Four out of five finance professionals in the Netherlands experience obstacles in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within their organization. This is according to a survey of 359 employees in the financial sector conducted by Conclusion, a specialist in business and IT transformation. Although most respondents expect the use of AI to increase in the coming years, its implementation in practice is proving difficult. The main obstacles are concerns about risks, a lack of knowledge, and uncertainty about regulations.
AI is widely viewed as a technology that can add significant value to the financial sector. Applications such as compliance monitoring, risk management, and process optimization are cited as promising areas. However, the survey shows that only 14 percent of finance professionals are currently actively using AI. There is a significant gap between potential and practice, which, according to respondents, is mainly because organizations themselves remain cautious. For example, 59 percent cite privacy and data security concerns as the main reason for their reserve. In addition, broader security risks (47 percent) and the loss of human control over processes (38 percent) are commonly cited concerns.
Internal barriers also play a role. More than a third of respondents (36%) experience a lack of knowledge and expertise within their organization. Working with new technology causes uncertainty and delays in decision-making and implementation. In addition, 30 percent point to uncertainty about legislation and regulations as a major obstacle to further implementation. The European AI Act is mentioned in particular as a source of uncertainty.
Despite the obstacles, there is a high level of willingness to start working with AI. A large majority (81%) believe that organizations should invest more in training their employees. More than half of those surveyed (55%) currently do not feel comfortable enough to use AI in their daily work. According to Adil Bohoudi, managing director at Conclusion AI 360, overcoming this is the key to acceleration: “The survey shows that the success of AI depends on awareness, skills, and strategic anchoring. The technology is there—now it's time for vision and courage to really harness its potential.”
Digital & Technology
