S&P Global (SPGI) Fireside chat summary

Introduction and agenda

• The session was designed as an open, interactive conversation among AI experts, with no slides and a focus on audience engagement and Q&A.

• The objective was to help attendees think about their AI strategy for 2026, drawing on client and partnership experiences.

Background and experience of the speaker

• Speakers included leaders in AI strategy, M&A, and business transformation from major financial and consulting firms.

• Each brought perspectives from working with clients, partners, and internal teams on AI adoption and strategy.

Current industry trends

• Organizations are still evolving their AI strategies, regardless of size or sophistication.

• There is a growing focus on measuring ROI and cost savings from GenAI initiatives, with a 57% increase in positive sentiment around AI cost savings in earnings calls over the past year.

• AI investment remains strong, with $95 billion raised in 2025 across 143 funding rounds, nearly tripling from 2024.

• The partnership ecosystem among AI firms is rapidly evolving, and risk tolerance is shifting as firms balance openness with data protection.

• Data quality and utilization are foundational to successful AI outcomes.