Costs businesses are most likely to miss
The true cost of AI goes beyond the technology
Lenders are looking beyond the headline cost of AI tools; 44% say businesses are most likely to underestimate cybersecurity costs, with data infrastructure and legal and regulatory compliance close behind at 36% each, and integration and licensing costs not far off.
AI-related costs lenders say businesses most often underestimate
Cybersecurity
Data infrastructure
Legal, regulatory and compliance risk
Integration with legacy systems
Software and licensing
Training and workforce trends
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The financial impact of failed AI initiatives When artificial intelligence investments fail to meet expectations, the financial fallout has the potential to destabilise a business. Lenders expect under-performing AI investment to show up in core financial measures such as; weaker revenue growth (39%), lower margins (37%) and more cash flow pressure (34%). That pressure can influence the funding decision itself as, 45% of lenders say weak AI readiness could lead to less favourable lending margins, 43% say it would reduce their confidence in forecasts, and 35% say it could change the structure or timing of lending. Why cash flow becomes the pressure point Timing matters as much as total return as businesses typically spend the cash before the benefits arrive, liquidity can tighten even when the long term case still stands up. Cash flow forecasting and scenario planning should sit at the centre of AI governance. Boards need to understand what happens if benefits are delayed or reduced, what headroom exists and what triggers action. Lenders need the same evidence to assess covenants, borrowing needs and resilience.
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