Wolters Kluwer: APAC CFOs Accelerate AI Adoption In Finance

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in Asia‑Pacific (APAC) are accelerating their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), recognising its growing influence on the finance function while pursuing implementation in a deliberate, value-driven manner, according to the 2026 Future Ready CFO Survey – APAC Regional Insights by Wolters Kluwer.

The survey found that 83 per cent of APAC CFOs view AI adoption and implementation as a key force reshaping finance, closely aligned with the global average of 85 per cent.

This near parity highlights the rising importance of AI across regions, while APAC finance leaders continue to prioritise disciplined execution shaped by governance requirements and return-on-investment considerations, according to a statement.

The report, which surveyed 1,672 respondents across more than 20 markets, also found that 72 per cent of APAC finance leaders expect AI to have a significant impact on finance operations within the next three years, reflecting strong confidence in its potential to enhance insight, agility and decision-making.

Rather than viewing AI solely as an automation tool, CFOs in the region are focusing on use cases that strengthen control and strategic foresight. Key areas expected to be most impacted include financial planning and analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, as well as risk management and compliance monitoring.

Despite strong adoption momentum, APAC finance leaders cited several barriers to AI investment, including cost relative to expected returns (58 per cent), concerns over loss of human judgement and oversight (55 per cent), and data quality and governance challenges (53 per cent).

These factors underscore a measured approach to AI adoption in the region, with an emphasis on governance, transparency and regulatory alignment.

The survey also noted that APAC CFOs are expected to take on an expanded role at the intersection of technology, and enterprise risk, particularly in areas such as digital strategy, enterprise risk management and strategic decision support.

Wolters Kluwer said this evolution positions CFOs as key stewards of both innovation and resilience, as organisations balance AI-driven transformation with governance and control.

It suggested that APAC CFOs may gain a long‑term advantage by aligning AI investment with strong controls, talent readiness, and regulatory confidence, as those who are able to balance innovation with governance are best fit to navigate the next stage of finance transformation.

-- BERNAMA