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UK CFOs Embrace AI, Ease Geopolitical Fears
20 Jul
Summary
- Over 70% of UK CFOs now optimistic about AI's business impact.
- Geopolitical concerns for UK businesses have significantly decreased.
- Worries about UK productivity and competitiveness remain high.
A recent survey reveals a notable shift in sentiment among the finance leaders of major British companies. As of July 2026, a substantial 73% of chief financial officers (CFOs) express optimism about artificial intelligence's positive impact on their businesses' performance.
This marks a significant increase from 59% at the close of 2025 and a remarkable jump from 39% two years prior. The report also highlights a reduction in worries about geopolitical instability. The average rating for geopolitical concerns among UK CFOs dropped to 68 from 79 at the start of 2026.
Despite reduced anxieties about international conflicts, concerns regarding the UK economy's poor productivity and weak competitiveness remain elevated, holding steady at 63. Additionally, worries about higher energy prices or disruptions to energy services have fallen to 60, down from 70 in the first quarter of 2026.
Deloitte UK Chief Economist Debapratim De noted that while the global economy has navigated geopolitical shocks better than anticipated, CFOs continue to prioritize cost reduction and cash control amidst ongoing concerns about competitiveness.
