- UK chief financial officers have become more optimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence on their businesses, with a recent survey indicating that 73% believe AI will improve performance, up from 59% at the end of last year.
- The average rating regarding geopolitical concerns among CFOs fell to 68 from 79 at the start of 2026, indicating a slight decrease in worry about external risks.
- 58 CFOs were surveyed between July 1 and July 13, reflecting a significant sample size for the report.
- Andy Burnham, who is set to become prime minister, is acutely conscious that the UK will have had seven prime ministers over the last decade, emphasizing the need for stable governance.
- Burnham plans to restore confidence in government and provide people with 'breathing room' on the cost of living, aiming for 'tangible' improvements.
UK chief financial officers are showing a growing optimism about artificial intelligence, with a recent Deloitte survey revealing that 73% believe AI will enhance their businesses' performance. This marks a significant increase from 59% at the end of last year and 39% two years ago.12
The survey, conducted with 58 CFOs between July 1 and July 13, also indicated a decline in concerns over geopolitical risks, with the average rating on a scale of 0-100 dropping from 79 to 68. Deloitte UK Chief Economist Debapratim De noted, "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."34
In parallel, Andy Burnham, who is set to become prime minister, expressed his awareness of the political instability in the UK, stating he is "acutely conscious" that the country will have had seven prime ministers in the last decade. He emphasized the need for more stable and responsible governance, pledging to restore confidence in government and provide citizens with "breathing room" regarding the cost of living.56
As the UK navigates these challenges, the optimism among CFOs regarding AI could signal a shift in how businesses adapt to both technological advancements and political uncertainties.
“The Deloitte survey of 58 CFOs found 73% were optimistic about AI impacting their businesses, up from 39% two years ago. Meanwhile, Burnham also pledged to restore confidence and give people 'breathing room' on cost of living.”
