UK CFOs Show Growing Confidence In AI, Deloitte Survey Finds

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) at many of the UK’s largest companies have become more optimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business performance, according to a Deloitte survey published on Monday.

The survey, conducted among 58 CFOs between July 1 and July 13, found that 73% expect AI to improve business performance, compared with 59% at the end of 2025 and 39% two years ago. The findings also showed a decline in concerns over geopolitical risks, with the average risk score falling to 68 on a scale of 0 to 100, from 79 at the beginning of 2026. Concerns about productivity and the UK’s competitiveness remained largely unchanged at 63, while worries over higher energy prices or disruptions to energy supplies declined to 60 from 70 in the first quarter of 2026.

The survey found that many CFOs continue to prioritise cost reduction and cash management despite improving sentiment around AI.