CIOs are under growing pressure to prove the value of AI to CFOs who demand measurable returns within tight timeframes. Although 80% of organisations plan to increase AI investment, many lack clarity on where to start or how to quantify success.

CIOs must align AI projects with corporate strategy, focus on data-rich domains, and set clear, financially relevant metrics. Experts recommend starting small, prototyping early, and targeting quick wins in areas like automation or customer optimisation.

Convincing CFOs requires translating technical outcomes into financial impact, de-risking implementation, and demonstrating governance over costs and compliance. Successful CIOs link AI to revenue growth, cost reduction, or risk mitigation, while building scalable models that transform long-term capability, not just quarterly results.