The conversations at AFP Boston 2025 were centred on progress measured not just by technological advancement, but by how thoughtfully treasury teams are adapting to it. This year’s dominant theme was clear: AI isn’t replacing human expertise, it’s amplifying it.
AI Humility: Progress with Perspective
Artificial intelligence took center stage, but in a refreshingly grounded way. Rather than showcasing grand, futuristic solutions, speakers and attendees approached AI with what many called “AI humility.”
There was broad recognition that while AI can make teams more productive, strategic, and efficient, there’s no skipping the foundational work. Clean, organized, and well-tagged data remains the cornerstone of any successful AI initiative.
One treasury leader described spending two full days preparing data before AI tools could even begin analysis. Another likened the challenge to sorting through “grandma’s attic”, a collection of disorganized data stored in the cloud that needs structure before it can be useful.
The message was clear: before automation comes organization.
The Human in the Loop
“Human in the loop” emerged as another major theme. Treasury teams are discovering that AI works best as a partner, not a replacement.
AI’s strength lies in pattern recognition and data analysis; it can transform gut checks into forensic examinations of information. But the human layer remains critical for applying judgment, context, and strategy.
In other words, AI can process the “what,” but it’s still up to people to decide the “why” and “how.”
Where Treasury Stands on the AI Journey
According to PwC’s 2025 Global Treasury Survey, more than 70% of treasury teams are still in either experimental or early development phases of AI adoption. Expectations remain measured—most leaders see AI as a tool that will evolve alongside human expertise, not one that will overtake it.
The current goal is to learn, test, and refine. AI’s limitations, like its challenges adapting to entirely new datasets, highlight the importance of an iterative, “crawl, walk, run” approach to implementation.
One speaker compared the evolution of technology in treasury to navigation:
- Maps represented manual processes and spreadsheets.
- GPS symbolized the cloud, real-time visibility and easier access to data.
- Autopilot is where AI comes in, helping guide decision-making.
But even autopilot needs a pilot.
Building Safe and Smart AI Practices
A recurring best practice shared across sessions was to start small and verify everything. Treasury leaders are creating internal AI task forces, piloting tools like Gemini and Copilot, and testing new processes under controlled conditions.
The phrase that echoed through the conference: “Don’t trust, verify.”
AI can surface valuable insights, but hallucinations and inaccuracies are still part of the reality. Governance, oversight, and data quality remain essential.
Partnering for Practical Innovation
While many sessions explored how organizations can build their own AI capabilities, others focused on a more pragmatic approach: partnering with specialized providers.
As one discussion highlighted, companies don’t build their own communication platforms; they use proven tools like Slack or Teams. The same logic applies to AI. Rather than reinventing the wheel, treasury teams can adopt existing solutions designed for their needs, saving time, reducing risk, and leveraging expertise that already exists.
At CNote, we see this approach reflected across the industry. Whether it’s automating workflows, optimizing data analysis, or enhancing financial inclusion through technology, AI’s most effective use is focused, not forced.
A Cultural Shift in Treasury
Perhaps the most subtle but powerful shift at AFP Boston was cultural. Treasury has traditionally been conservative, cautious, and risk-averse, traits that serve it well in financial management. But AI is prompting a new mindset: curiosity, flexibility, and experimentation.
The message to treasury professionals was one of encouragement: it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters most is a willingness to test, learn, and stay open to what’s next.
Final Takeaway
AFP Boston 2025 highlighted a pivotal truth: AI is not replacing treasury, it’s redefining it.
Success will depend not on how fast organizations adopt new tools, but on how thoughtfully they integrate them, anchored in clean data, guided by human expertise, and driven by curiosity.
Treasury’s future isn’t fully automated. It’s human-led, AI-enabled, and built on a foundation of insight and impact.*This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Some information may reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. We make no guarantee of accuracy or completeness, and the information may change without notice.
