance is one of opportunity and necessity. With clear signals pointing toward increased integration of AI tools, finance leaders must be proactive in embracing these technologies. By doing so, they can not only navigate the complexities of today’s market but also strategically position themselves for future growth and success. The future of finance is here, and it is powered by artificial intelligence. Embracing this change is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative.
