Financial leaders worldwide are feeling increasing pressure to deploy artificial intelligence. However, they are struggling with the question of how to actually derive value from it. This is evident from new research by Basware.
According to the report AI to ROI: Unlocking Value with AI Agents, nearly half of CFOs say that board members and executives are increasingly demanding AI solutions within financial processes. At the same time, a majority indicate that their organizations are mainly experimenting with AI, without a clear picture of its practical application or return on investment. For example, 61 percent say that their organization is mainly trying out self-developed AI agents to see what the technology can do. A quarter of respondents even admit that they do not yet fully understand what an AI agent looks like in practice.
Agentic AI
The emergence of so-called “agentic AI,” systems that can perform tasks independently and support decisions, plays a central role in this. Two-thirds of respondents believe that there is currently more hype surrounding agentic AI than previous technological developments. At the same time, three-quarters are still discovering how this technology can be used effectively. According to Basware CEO Jason Kurtz, the time for experimentation is over; executives expect concrete results.
The figures show that organizations that use AI in a targeted manner achieve better results. The average return on AI investments rose from 35 to 67 percent last year. Companies that use agentic AI via existing platforms with built-in AI agents even achieve an average return of around 80 percent.
Data-driven component of the finance function
For many finance teams, the first application of AI is in accounts payable processes, often the most manual and data-driven part of the finance function. In fact, 72 percent of respondents cite this as the most logical starting point. Other applications include automating invoice processing, cash flow management, forecasting, compliance checks, and fraud detection.
According to Basware, the key lies in using reliable data and integrated platforms rather than standalone solutions or self-built systems. With solutions such as InvoiceAI, part of the Invoice Lifecycle Management platform, the company aims to use AI agents to process invoice processes largely autonomously while improving speed, accuracy, and compliance.
Research
The research also shows that strategy and governance are crucial. Teams with the lowest AI returns often report acting under pressure without clear direction. Organizations with a clear approach achieve better results.
The report’s conclusion is clear. AI can significantly improve financial processes, but only when organizations deploy the technology in a targeted manner and integrate it into existing workflows. Only then will AI transform from an experiment into real business value.
Also read: Goodbye AIOps, hello AgenticOps: what is it and what can you do with it?