Financial services leaders see strong 2026 growth ahead as AI returns surprise on the upside

Global financial services chief executives are heading into 2026 with renewed confidence, expecting improvements in revenue, profitability and productivity as investments in AI deliver better-than-expected results.

EY’s latest Global Financial Services CEO Outlook Survey reveals that even as uncertainty around the global economy persists, sentiment within the sector remains broadly positive. Nearly nine in 10 financial services CEOs surveyed expect growth across key performance measures this year. That optimism stands in contrast to macro concerns, with just over a quarter of respondents saying they are highly confident in the global economic outlook.

AI is emerging as a central driver of this confidence with one quarter of CEOs reporting that AI initiatives at their firms have already “significantly outperformed expectations,” while a further majority say returns are exceeding initial forecasts. Looking ahead, 30% believe AI will fundamentally transform how their organisations create value over the next three years, and nearly two-thirds anticipate widespread operational improvements tied to digital technologies.

“In the first month of this year alone, powerful crosscurrents have shaped and reshaped geopolitics, financial markets and technology in new and unexpected ways… the firms leading the way aren’t constrained by macro fears; they’re doubling down on capital discipline, operational excellence, strong risk management and, critically, transformation,” said Omar Ali, EY Global Financial Services Leader.

Nine in 10 CEOs say their organisations now have clear board-level or C-suite responsibility for AI outcomes. A similar proportion emphasize that ethical and responsible AI use is a priority, even if it slows short-term gains.

The vast majority of financial services leaders express confidence in their ability to attract and retain skilled employees. Notably, 60% expect AI investment to support stable or higher staffing levels in 2026, reinforcing the view that technology will augment rather than replace human expertise.

Strategic activity is also set to increase. Almost half of CEOs plan to pursue mergers or acquisitions this year, while an even larger share are considering joint ventures or strategic alliances to strengthen digital capabilities and expand into new markets. The United States ranks as the most attractive destination for investment, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore and Germany.