The Challenge of Evaluating AI Projects
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping capital-intensive industries. Yet many finance leaders are still expected to evaluate AI-enabled initiatives using capital investment frameworks designed for predictable, asset-heavy projects.
AI investments often involve uncertain timelines, evolving cost structures, cross-functional impact, and benefits that extend beyond traditional ROI metrics. For CFOs and finance executives, this raises a critical question: how do you allocate capital with discipline while supporting investments that may not fit conventional evaluation models?
INVITATION ONLY EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE
10-15
Senior Executives
180
Minutes
100%
Peer-level Dialogue
What You Can Expect
This executive roundtable will bring together senior finance leaders to share perspectives on how capital investment evaluation is evolving in response to AI-driven transformation. The discussion will explore how finance executives are approaching AI investment decisions, balancing innovation with financial discipline, and adapting capital planning frameworks to support greater transparency, agility, and strategic alignment.
Topics may include the changing nature of AI investment evaluation, lessons from early AI initiatives, and how capital allocation processes may need to evolve as AI becomes embedded across business operations.
Key Discussion Themes
1. The AI Investment Landscape
How is the current wave of AI innovation influencing the types of investments finance leaders are being asked to evaluate? What opportunities and risks are emerging across different industries?
2. Lessons from Early AI Investments
For finance executives who have already approved AI-related projects, how closely have outcomes aligned with the original business case? What lessons have emerged around timelines, cost structures, and realised benefits?
3. Balancing Innovation with Financial Discipline
How do finance leaders balance the need to invest in strategic innovation while maintaining capital discipline and accountability to shareholders?
4. Evaluating AI Business Cases
When AI initiatives involve uncertain timelines, evolving cost structures, and cross-functional impact, how can finance leaders build business cases that committees can confidently evaluate?
5. Modernising Capital Planning Processes
Many finance teams acknowledge that traditional, spreadsheet-based capital planning processes are struggling to keep pace with AI-driven investment cycles. How should capital planning frameworks evolve to support faster, more strategic investment decisions?
6. The Future of Capital Allocation
Looking ahead, how do finance leaders expect capital allocation models to change as AI becomes embedded across operations, technology platforms, and business processes?
Why Attend
Peer
Insight
Learn directly from executives navigating similar challenges.
Candid
Discussion
Engage in focused, senior-level discussions that matter.
Meaningful Connection
Build relationships through substance, not small talk.
Strategic Perspective
Gain clarity through shared experience and real-world context.
Venue & Event Summary
Venue
12-Micron (Private Dining Room)
Tower 1, Level 2/100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
Time
Arrival Time: 12:00 PM (AEST)
Event Start Time: 12:30 PM (AEST)
Event Finish Time: 3:00 PM (AEST).
Food & Drinks
Enjoy a three-course culinary experience coupled with local wines provided by IQX | Stratex Online. Welcome drinks available on arrival.
