AI tools in finance: Salesforce, PayPal CFOs tout agentic AI potential.

Salesforce and PayPal CFOs emphasize the potential of agentic AI tools to transform the workforce and businesses. Both companies are exploring AI's potential to generate internal content, such as executive-level materials, and assist with SEC filings. Salesforce's AI agent has analyzed over 7,800 unworked leads, prioritizing high-intent prospects and generating $460K in net-new pipeline in three weeks. AI is expected to fundamentally change the workforce, with AIs autonomously working alongside humans to make decisions.

Salesforce and PayPal CFOs are increasingly recognizing the potential of agentic AI tools to revolutionize the workforce and businesses. Both companies are exploring how AI can generate internal content, such as executive-level materials, and assist with SEC filings. Salesforce's AI agent, for instance, has analyzed over 7,800 unworked leads, prioritizing high-intent prospects and generating $460K in net-new pipeline in just three weeks [2].

Agentic AI, which refers to AI agents capable of performing tasks autonomously, is changing how CFOs evaluate ROI. Salesforce research shows that 61% of CFOs believe AI agents change how they evaluate ROI, moving beyond traditional metrics to encompass a wider range of business outcomes such as cost savings, risk and compliance improvements, and revenue growth [2].

Salesforce's AI agent has demonstrated its ability to significantly enhance productivity and revenue generation. The company's AI agent analyzed over 7,800 unworked leads, prioritizing high-intent prospects and generating $460K in net-new pipeline in just three weeks [2]. This highlights the potential of AI to transform the way businesses operate, with AI agents autonomously working alongside humans to make decisions.

PayPal, another major player in the financial services sector, has also shown interest in leveraging AI. The company has seen a significant increase in institutional investment, with several large investors, including SouthState Corp, Capital Research Global Investors, Nuveen LLC, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Assenagon Asset Management S.A., and Deutsche Bank AG, increasing their stakes in the company [3].

The shift in CFOs' approach to AI is evident in their investment strategies. While 70% of CFOs had a conservative AI strategy in 2020, this number has plummeted to just 4% today, with a third adopting an aggressive approach [2]. CFOs are dedicating a quarter of their AI budget to agentic AI, fundamentally reshaping their spending perspectives [2].

The transformative potential of agentic AI is not limited to the financial sector. The U.S. government is also exploring the use of AI services like Claude by Anthropic, which offers AI services for all three branches of the government at a nominal cost of $1 per agency for the next year [1]. This move underscores the growing recognition of AI's potential to enhance efficiency and drive long-term growth.

In conclusion, both Salesforce and PayPal CFOs are at the forefront of recognizing the transformative potential of agentic AI. The shift in CFOs' approach to AI, from conservative spenders to strategic investors, highlights the growing recognition of AI's potential to enhance productivity, optimize operations, and drive long-term revenue growth. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on businesses and the workforce is set to be profound.

References:
[1] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4484085-anthropic-offering-ai-service-claude-to-us-government-for-1
[2] https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/cfos-invest-ai-for-growth/
[3] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-paypal-holdings-inc-nasdaqpypl-shares-bought-by-southstate-corp-2025-08-10/