We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know and shape the future with confidence.
1. The AI honeymoon phase is over…
Leaders are realizing that without a rock-solid data foundation, AI adoption is like trying to build a skyscraper on sand. No surprise then that 67% of execs admit their shaky data infrastructure is holding them back. Enter synthetic data — the AI world’s not-so-secret weapon. It basically mimics real-world data without the privacy headaches, making it a breakthrough in industries like healthcare and finance. But having the right tools isn’t enough; businesses also need to flex their “innovation muscle” by building strong partnerships and staying agile. And with AI evolving from just chat to action, companies must weave responsible AI practices into their DNA to ensure trust and long-term success. AI isn’t just a shiny new gadget anymore — it’s a full-blown transformation. Invest wisely now, and you’ll be the one rewriting the future of business.
The generative AI honeymoon is over: What leaders should do now
2. Risky business ahead
The world of finance is getting trickier for companies, with new rules popping up in different countries and more attention on how they handle risks. Businesses need to show they can bounce back from challenges, especially when it comes to relying on outside tech providers and dealing with risks from non-bank financial firms. Companies should keep an eye on political changes, improve their risk management, and make sure they’re helping customers, especially as living costs rise. Overall, the emphasis will be on being accountable, fixing problems quickly, and having strong governance as firms navigate this uncertain landscape.
Four regulatory priorities to drive financial institutions’ focus in 2025
3. The CFO’s newest superpower
Finance isn’t just about the numbers anymore — it’s about knowing what’s next. GenAI is helping CFOs do just that, turning financial forecasting from educated guessing into a data-driven superpower. Need a breakdown of why revenue dipped last quarter? GenAI can not only analyze financial reports but also pull in market data, customer sentiment, and economic trends to tell the full story. It’s like hiring a financial analyst who never sleeps. But even the smartest AI can’t fix messy data, and the old saying, «garbage in, garbage out» still holds true. The companies that master AI will see opportunities before they happen. The ones that don’t? They’ll be left wondering where their competitive edge went…
AI isn’t new, but GenAI unlocks new possibilities to enable your future finance function
4. Ready or not, the future of work is here
Tomorrow’s workforce changed yesterday. The workplace is evolving at lightning speed, driven by tech advancements and changing workforce expectations. Throw in geopolitical disruptions and economic instability, and we’re in an era of constant change. Leading an engaged, innovative, and resilient team today means really knowing who your people are, what they need, and how they work together. The workforce in advanced countries is shrinking; Europe’s is set to be 25% smaller in two decades, and the US’s Gen Z has three million fewer people than Millennials. By 2034, Millennials, Gen Z, and the first Gen Alphas will make up 80% of the workforce in advanced economies. This shift offers a unique chance for innovation through multigenerational collaboration. As EY Global Chair and CEO Janet Truncale puts it, “Understanding your business’s future means understanding the people that are driving it.” The future is knocking – are you ready to answer?
Tomorrow’s workforce changed yesterday – now what for businesses that want to be future-ready?
5. AI has entered the chat…
… and it’s not leaving anytime soon. Whether it’s drafting emails, transcribing voicemails, or analyzing cybersecurity threats, AI is already embedded in daily workflows. Yet while 84% of Australian workers use it, only 10% receive training, making governance more of an afterthought than a strategy. Meanwhile, forward-thinking companies are already cashing in — cutting customer service follow-ups by 20%, protecting students online, and streamlining checkout lines. The reality? AI adoption isn’t a waiting game; it’s a race. And without proper oversight, it’s like letting a self-driving car loose without a map. Smart businesses aren’t just adopting AI — they’re training, tracking, and steering it toward real results. The AI revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here. The real question: are you leading the charge or playing catch-up?
AI is growing in the wild. Is your board in control?
If you do one thing:
Set an intention for 2026 and make a game plan for achieving it.