Bloomberg survey shows AI adoption pressure reshaping European finance

January 2, 2026

Bloomberg, a global provider of financial data, analytics, and news for professional markets, has published new research highlighting how artificial intelligence is reshaping competitive dynamics across Europe’s financial services sector.

The research, based on responses from over 300 senior decision-makers, was conducted to understand how European finance leaders perceive the risks and opportunities associated with AI adoption. According to the survey, AI is now viewed as a competitive necessity by most respondents. Some 75% of European finance leaders believe that failing to keep pace with AI adoption could result in direct loss of profitability or even organisational obsolescence. Nearly half warned that lagging behind competitors on AI could lead to tangible market share erosion.

The findings also shed light on expectations around agentic AI. While 46% of respondents anticipate incremental automation gains over the next three years, a further 37% expect more far-reaching transformation across workflows and decision-making processes. Importantly, AI initiatives are already delivering value, with 40% reporting measurable business benefits and only 1% citing negative outcomes.

Despite the optimism, many institutions remain pragmatic. Around 37% of respondents said their firms are moving in line with the wider industry rather than leading it, suggesting a cautious approach that balances innovation with operational and regulatory considerations.

Commenting on the results, Amanda Stent, head of AI strategy & research in the CTO Office at Bloomberg, said, “Financial institutions clearly see AI as both a strategic necessity and a competitive differentiator. While firms are cautious about the speed and scale of change this technology is introducing, few doubt its potential for long-term impact or the measurable advantage it can deliver. The next phase will be defined by how effectively, not just how quickly, institutions can scale AI across their core operations while embedding the governance, controls, and accountability required for its responsible deployment.”