AI is turning data into intelligence and insight into action
Working capital has now evolved from the lifeblood of enterprise health to a robust growth engine for both corporates and their banking partners. Across industries, growth corporates are moving beyond traditional, archaic models. Financial institutions are doing the same. By harnessing generative and agentic AI, organizations can refine forecasts, accelerate supplier onboarding and automate workflows, while helping deliver smarter, data-driven solutions. Together, these advancements are driving dramatic gains in efficiency and reshaping how businesses plan, pay and grow.
Our third annual Growth Corporates Working Capital Index shows how middle-market firms ($50M-$1B in revenue) are leveraging AI to unlock millions in savings and apply this capital to growth initiatives.
CFOs and Treasurers are unlocking millions in savings through AI
This year, working capital solutions are helping growth corporates find opportunities in uncertain economic conditions. 58% of CFOs and Treasurers now deploy AI to improve forecasting, automate routine tasks and integrate suppliers. This has unlocked $19M in bottom-line savings by paying early, securing inventory and experiencing faster supplier decisions. The message is clear: CFOs and Treasurers who embrace new forms of AI are realizing 66% greater savings from working capital solutions compared with peers who haven’t yet adopted these tools. Growth corporates are using new forms of generative and agentic AI to find efficiencies.
AI solutions come in all shapes and sizes
In 2026, 43% of growth corporates are already adopting AI solutions to support planned expansion, while another 11% expect to pair AI with working‑capital tools to capitalize on unplanned opportunities.
Building on this significant technological momentum, machine learning models can now ingest large volumes of structured and unstructured data and learn from anomalies in real time, sharpening decision-making.
As a result, AI is now driving meaningful gains across the working capital ecosystem. The momentum is a driving force behind companies securing inventory, accelerating supplier payments, forecasting cash flow, creating innovative liquidity models, automating routine tasks, integrating supply chains and orchestrating fully autonomous workflows.
Commercial cards help CFOs reap the benefits of untapped potential
Growth corporates surveyed across the globe lose an average of $18M each year to late payments, creating a significant drag on liquidity. To close this gap, 54% now use corporate and virtual cards to cut DSO, bring cash in faster, close the gap and accelerate settlement, tripling card usage. This shift is paying off: finance teams gain earlier access to funds and richer transaction data. These are just some of the advantages highlighted in our Working Capital Index.
The percentage of growth corporates that employ various strategies to reduce DSO
Accepting cards, guided by AI, is a win-win for everyone
Delaying receivables can be a serious drag on growth, which is why many firms are turning to card acceptance to accelerate cash flow. 53% of surveyed firms accept cards for faster settlement, while 44% do so for easier tracking and 44% for enhanced transaction data. When combined with AI and virtual or commercial card solutions, these practices not only enhance forecasting and strengthen controls but can also create a more liquid, resilient foundation.
Three tools, one powerful growth engine
AI adoption is only part of the story. When it’s paired with working capital solutions and powered by card usage, it becomes a powerful catalyst for sustained growth. Together, these three tools create a unified engine of efficiency and velocity, forming a winning digital strategy.
AI and solution adoption is money
In 2026 and beyond, the fastest-moving finance teams won’t just survive market turbulence. They’ll use it as fuel for sustainable competitive advantage. The winners in 2026 will be the CFOs and Treasurers who move first and play smart.
Growth corporates plan to pair opportunistic capital plays with AI-powered forecasting, early supplier payments via corporate cards and digital-first financing. Banks that can deliver speed, intelligence and tailored solutions will strengthen their client relationships, while those that can’t risk being left behind.
Planned 2026 working capital solutions
Almost all of those surveyed plan to use at least one working capital solution this year. These are the top methods that are anticipated to be applied.
