Finance Leaders Embrace AI: Insights from Wolters Kluwer’s Latest Survey
In a landscape defined by rapid change and technological advancements, Wolters Kluwer, a leading provider of professional information and software solutions, has unveiled intriguing survey results on the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and their teams. This significant research highlights the current trends, future plans, and driving factors in the realm of AI within the finance sector.
Current Adoption Rates of AI in Finance
The findings reveal that a modest 6% of finance leaders are actively utilizing agentic AI, with an impressive 38% planning to integrate it within the next year. By 2026, it’s projected that 44% of finance teams will be employing this technology, marking an astounding growth of over 600%.
Karen Abramson on Innovation in Finance
Karen Abramson, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Corporate Performance & ESG, stated: “At Wolters Kluwer, we are committed to continuous innovation for the office of the CFO. Last year, we launched the market’s first AI-powered corporate performance management platform – the CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform with Ask AI. This revolutionary platform now features an embedded super agent, enabling functionalities such as voice command responses in multiple languages and data analysis without IT dependence.”
Transformative Power of AI
Agentic AI signifies a crucial transformation in the operational dynamics of finance leaders. Wolters Kluwer continues to advance these capabilities, creating solutions that significantly enhance decision-making processes and operational efficiency within financial institutions.
Impact of Economic Volatility on AI Adoption
Economic uncertainty has compelled finance leaders to rethink their strategies. An impressive 67% of survey respondents confirmed their intention to leverage AI for Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), marking their first foray into AI applications. Furthermore, 14% of participants plan to escalate their AI initiatives due to the persistent economic turbulence.
Structural Changes in Finance Teams
Adjusting to economic conditions isn’t limited to technology adoption. 33% of finance leaders are contemplating hiring new staff to address these challenges, while 24% are considering restructuring their teams. Interestingly, 22% admitted that their current team structures are not optimized but felt constrained in implementing changes.
Prioritizing AI Skills in Recruitment
With AI set to play a pivotal role in finance, the survey identified a significant shift in recruitment priorities. An overwhelming 85% of finance leaders now recognize the importance of AI skills when hiring, with 11% deeming these capabilities essential for their finance functions.
Data Readiness as a Critical Driver
Among the factors influencing AI adoption, 44% of respondents labeled data readiness as a crucial driver. 25% underscored the necessity of AI-powered corporate performance management technologies, while 23% highlighted the need for AI-focused training.
Empowering Finance Professionals Through Education
In response to the increasing demand for AI competence, Wolters Kluwer has launched a dedicated Learning Hub. This platform aims to enhance finance professionals’ skills in AI fluency and data proficiency, effectively equipping them to utilize cutting-edge technology and foster greater productivity.
Key Benefits of AI Adoption
The survey results reveal that a significant 40% of finance leaders cited increased accuracy and reduced human error as primary advantages of AI integration. Additionally, 36% noted enhanced efficiency and productivity as a standout benefit.
Anticipated Time Savings from AI Utilization
Focusing on productivity gains, 42% of respondents projected that AI utilization could save them 10% of their working time (approximately 26 days) within the next year, allowing for a greater focus on strategic initiatives. 24% anticipated saving 20% (or 52 days), while 22% expected a 5% reduction (around 13 days).
Innovating Familiar Financial Tools
To improve productivity within familiar frameworks, Wolters Kluwer has recently rolled out a new Excel 365-based experience within its Intelligent Analytics solution. This integration aims to streamline functionality, giving finance teams a comfortable transition from traditional tools while enhancing productivity through the powerful Ask AI feature.
The Role of Ask AI
The award-winning, AI-driven CCH® Tagetik Intelligent Platform significantly enhances the operational efficiency, accuracy, and strategic capabilities of CFO offices. Central to this evolution is Ask AI, recognized as an emerging super agent designed specifically for finance. This tool supports a wide array of functions, from self-service analytics to simplifying data exploration and visualization.
Diverse Use Cases for AI in Finance
With a commitment to meeting finance-specific demands, Ask AI provides support for a multitude of use cases, including diagnostics for financial closure, intelligent assistance in data transformation, and seamless interaction via natural language processing. Its introduction signifies a notable leap in how finance teams interact with data and technology.
Survey Methodology
The insights presented were drawn from a survey conducted with 392 finance leaders on May 21, 2025, during the CCH Tagetik inTouch 25 conference—a gathering focused on the latest innovations in corporate performance management.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Finance
As we look to the future, it’s evident that the integration of AI technologies will fundamentally reshape the landscape of financial management. The proactive adoption of these tools positions CFOs to tackle challenges head-on while optimizing their operations for greater effectiveness.
The Ongoing Journey of AI in Financial Sector
AI’s trajectory in finance is not just about implementation but also about continuous learning and adaptation. As finance leaders grapple with economic volatility, prioritizing technology adoption alongside team restructuring will be vital in navigating uncertainties.
Conclusion: A New Era of Financial Management
In conclusion, as Wolters Kluwer’s survey underscores, the embrace of agentic AI marks a significant evolution in how finance leaders approach their roles. With a demonstrated commitment to innovation and a keen awareness of emerging trends, the financial sector is well-positioned to harness the power of AI, managing not only current challenges but also paving the way for future advancements in corporate performance management.
This dynamic shift heralds a new era of finance where technology and human ingenuity coalesce to drive growth and resilience in an ever-changing landscape.
