New analysis from main monetary and funds platform, Airwallex, reveals one in 5 (19%) Australian enterprise leaders count on to see a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) working alongside the CFO as extra companies embed Synthetic Intelligence (AI) into their operations.

The Airwallex Way forward for Finance survey, performed in partnership with YouGov, captured insights from greater than 500 Australian senior enterprise decision-makers, and in addition discovered that just about a 3rd (31%) consider the CFO will stay the principle decision-maker, with AI instruments offering help.

Matt Patterson, Head of Gross sales, SME and Development, Australia at Airwallex, mentioned, “Finance groups are now not simply managing numbers – they’re managing intelligence. The rise of the Chief AI Officer reveals how management is evolving for an period the place information, expertise and decision-making are inseparable. Those who embrace this shift will transfer from threat administration to worth creation.”

Survey insights additionally revealed a widening “AI divide” between massive enterprises and small to medium companies. Whereas virtually all enterprise leaders agree automation is important to constructing monetary resilience, lower than half (43%) of Australian SMEs plan to spend money on AI and automation instruments within the subsequent two years, in comparison with virtually two-thirds (58%) of enormous enterprises and companies.

Bigger organisations are already reaping the advantages. Greater than 9 in ten (92%) enterprises report that they’ve adopted automation inside their finance capabilities, in contrast with 81% of SMEs. The payoff is obvious: 58% of enterprises say they’ve seen vital enhancements in producing monetary insights by AI, in comparison with simply 40% of SMEs.

Patterson added, “The hole between SMEs and bigger companies usually comes all the way down to assets. Enterprises have the cash and other people energy to undertake new expertise shortly, however that doesn’t imply SMEs must miss out. The identical instruments and improvements are actually inside attain.”

“Trendy monetary expertise helps to degree the taking part in discipline. With advances in agentic AI and trendy monetary programs, smaller companies can now automate duties, enhance visibility throughout world operations, and transfer with the identical velocity and intelligence as soon as reserved for big enterprises.”

Positively, 85% of companies are already adopting AI and automation in finance, and those who have, have saved a median of 12% in month-to-month working prices. Nonetheless, the analysis highlights how conventional banking infrastructure continues to carry companies again:

• Greater than 9 in ten (93%) respondents mentioned conventional monetary programs are creating friction of their enterprise
• That is primarily resulting from excessive charges (45%), fee delays (44%) and excessive alternate charges (42%).
• 85% of Australian enterprise leaders concern falling behind with out quicker tech adoption.

Patterson mentioned whereas some companies stay constrained by legacy instruments, there’s a clear urge for food for transformation, stating, “We’re seeing a hopeful enterprise panorama emerge, one which recognises how AI could be embedded to boost technique, development and success.”

“The monetary panorama is present process the most important transformation in many years, and the problem now’s making certain all companies have the instruments to maintain up.”

“The way forward for finance might be pushed by human intelligence enhanced by synthetic intelligence.  These investing in smarter, trendy monetary expertise are unlocking quicker decision-making, deeper insights and development. They would be the ones finest positioned to navigate what’s subsequent.”

The findings type a part of the broader Airwallex Way forward for Finance marketing campaign, geared toward inspiring companies to realize world development and success by embracing a brand new period in finance.