The CFO's role is shifting from merely closing the books to providing insights on business performance through narratives, thanks to advancements in conversational AI and vibe coding. These technologies allow finance leaders to interact with financial data using plain language, significantly reducing the complexities involved in data analysis.

AI streamlines the analysis of extensive financial data by simplifying technical processes like queries, models, and presentations, offering quicker, clearer insights that align with CFOs' decision-making approaches concerning risks and trade-offs. Companies can now obtain actionable insights regarding business performance without needing technical expertise. For example, rather than creating complex SQL queries or pivot tables, finance leaders can simply ask, "Why did margins decline in the Northeast last quarter?" This capability enhances decision-making and enables faster responses to rapid changes.

Datarails recently secured $70 million in funding to enhance AI-driven financial tools for planning, cash management, and spend control. With over 70% of surveyed firms already utilizing AI tools for managing cash flow, advanced AI users report automating up to 95% of accounts receivable processes, compared to 38% for those without AI integration.

However, the rise of AI also presents governance challenges, necessitating a shift towards validating logic and ensuring transparency, rather than focusing solely on technical accuracy. Ultimately, the transformation within finance departments is fueled by AI's alignment with how financial professionals think and operate, marking a decisive move towards integrating AI as an essential tool in finance. Today, organizations recognize AI as critical infrastructure for leveraging data as a strategic asset.

On Wednesday, the Bank of Korea (BOK) partnered with tech giant Naver to launch an artificial intelligence model specifically developed for the central bank, marking a global first for in-house AI deployment by a central banking institution. Named Bank of Korea Intelligence (Boki), this model operates on the BOK's secure internal network, differentiating it from cloud-based solutions employed by other banks.

Korea, alongside the US and China, is recognized for its capability to develop proprietary AI technologies, with BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong emphasizing the importance of nurturing an AI ecosystem for sustainable growth. Boki represents a significant step towards technological autonomy, allowing the BOK to manage sensitive financial data more effectively.

The AI model encompasses five primary functions: research assistance, compliance support, document analysis, data analytics, and translation of publications. Developed in collaboration with Naver, Boki leverages extensive data from the BOK to enhance financial and economic analysis. This is particularly beneficial for the Monetary Policy Board, enabling the examination of large datasets relevant to interest rate decisions.

Moreover, Boki lays the groundwork for digitizing the BOK's document archive, converting approximately 1.4 million internal documents into AI-compatible formats. Previously, only 3% of these documents were digitized, but this collaboration enables more comprehensive data analysis. The initiative not only elevates the BOK’s capabilities but also strengthens Korea's competitiveness in the financial sector by enhancing analytical proficiency and fostering a culture of innovation. The launch event featured a demonstration of Boki, highlighting its potential in transforming the central bank's operations and contributing to broader national economic performance.

Bank of America Corp. has reported that its AI-driven CashPro Forecasting tool has significantly benefitted over 3,000 corporate clients, saving them more than 250,000 hours of manual cash forecasting in 2025. This forecasting feature, integrated into the CashPro platform, automates what was traditionally a lengthy process reliant on spreadsheets, cutting down completion time from days to mere minutes.

Jennifer Sanctis, product executive for CashPro, emphasized the bank's commitment to technological advancement. As AI evolves, enhancements to the CashPro Forecasting tool empower clients to navigate a dynamic financial environment seamlessly. The tool employs machine learning to integrate account data and analyze global cash positions, allowing companies to project liquidity up to a year in advance and even include data from accounts at other banks for a unified perspective.

In times of market volatility, such as during tariff developments and fluctuating interest rates, client usage of the tool surged, with a 113% increase in forecasting workspaces created in the second quarter. Winnie Chen, head of global payments solutions for Asia Pacific, highlighted the importance of these insights in enabling timely, informed decision-making.

The collaborative nature of the CashPro platform has been recognized as a significant advantage, allowing teams to collaborate on real-time scenario assessments. Sal Campo from Toyota Financial Services noted its intuitive design, which facilitated quick implementation and value generation.

Recent upgrades to the AI model behind CashPro Forecasting have increased processing speed by fivefold, and the introduction of a generative AI assistant, Ask Global Payments Solutions, further enhances support for client inquiries. CashPro Forecasting is integrated into the bank’s Information Reporting services, making it accessible for various treasury and trade activities globally.

Financial Focus: The Promise and Limits of AI in Personal Finance

Opinion | Dec 18, 2025
Chris Romer

Imagine your smartphone alerting you about an unusual spending pattern detected by your budgeting app, prompting a smart transfer of funds to your checking account. Later, a robo-adviser automatically rebalance your investment portfolio. Welcome to a new era in personal finance powered by artificial intelligence (AI), reshaping our monetary management.

AI brings numerous tangible benefits to personal finance. It simplifies financial management by automating tasks such as categorizing transactions and forecasting bills. Some applications not only monitor your spending but also provide conversational financial advice and even negotiate lower service bills. In investment, robo-advisers leverage algorithms to create diversified portfolios and enhance tax efficiency through automated rebalancing. Interactive educational tools demystify finance, making learning engaging and accessible.

However, despite its capabilities, AI has significant limitations. It cannot grasp the nuances of personal values, such as prioritizing sustainable investments over maximum returns. Moreover, in times of unexpected life changes—like illness or job loss—AI lacks the empathy required to navigate these challenges effectively. While AI excels in data processing, it cannot replace critical human judgment, experience, or ethical decision-making.

Human financial advisers play a crucial role by offering long-term perspective, goal coordination, accountability, and emotional support. Research by Edward Jones and Morning Consult highlights that clients who engage with a financial adviser feel more optimistic about their financial futures.

Looking ahead, a hybrid approach—leveraging data-driven AI tools alongside the wisdom of human advisers—will be key. Treat AI as a calculator while relying on skilled advisers to guide you through complex financial landscapes. Stay inquisitive about technology's potential while recognizing its limitations; ultimately, you define what matters most in your financial journey.