UK Chief Financial Officers More Hopeful About AI, Less Worried About Risks
Survey Results and Key Insights
LONDON, July 20 (Reuters) - The finance bosses at many of Britain's biggest companies are more optimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence on their businesses and a bit less worried about risks from geopolitics, according to a report published on Monday.
Growing Optimism About Artificial Intelligence
The survey of UK chief financial officers by accountancy firm Deloitte found 73% were optimistic about AI improving their businesses' performance, up from 59% at the end of last year and 39% two years ago.
Concerns and Priorities Among CFOs
Geopolitical and Economic Risks
The survey also showed:
Geopolitical Concerns
• The average rating on a scale of 0-100 about geopolitical concerns fell to 68 from 79 at the start of 2026
Productivity and Competitiveness
• Worries about poor productivity and weak competitiveness in the UK economy were little changed at 63
Energy Prices and Disruption
• Concerns about higher energy prices or disruption to energy services fell to 60 from 70 in the first quarter of 2026
Expert Commentary
• "The global economy has so far weathered the shock from the conflict in Iran better than many had feared. However, concerns over geopolitics and domestic competitiveness remain elevated. CFOs continue to prioritise cost reduction and cash control in this environment," Deloitte UK Chief Economist Debapratim De said
Survey Methodology
• 58 CFOS were surveyed between July 1 and July 13
(Writing by William Schomberg; editing by David Milliken)
