UK CFOs Report Higher Confidence In AI Investment, Here’s Why

UK finance chiefs seem to have warmed up to AI during the past year. Deloitte’s latest survey shows that 59% of chief financial officers at the UK’s largest companies feel more upbeat about how AI can lift performance inside their own organisations. A year ago, that number was at 39%, according to the same survey series.

The poll took place between 2 and 14 December and asked CFOs about outlook, spending and risk. Deloitte said the change in mood marks a clear recovery after a softer period earlier in 2024, when confidence around new technology cooled as costs and uncertainty stayed high.

Many finance chiefs link AI to practical gains rather than distant promises. Respondents talked about better data use, faster reporting and tighter control over operations. These uses sit close to the finance function, which may explain why optimism has grown at board level rather than just among technical teams.

Will UK Companies Spend More On Digital Technology?

Spending expectations form one of the strongest findings in the survey. Almost all CFOs, 96%, expect UK companies to put more money into digital technology and assets during the next five years, according to Deloitte. This points to long term backing rather than short bursts of funding.

A large share of finance chiefs also expect gains in output. The survey found that 77% look for higher productivity growth and stronger business performance across the same period. These views link digital tools and AI systems directly to day to day results rather than abstract innovation goals.

Capital spending priorities also show a change. The share of CFOs who said capital expenditure ranks as a strong priority reached 17%. Deloitte said this marks the highest level in two and a half years and sits slightly above the long run average of 15%.

These numbers sit alongside a cautious tone on growth. Expansionary strategies ranked lower on priority lists, which suggests firms prefer targeted spending that pays back quickly. Digital systems often promise cost savings or tighter control, which fits that mindset.

How Much Risk Are Finance Chiefs Ready To Take?

Risk appetite has improved from a low base. Deloitte’s survey shows that 15% of CFOs now say it is a good time to take greater risk onto their balance sheets. That figure rose from 12% in the previous quarter, though it stays far below the long run average of 25%.

Business confidence has also lifted from a weak third quarter. The reading in the final quarter of the year stands higher than the same period in 2024 and matches levels seen in March 2025. Even so, overall confidence stays negative at net minus 13%, based on Deloitte’s long running measure.

External uncertainty has eased with the share of CFOs who rated uncertainty as high or very high having gone down to 38% from 41% in the previous quarter. Deloitte said this would be the lowest level since the third quarter of 2024, when the figure reached 31%.

Geopolitics are at the top of risk lists heading into 2026. Finance chiefs gave it a rating of 65, up from 62 in the previous quarter. Concerns around UK competitiveness and productivity followed closely at 62, the highest reading since Deloitte first asked the question in late 2014.

Energy costs and supply risks ranked third. The rating went to 47 from 48 in September, according to Deloitte. Taken together, the findings mean finance leaders are clearly feeling better about AI investment while keeping a careful grip on risk and spending choices.

Richard Houston, senior partner and chief executive of Deloitte UK, said: “CFOs are significantly more positive about improving performance through deploying AI and remain upbeat about technology investment over the medium term. We know technology was a big driver of US GDP in 2025 and we see real potential in the year ahead for AI to boost UK business performance and fuel growth. However, to realise the full value from AI, we must combine human skills with technology and upskill people, so nobody is left behind.”

Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte UK, said: “Business sentiment is subdued but more positive than a year ago. While CFOs remain cautious about geopolitics and productivity, business confidence and risk appetite have ticked up from their autumn lows and perceptions of external uncertainty have edged lower.”