Document automation trends 2026 report

From hype to hard returns. The finance playbook for automation at scale.

This year’s Document automation trends 2026 report lays out where finance automation is heading, and what will separate the progressives from the groupies. The experimentation phase is over, yet 54.2% of finance teams are still working with partial automation. In 2026? Finance leaders must prove AI’s worth with measurable outcomes, governed processes, and global reach.

DAT 2026 form

We surveyed 450 finance leaders across the UK, US, and Germany to tap into how they’re scaling automation, cutting processing time, beefing up controls, and building strategies they can trust.
The results reveal what’s working, what’s not, and where the next phase of
automation investment is headed.

Our DAT26 report includes…

Seven global trends

that'll separate finance teams delivering results from those still chasing methodologies.

Expert insight

from the likes of Fugro and Thoughtworks on how to turn AI from a pilot project into profit.

Exclusive survey data

revealing how finance team are measuring ROI, trust, and performance.

Practical actions

to reduce manual work, spot fraud before it happens, and stay ahead of compliance.

Download the full report

If you want to build smarter, faster, and safer finance operations - without the chaos - this is your playbook. Download our DAT26 report to see how finance leaders are turning automation promises into measurable results.

Download The Report

"In 2026, AI agents go from toys, to table stakes for business automation and scaling."

Joe Ries, 

Best selling author and course creator