APAC CFOs See AI Agents as Engines of Earnings Expansion
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for cost reduction but has emerged as a strategic driver of revenue and growth. A new study by AI firm Salesforce reveals that 75% of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region believe AI agents could increase their companies’ revenue by nearly 20%.
The research shows a dramatic shift in perception: five years ago, 63% of CFOs were conservative about AI, but today only 3% maintain that position. Now, CFOs are allocating about a quarter of their budgets to AI agents or digital labor, with 60% acknowledging that such investments are essential to stay competitive. The findings suggest that a change in how CFOs evaluate return on investment (ROI) in technology has driven this transformation.
Half of APAC CFOs say AI agents have altered the way ROI is assessed, viewing technology not merely as a short-term solution but as a foundation for long-term business prosperity.
Salesforce President and CFO Robin Washington remarked, “Digital labor is not just technological progress; it is redefining the role of CFOs. We are no longer just financial stewards but creators of business value.”
She further added, “Through AI agents, we are not just changing business models; we are reshaping the entire scope of a CFO’s work. This requires a new perspective, where we aim to be not only responsible for financial oversight but also key drivers of value creation.”
The Salesforce study highlights that APAC CFOs are rapidly abandoning conservative stances in favor of aggressive AI strategies. While 63% were cautious about AI five years ago, the figure fell to 33% two years ago and now stands at just 3%. Currently, an average of 23% of CFO budgets is directed toward AI agents or digital labor.
Among CFOs surveyed, 60% believe AI agents are indispensable for competitiveness in the current economic climate, and 62% say AI has fundamentally changed how they view costs. Additionally, 32% report that advances in AI have emboldened them to make bolder tech investments.
Notably, 75% of CFOs say AI agents will not only reduce costs but also boost revenue—potentially by an average of 20%. Furthermore, 77% contend that AI agents are transforming business models, while 58% expect AI to play a greater role in strategic, not just routine, functions.
The research also reveals that 83% of APAC CFOs already use AI in business decision-making. The top applications include risk assessment (85%), financial forecasting (65%), and profit accounting (58%).
Yet, concerns remain. According to the study, 68% of CFOs cite security and privacy risks as their chief worry, while 62% believe realizing ROI from AI takes considerable time.
