EXL’s 2025 Enterprise AI Study reveals Australian business leaders see AI as key to growth, but most lack the strategies, trust, and infrastructure to adopt it effectively.
64% of Australian executives are confident in business growth outlook.
Only 34% have implemented AI for operations or decision-making.
35% lack a data strategy, 18% are still planning one.
Just 27% trust AI-generated insights for decisions.
41% have ethical AI protocols despite 44% prioritizing compliance.
EXL supports scalable AI solutions across multiple industries.
Announced on July 17, 2025, EXL’s 2025 Enterprise AI Study surveyed Australian executives across industries, highlighting a significant gap between AI aspirations and implementation. While 64% are optimistic about growth, only 34% have integrated AI into operations or decision-making, with 45% yet to begin. Villas Madan, EXL’s Head of APAC, stated: “AI is no longer experimental, it’s expected. The fact that only a third of companies have implemented it, and fewer than half feel confident in their approach, tells us there’s a bigger issue.”
The study found 35% of organizations lack a data strategy, and 18% are still planning, leaving over half without clear governance. Trust in AI is low, with only 27% confident in AI-generated insights, hindering data-driven decisions. Additionally, only 27% review AI strategies quarterly, indicating a lack of proactive oversight critical for staying competitive in a fast-evolving market.
Despite 44% of respondents prioritizing regulatory compliance, only 41% have established ethical AI protocols, exposing vulnerabilities in governance. This gap underscores the need for robust frameworks to ensure responsible AI use, particularly in regulated sectors like banking and healthcare, where EXL has extensive experience.
EXL is actively supporting clients in banking, insurance, healthcare, and retail to move beyond AI pilot projects to scalable solutions. The company’s expertise in data strategy and AI implementation helps organizations build the systems and teams needed for effective adoption. Madan added: “The appetite is there, but delivery is lagging. This is the moment to get serious about building the systems, teams, and habits that make AI work.”
EXL’s study highlights the urgency for Australian businesses to address AI readiness gaps, emphasizing strategic leadership and operational shifts to unlock AI-driven growth in a competitive global market.
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