ZDNET’s key takeaways
- 34% of global CFOs have adopted an aggressive AI investment strategy.
- 61% embrace AI agents and digital labor in order to autonomously perform tasks.
- CFOs are dedicating a quarter of their AI budgets to agentic AI
More than 9 out of 10 (96%) of chief financial officers (CFOs) have an aggressive AI strategy, compared to only 3% in 2020, according to a global survey of 261 CFOs conducted by Salesforce Research. There is a strong shift from cautious spending to a strategic and more aggressive focus on AI for both productivity gains and long-term revenue growth.
According to recent data from the global CFO survey, there’s a fundamental rethinking underway in how CFOs evaluate these investments. Specifically, over half (61%) of those surveyed indicate that AI agents — digital labor capable of performing tasks autonomously — are changing CFOs’ approach to ROI. They are moving beyond traditional metrics to measure the success of technology investments, now encompassing a broader range of business outcomes.
Also: How AI agents can generate $450 billion by 2028 – and what stands in the way
According to McKinsey research, the rise of autonomous systems, including physical robots and digital agents, is moving from pilot projects to practical applications. Autonomous AI agents are now enabling companies to be built like a stealth aircraft.
Agentic AI is an artificial intelligence system capable of independently planning and executing complex, multistep tasks. Built on foundation models, these agents can autonomously perform actions, communicate with one another, and adapt to new information. Significant advancements have emerged, from general agent platforms to specialized agents designed for deep research.
Companies like Salesforce have already realized over a million AI conversations powered by agentic AI, with incredible business results in 2025. According to Capgemini, research from other industry analyst firms validates the economic impact of AI, including a $450 billion market associated with agentic AI by 2028. This year’s technology developments highlight a future where technology is more adaptive, collaborative, and essential for solving global problems.
In 2024, 65% of CFOs were focused on accelerating the ROI of their tech investments. Now, there’s a growing understanding that AI’s value extends beyond immediate cost savings to achieving long-term business outcomes.
Here are the key takeaways from the 261 global CFO survey by Salesforce:
The urgency for developing an AI strategy is at its peak
- In 2020, 70% of CFOs adhered to a conservative AI strategy. As recently as two years ago, that number was 34%. In 2025, only 4% of CFOs maintain a conservative AI strategy, and a third have officially adopted an aggressive approach.
A significant portion of CFO budgets is dedicated to agentic AI investments
Also: Business leaders continue to push workers toward daily use of AI
AI investments are about accelerating productivity and boosting revenues
- 74% of CFOs believe that AI agents will not only cut costs but also drive revenue.
- CFOs implementing AI agents expect these agents to increase company revenue by almost 20%.
- 55% of CFOs think AI agents will take on more strategic work than routine tasks.
- 72% of CFOs say AI agents will transform their business model.
These figures highlight the significant potential of AI agents in both financial and strategic capacities within organizations.
AI is reshaping how CFOs measure business success
- AI is delivering both short and long-term benefits — 61% of CFOs say AI agents change how they evaluate ROI.
- CFOs are evaluating benefits based on several factors, including cost savings, risk compliance, revenue growth, productivity and efficiency gains, and faster decision-making velocity. AI is also helping CFOs implement better financial controls.
Business leaders continue to push workers toward daily use of AI. Salesforce and Slack surveyed 5,000 desk workers across the globe and found that daily AI usage has more than doubled in the past six months. Yet research suggests only 34% of organizations have policies for using generative AI, and even fewer have effective training programs in place. CFOs and human resource leaders must partner to ensure that their company’s AI business strategy includes all employees and key stakeholders.
Also: Is HR ready for AI?
The healthiest companies of the future are autonomous companies. Autonomous companies utilize a hybrid workforce, embracing AI-first strategies and digital labor to scale speed, scale, and intelligence.
