In a financial world increasingly shaped by automation and machine learning, how can businesses stay one step ahead of AI-driven fraud?

In this episode of Consulting the Future, I sit down with Bradley Niedzielski, Audit and Assurance Partner for Digital Transformation at Deloitte, to explore how generative AI is transforming the fraud landscape and what that means for finance leaders. As synthetic identities, forged documents, and deepfake impersonations grow more convincing, traditional defenses are no longer enough.

Bradley draws on Deloitte’s research, revealing that AI-driven fraud in the United States could exceed 40 billion dollars by 2027. Over one in four organizations have already encountered deepfake fraud, yet only a small percentage place technology at the center of their defense strategy. We explore the reasons behind this disconnect and the urgent need to modernize fraud risk management.

From AI governance and scenario planning to embedding intelligent automation in core finance functions, Bradley offers a clear-eyed view of what’s changing, what’s at stake, and how businesses can adapt. He explains the role of agentic AI in automating end-to-end workflows, accelerating financial close processes, and freeing finance teams to focus on strategy. But with that acceleration comes risk, especially when poor data quality or blind trust in AI goes unchecked.

We also discuss how organizations can prepare their people for this shift. Upskilling, transparency, and cross-functional collaboration are no longer optional—they are essential to safely navigate an AI-powered future.

If your organization is experimenting with AI or already embedding it into finance operations, this conversation offers timely insights into managing risk, building resilience, and ensuring technology adoption aligns with long-term goals.