APAC CFOs embrace AI agents for revenue growth and transformation
APAC CFOs are shifting from conservative AI strategies to aggressive investments, viewing AI agents as key drivers of revenue and business transformation, according to Salesforce research.
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in Asia Pacific (APAC) have undergone a dramatic shift in their approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI), moving from cautious spending to strategic investment, according to new research from Salesforce. The study reveals that 75% of APAC CFOs now believe AI agents will not only reduce costs but also drive revenue and transform organizational structures.
Key Findings:
- Shift in AI Strategy: In 2020, 63% of APAC CFOs had a conservative AI strategy. Today, only 3% remain conservative, with a third adopting an aggressive approach.
- Budget Allocation: APAC CFOs are dedicating 23% of their AI budget to AI agents, reflecting their growing importance.
- ROI Reevaluation: 50% of CFOs say AI agents are changing how they measure ROI, focusing on long-term outcomes like productivity, risk management, and cost savings.
- Revenue Impact: CFOs expect AI agents to increase company revenue by nearly 20%, with 77% predicting a transformation in their business models.
- Task Delegation: Top tasks delegated to AI agents include risk assessments (85%), financial forecasting (65%), and profitability assessments (58%).
Strategic Mindset Shift
Robin Washington, President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Salesforce, emphasized the transformative role of AI agents: "We’re not merely transforming business models; we’re fundamentally reshaping the entire scope of the CFO function."
Challenges Ahead
Despite optimism, CFOs cite security/privacy threats (68%) and long ROI timelines (62%) as major concerns. One respondent noted: "If AI goes wrong, the reputational cost affects ROI in ways regular tools never would."
The Future of AI in Finance
APAC CFOs are increasingly using AI for decision-making (83%), signaling a broader trend toward agentic AI as a strategic partner. As one CFO put it: "AI’s returns may accrue over the long term through an ongoing process and new business models."
For more insights, read: Asia Pacific’s next AI breakout.
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About the Author
Dr. Sarah Chen
AI Research Expert
A seasoned AI expert with 15 years of research experience, formerly worked at Stanford AI Lab for 8 years, specializing in machine learning and natural language processing. Currently serves as technical advisor for multiple AI companies and regularly contributes AI technology analysis articles to authoritative media like MIT Technology Review.