Gestión del flujo de caja impulsada por IA en las pequeñas y medianas empresas: Finanzas abiertas como catalizador para la inclusión financiera y la eficiencia operativa en Australia

The Australian small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, a cornerstone of the nation's economy, is undergoing a transformative shift driven by AI-powered cash flow management tools and the Open Finance framework. As SMEs grapple with liquidity challenges and access to credit, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time financial data sharing is proving to be a game-changer. This analysis explores how these technologies are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also fostering financial inclusion for underserved SMEs, particularly in regional and minority-owned businesses.

AI Adoption: A Rapidly Expanding Frontier

AI-driven cash flow management tools are gaining traction among Australian SMEs, with adoption rates surging in recent years. According to the National AI Centre's AI Adoption Tracker, 27% of businesses have adopted AI applications such as data entry and document processing, while 64% of SMEs regularly use AI for financial management as of April 2025. This growth is fueled by tools like Microsoft's Business Central Finance, which offers AI forecasting, automated reconciliation, and multi-currency support, enabling SMEs to streamline operations and improve compliance.

The global AI in accounting market, valued at $6.68 billion in 2025, has seen a 70.4% year-over-year growth, with SMEs accounting for 68% of this expansion. These tools are particularly impactful for SMEs, which often lack the resources to manage complex financial workflows manually. By automating routine tasks such as invoice generation and expense categorization, AI reduces human error and frees up time for strategic planning.

Open Finance: A Catalyst for Financial Inclusion

Open Finance, an evolution of open banking, is amplifying the benefits of AI by enabling secure, real-time data sharing. Mastercard's Open Finance Business Solutions, launched in Australia in 2025, exemplify this shift. By integrating real-time banking data into accounting platforms, these tools simplify reconciliation, reduce errors, and provide SMEs with dynamic cash flow forecasts. For instance, partnerships with local fintechs like Thriday and ANNA Money have enabled SMEs to consolidate multi-bank dashboards and automate onboarding processes.

The impact on financial inclusion is profound. Traditional lending models often exclude SMEs with thin or non-traditional credit histories. Mastercard's platform addresses this by allowing lenders to assess SMEs based on real-time financial performance, offering tailored credit solutions. According to the Mastercard Rise of Open Banking Report, 92% of Australian businesses view open banking as essential for future-proofing their operations, citing improved access to funding as a key benefit. This is particularly transformative for regional and minority-owned SMEs, which historically face greater barriers to capital.

Bridging the Gap: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the progress, challenges persist. Skills gaps, funding constraints, and cybersecurity readiness remain significant barriers to AI adoption, especially for micro-enterprises and primary industries. Regional disparities are stark: AI adoption in metro areas of New South Wales reached 34% in 2025, compared to 18% in regional areas. Similarly, larger enterprises (200-500 employees) lead in AI adoption at 82%, while micro-enterprises lag at 33%.

To address these gaps, initiatives like the National AI Centre's AI Adoption Tracker and the Responsible AI Index are helping SMEs assess their readiness for AI. However, targeted support-such as training programs and subsidized access to AI tools-is critical to ensure equitable growth. For investors, this presents an opportunity to fund infrastructure and education initiatives that democratize access to AI-driven financial tools.

The Investment Case: Growth and Resilience

The convergence of AI and Open Finance is reshaping the SME landscape, offering a compelling investment thesis. By 2025, 68% of global AI in accounting growth is driven by SMEs, reflecting their urgent need for efficiency and resilience. In Australia, the Albanese Government's reset of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) framework has prioritized small business use cases, aligning with Mastercard's mission to support inclusive growth.

For investors, the focus should be on platforms that combine AI with Open Finance, such as Mastercard's Business Consumer Disclosure Consent (BCDC) model, which accelerates onboarding and compliance. Additionally, fintechs like Thriday and ANNA Money, which leverage real-time data to simplify accounting, represent high-growth opportunities.

Conclusion

AI-driven cash flow management, powered by Open Finance, is not merely a technological upgrade but a catalyst for broader economic inclusion. By addressing liquidity constraints and democratizing access to credit, these tools are empowering SMEs to thrive in an unpredictable economic environment. While challenges like regional disparities and skills gaps persist, the trajectory of adoption and innovation is clear. For investors, the opportunity lies in supporting platforms and initiatives that bridge these gaps, ensuring that the benefits of AI and Open Finance are accessible to all SMEs-regardless of size, location, or background.