Deloitte’s latest survey of UK Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) reveals a marked rise in optimism around artificial intelligence, with finance leaders increasingly confident in its ability to enhance business performance.
Conducted between 1 and 13 July 2026, the survey shows that 73% of CFOs report greater optimism about AI compared with 12 months ago. This represents a significant increase from 59% in Q4 2025 and just 39% in Q3 2024, highlighting a rapid shift in sentiment as businesses move from experimentation to implementation.
Investment expectations reflect this growing confidence. Nearly all respondents (96%) anticipate increased spending on digital technology and assets over the next five years, with 93% expecting investment to rise within the next 12 months. As AI deployment becomes more widespread, 78% of CFOs expect improved productivity and business performance over the next five years, while half (50%) foresee gains within the year ahead.
The survey also points to a reduction in perceived economic uncertainty. Fewer than half of CFOs (47%) now rate external financial and economic uncertainty as high or very high, placing current levels below the post-pandemic average and significantly lower than those recorded in mid-2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This easing has contributed to a stronger sense of confidence and a greater willingness among finance leaders to take on risk.
Despite improved sentiment, geopolitics continues to be viewed as the most significant external risk to UK businesses. It has held this position for 16 of the past 18 quarters. However, concern has softened, with the average risk rating falling from 79 in Q1 2026 to 68 this quarter.
Other key risks include weak productivity and competitiveness in the UK economy, which recorded an average score of 63 (up slightly from 62), and energy prices or supply disruptions, which declined from 70 to 60.
Debapratim De, chief economist at Deloitte UK, said: “The global economy has, so far, weathered the shock from the conflict in Iran better than many had feared. Corporate sentiment is responding to this relative resilience.
“However, concerns over geopolitics and domestic competitiveness remain elevated. CFOs continue to prioritise cost reduction and cash control in this environment.”
Cost control is also shaping hiring strategies, particularly for graduates. CFOs identified a broader business drive to reduce costs as the primary factor limiting graduate recruitment, cited by a net 62% over the past year and 64% looking ahead.
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The growing use of AI and increased outsourcing are also expected to dampen demand for entry-level roles, cited by net 47% and 33% of respondents respectively for the coming year.
Darren Graves, Deloitte UK CEO, said: “It is encouraging to see growing optimism about the positive impact AI can have on productivity and business performance.
“With a new prime minister and cabinet in office, businesses will be keen to hear how the Government plans to boost growth, competitiveness, and deliver a clear economic strategy that supports the UK’s position as a leading global destination for business and investment.”
