ETHICAL AND STRATEGIC CHALLENGES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL SECTOR

Abstract

The growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by financial departments has increased the complexity of strategic decision-making, requiring Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to combine technical accuracy, business vision, and ethical responsibility in their roles. This article investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with data governance and AI from the perspective of the CFO in multinational companies, highlighting the impacts on compliance, risk, and performance processes. The research adopts a qualitative approach, using multiple case studies in corporations operating in the media, energy, and technology sectors, based on semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings show that, although AI offers operational gains and greater agility in decision-making, its implementation without robust governance criteria can lead to significant risks such as algorithmic bias, compliance failures, and reputational damage. Based on authors such Jensen (1976), Floridi (2023), and Kaplan & Norton (2008), this study proposes a conceptual model for CFO engagement in the context of responsible AI, integrating ethical principles, performance metrics, and algorithmic transparency. The main contribution of the study lies in the systematization of practices to strengthen data governance in complex corporate environments, offering guidance for researchers, regulators, and financial executives.