Future Finance AI Adoption Is Surging but Finance Pros Are Falling Behind Due to Bad Data and Poor Strategy in 2026
In this first episode of Future Finance for 2026, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take time to reflect on how AI actually showed up in finance over the past year, and what that means going forward. Without a guest, the conversation focuses on real experiences, observations, and lessons from working directly with finance teams, CFOs, and operators who are navigating AI adoption day to day.
Paul and Glenn discuss how individuals have become far more comfortable using AI tools in their own work, while companies as a whole have moved much more slowly. Topics include ongoing data quality problems, hesitation around governance and security, and why many organizations still struggle to integrate AI into core systems and workflows. They also share their thoughts on notable developments from 2025, including OpenAI’s shift toward consumer use, Microsoft Copilot’s mixed results, Google Gemini’s rapid improvement, and Nvidia’s continued growth.
In this episode, you will discover:
- How AI adoption differs between individuals and organizations
- Why poor data quality still limits many finance teams
- What recent changes from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia suggest
- Where Microsoft Copilot works well today and where it falls short
- Why automation and basic app-building are becoming more important
Paul and Glenn share concrete examples from Excel, Outlook, reporting, and close processes. They also emphasize that banning AI use is no longer realistic and that clear guidelines matter more than strict restrictions.
Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance.
Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii
Follow Paul:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
Follow QFlow.AI:
Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg
Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.
Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.
In Today’s Episode:
[02:47] – How Individuals vs. Companies Used AI in 2025
[06:12] – OpenAI, Monetization, and Market Signals
[09:27] – Google Gemini’s Turnaround
[15:56] – Big Models vs. Specialized Tools
[21:21] – Consumer AI and Platform Control
[26:26] – Real Copilot Use Cases in Excel
[35:28] – What Finance Professionals Should Focus on in 2026
[39:31] – What Finance Leaders Need to Do Now
[41:45] – Automation, Vibe Coding, and What’s Next
[43:07] – Final Thoughts and Closing