The world of finance is changing faster than ever, and at the center of this transformation is AI use in finance. What was once seen as futuristic is now becoming standard practice for chief financial officers (CFOs) and finance teams across the globe. According to Protiviti’s latest Global Finance Trends Survey, the adoption of artificial intelligence has more than doubled in just one year, and finance leaders are leaning on AI tools to build resilience, reduce risk, and prepare for tomorrow’s uncertainties.
AI Use in Finance Grows at Record Speed
The report shows that 72% of finance organizations are now deploying artificial intelligence tools, a dramatic leap from 34% last year. This surge in AI use in finance is reshaping how CFOs operate. No longer just stewards of capital, today’s finance leaders are strategic partners who use digital innovation, scenario planning, and advanced technologies to guide their organizations through volatility.
AI is being applied widely across finance functions. The top three areas include process automation (66%), financial forecasting (58%), and risk management (57%). These applications help streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and allow finance leaders to spend less time crunching numbers and more time shaping strategy.
Why AI Use in Finance Is Accelerating
Global trade and economic pressures are fueling this rapid adoption. Tariffs and evolving trade policies have made forecasting and planning more complex than ever. The survey reveals that:
- 64% of finance leaders say tariffs limit their forecasting capabilities
- 62% report tariffs affect reporting accuracy and timelines
- 59% believe tariffs impact overall profitability
In response, CFOs are doubling down on AI use in finance to improve forecasting, enhance scenario planning, and increase collaboration with suppliers. By investing in predictive analytics and self-service reporting, finance teams are equipping themselves to navigate disruption more effectively.
AI Use in Finance and the Shift Toward Strategic FP&A
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) has become a top priority. About 39% of CFOs say tariffs and trade policies are driving greater focus in this area. AI plays a central role by powering predictive and prescriptive analytics that make financial insights timelier and more accurate.
As FP&A capabilities mature, finance is being transformed into a true strategic engine for the business. With AI providing real-time insights, finance leaders can now influence company-wide decisions, guiding C-suites on everything from supply chain resilience to long-term investments.
Cybersecurity and AI Use in Finance
The growth of artificial intelligence has also brought new challenges. With AI tools analyzing massive amounts of sensitive financial data, cybersecurity has never been more critical. The survey found that CFOs are increasingly partnering with Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to strengthen governance and build robust technology infrastructures.
AI is not just a tool for finance, it’s also shaping how organizations defend themselves against threats. CFOs are leading efforts in cybersecurity governance, ensuring that data privacy and reputational risks are managed with the same care as financial risks.
Resilience Through AI Use in Finance
Resilience has become the defining word for finance leaders. By embracing AI use in finance, they are better prepared to navigate trade wars, shifting regulations, and economic uncertainties. The integration of AI into finance functions is no longer about efficiency alone, it’s about survival and long-term growth.
CFOs are proving that finance is not just about reporting numbers but about driving innovation, enabling collaboration, and supporting organizations in the face of global challenges.
FAQs on AI Use in Finance
- What is driving AI use in finance?
AI adoption is driven by global trade pressures, tariff impacts, and the need for more accurate forecasting and risk management. - How are finance teams using AI today?
AI is used primarily for process automation, financial forecasting, and risk management, helping finance leaders make faster and smarter decisions. - Does AI use in finance pose risks?
Yes. Increased AI adoption creates new cybersecurity challenges, which is why CFOs are collaborating closely with CIOs and CISOs to strengthen data protection. - Why is AI important for financial planning and analysis (FP&A)?
AI enables predictive analytics, which improves the accuracy of forecasting, allowing finance teams to plan more effectively for different scenarios. - What is the future outlook for AI in finance?
AI will continue to play a central role in scenario planning, risk oversight, and digital modernization, making finance a core driver of strategic decision-making.
Future of AI Use in Finance
The Protiviti survey highlights a clear shift: finance is no longer a back-office function. Through AI use in finance, CFOs are transforming into strategic leaders who shape the future of their organizations. From strengthening risk management to driving innovation, AI is giving finance teams the resilience they need to succeed in an unpredictable world.
The message is clear: AI is not replacing finance leaders, it’s empowering them to lead with greater confidence, precision, and impact.
Disclaimer: This article is based on survey insights and publicly available data. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice.
