The 6 disruptive tech trends CFOs need to know about

CFOs need to be on the front foot by aligning innovation with financial strategy. Keeping track of important trends in technology will help them achieve competitive edge and growth.

Niamh McPherson and Stephen Gustafson

CFOs must carefully evaluate AI investments by comparing data management, functionality, cost and risk and quantifying tangible business value from the investments

4 min read

5:20PMApril 08, 2025

“Disruptive tech”: as a CFO these words likely stir up complex feelings as you confront yet another wave of technological change and grapple with the possibilities and risks for your business.

Aligning innovation with financial strategy is a critical responsibility for CFOs and not an easy one. The right balance brings efficiencies, competitive edge and growth, the flip side risks losses and disruption. So, being on the front foot means more time to strategically assess potential impacts.

Get ahead with a snapshot of the six pivotal tech trends from Tech Trends 2025 set to disrupt business operations over the next 18–24 months.

1. What’s next for AI?

Generative AI has taken centre stage, but the future lies in adopting smaller language models and open-source options tailored to specific organisational needs. These advances, combined with multimodal models and AI-based simulations, let businesses optimise processes using agentic AI – digital coworkers that answer questions and perform tasks. This ushers in a new era where AI acts as a copilot, transforming how humans work and live.

What this means for CFOs: With multiple options, CFOs must carefully evaluate AI investments by comparing data management, functionality, cost and risk and quantifying tangible business value from the investments. Agentic AI promises to revolutionise operations, including finance, by carrying out workflows like scenario planning and forecast accuracy. This shift requires new standards for risk and trust but offers powerful tools to enhance operational and financial performance.

2. The intelligent core: AI and core modernisation

AI is transforming core enterprise systems by shifting them towards AI-fuelled models, fundamentally rethinking processes to be more intelligent, efficient, and predictive. While this integration automates routine tasks, it also increases system complexity at an architectural level, highlighting the need for deep technical skills. Organisations must carefully plan this transformation, investing strategically in technology, skills, and governance frameworks to ensure smooth operations.

What this means for CFOs: For those investing in core technologies like ERP, understanding AI’s dual role in enhancing and disrupting traditional models is vital. AI capabilities will transform information access, presenting real-time insights in easily digestible formats. This promises operational efficiencies and cost savings, but also calls for robust governance to manage risks, especially when integrating sensitive financial data into AI-driven systems.

3. Spatial computing takes centre stage

Spatial computing is gaining traction for its ability to dissolve information silos and offer intuitive ways for workers and customers to interact with data. Enterprises are already using advanced simulations to test various operational scenarios, enhancing decision-making processes. As AI continues to advance, spatial computing experiences will become more seamless, allowing AI agents to proactively anticipate and meet user needs.

What this means for CFOs: For finance teams, spatial computing provides deeper, real-time insights into operations through tools like digital twins – virtual replicas that optimise costs and capital planning. By integrating operational and financial data, CFOs can engage with information in innovative ways, enhancing strategic decision-making and driving organisational value. It holds possibilities to unlock new revenue streams and growth opportunities in multiple sectors.

4. Hardware is eating the world

After years of software dominance, hardware is reclaiming its importance as AI requires specialised computing resources. Companies are investing in advanced chips to power AI workloads, enhancing personal computers with AI capabilities for offline use, future-proofing tech infrastructure and boosting data privacy while reducing cloud costs. Despite AI’s increased energy demands posing sustainability challenges, improved energy efficiency is making AI hardware more accessible. This integration could revolutionise IoT and robotics, transforming industries with smarter, autonomous devices.

What this means for CFOs: A hardware refresh looms, requiring CFOs to strategise capital allocation. Cloud computing shows how unchecked expansion inflates costs. As energy demands rise, stakeholders will focus on sustainability. Hardware that facilitates advanced data analysis offers specific value for finance, providing powerful insights. CFOs fluent in technology will be better equipped to guide strategic investments and articulate AI priorities, ensuring their organisation remains competitive.

5. IT, amplified

AI is redefining the IT landscape, elevating its reach and impact across organisations. Moving beyond lean IT and everything-as-a-service models, AI is driving a transformation in infrastructure, engineering, finance operations, talent, and innovation. Gen AI’s ability to write code and test software brings a shift from “human in charge” to “human in the loop”, maximising automation and citizen developers. This evolution presents a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity for forward-thinking leaders to transform IT functions.

What this means for CFOs: With IT often shared or outsourced, CFOs must understand AI’s impact on IT operations – cost, risk, capability. New roles will require tighter IT-business integration. AI offers cost efficiencies and innovation but achieving these requires investment and strategy. Finance must grasp IT needs, avoid redundancies, and manage costs effectively.

6. The new maths: cryptography in the quantum age

As quantum computing advances, it poses a significant challenge to current cryptographic systems by potentially breaking encryption, jeopardising data integrity and communication authenticity. Although the timeline is uncertain, organisations must update encryption practices and develop post-quantum standards to mitigate future risks.

What this means for CFOs: While IT leads cybersecurity efforts, CFOs must stay alert to threats from quantum computing and evaluate financial impacts of quantum-resistant investments. Collaborate with partners to weigh costs and benefits, fostering innovation in standards and controls. Until strong quantum-resistant systems are in place, data remains vulnerable, highlighting the need for strategic foresight.

Niamh McPherson is Partner, Tech Strategy & Transformation at Deloitte Australia and Stephen Gustafson is Partner and CFO Program Leader at Deloitte Australia.

Disclaimer

This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.

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