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India’s CFOs are turning to AI and automation as business confidence strengthens for the next 12 months. Grant Thornton Bharat released its first India Finance Leaders Barometer on August 19, 2026.
The survey gathered views from 149 CFOs and senior finance executives across sectors. It found 85% of finance heads hold a more positive outlook than six months earlier.
Finance leaders increasingly see technology as a growth tool rather than only an efficiency measure. Strategic planning, business partnerships and technology now rank alongside core finance responsibilities.
About 68% of finance functions have modern or developing technology environments. Meanwhile, 45% of CFOs already see measurable value from AI initiatives.
The optimism also exposes a readiness gap across corporate finance teams. Nearly 64% of respondents feel confident about delivering their finance priorities.
However, 55.7% describe their organizations as only somewhat prepared for upcoming challenges. This gap could slow broader AI adoption without stronger skills and operating models.
Growth remains a major corporate focus across India, with 37% targeting measured organic expansion. Another 29% are preparing for aggressive growth in the coming period. Transformation, technology and AI rank among the leading growth enablers for one in four finance leaders.
Karan Marwah, Partner and CFO Advisory Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, said, “The conversation around the CFO's role has evolved significantly over the last decade.” He added that organizations must reshape finance structures so CFOs can focus more on decisions than processes.
The findings signal a broader shift toward the strategic CFO model. Companies now need stronger AI skills, faster technology adoption and better decision systems. Global finance trends also show rising AI interest, alongside concerns about workforce readiness and technology returns.
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