Finance Leaders Are Ready to Increase AI, but Most Aren’t Ready to Control It
A recent study commissioned by Basware reveals that while 76% of finance leaders plan to amplify AI investments, only 39% feel equipped to scale these initiatives effectively.
Key Findings:
- 76% plan to increase AI investment.
- 67% of finance teams already use AI in Accounts Payable (AP), but only 39% have built operational models for scaling.
- 68% require proof of return on investment (ROI) before further tech spending.
- 55% expect AI investments in AP to pay off within six to 24 months.
- 46% struggle to balance governance and innovation effectively.
- 65% cite urgent need for improvement to comply with new financial regulations.
- 64% prioritize stability and compliance over pure innovation in AI selection.
According to the Forrester study, the landscape is shifting towards a demand for demonstrable ROI which reflects the complexity of finance operations. As teams embrace AI, the necessity for control and governance has become paramount.
Investment Trends:
Finance leaders are wary of quick returns. Only 7% expect AI investments to pay back in less than six months, with 20% anticipating returns in 6-12 months, and 35% expecting value realization within 13 to 24 months.
Future Directions:
As AI transitions from automation to trusted execution, governance becomes crucial. Basware’s Governed Autonomy framework enables finance teams to determine AI’s operational boundaries, ensuring that every AI decision is logged and auditable. This way, trust in AI capabilities can grow only as proven outcomes are realized.
For more insights, join Basware’s upcoming webinar featuring industry experts discussing the findings.
About the Study:
The research, conducted by Forrester Consulting, involved a survey of 231 finance/AP decision-makers across the UK, US, France, and Germany in March 2026.
About Basware:
Basware provides an Intelligent Invoice Lifecycle Management platform, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and control over invoice transactions for over 6,500 customers globally. Their expertise stems from handling over $10 trillion in total spend.
For further reading, visit Basware.
