Key facts
- 73% of UK chief financial officers are optimistic about AI improving business performance.
- This optimism is up from 59% at the end of last year and 39% two years ago.
- Average rating for geopolitical concerns fell to 68 from 79.
- Concerns about poor productivity and weak competitiveness in the UK economy were little changed at 63.
- Concerns about higher energy prices or disruption to energy services fell to 60 from 70.
Chief financial officers at major UK companies are expressing increased optimism about the impact of artificial intelligence on their businesses, according to a new report from Deloitte. The survey found that 73% of CFOs now believe AI will improve their company's performance, a notable increase from 59% at the end of last year and 39% two years prior.
Alongside the growing confidence in AI, concerns about geopolitical risks have slightly diminished. The average rating for geopolitical worries among CFOs fell to 68 out of 100, down from 79 at the start of 2026. However, worries regarding the UK's productivity and competitiveness remained largely unchanged at 63.
Concerns about higher energy prices or disruptions to energy services also saw a decrease, falling to 60 from 70 in the first quarter of 2026. Deloitte UK Chief Economist Debapratim De noted that while the global economy has weathered geopolitical shocks better than anticipated, concerns over geopolitics and domestic competitiveness persist. He added that CFOs continue to prioritize cost reduction and cash control in the current environment.
The survey involved 58 CFOs and was conducted between July 1 and July 13.