A new Deloitte survey of chief financial officers (CFOs) at many of the UK's largest companies shows that business leaders are becoming significantly more optimistic about artificial intelligence, even as global geopolitical uncertainty remains a concern. According to the survey, 73% of UK CFOs now believe AI will improve their companies' performance, up from 59% at the end of 2025 and 39% two years ago. The findings indicate that AI is increasingly viewed as a strategic business enabler rather than an emerging technology experiment.
The survey also found that geopolitical concerns have eased, although they remain elevated. On Deloitte's 0–100 risk scale, CFOs' average concern about geopolitical issues fell to 68, down from 79 earlier in 2026. At the same time, worries about higher energy prices and disruptions to energy supplies also declined, reflecting greater confidence that businesses can withstand recent global shocks. However, finance leaders continue to express concern about weak productivity and the UK's long-term competitiveness, suggesting that domestic economic challenges remain a priority.
Despite growing enthusiasm for AI, CFOs are maintaining a cautious financial strategy. Deloitte notes that finance leaders continue to prioritize cost reduction, cash preservation, and operational efficiency while selectively investing in technologies that deliver measurable returns. Rather than pursuing AI for its own sake, organizations are focusing on applications that improve productivity, automate routine processes, enhance decision-making, and strengthen competitive advantage.
The article concludes that UK businesses are becoming increasingly confident that AI will play a central role in future growth, but they are balancing that optimism with disciplined financial management. While geopolitical risks have moderated, companies remain focused on controlling costs and improving resilience, viewing AI as a practical tool for boosting business performance in a still-uncertain global economic environment.
