Goldman Sachs Lets AI Agents Do Accounting and Compliance Work
Goldman Sachs is leading the charge in the use of autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agents by deploying them to automate core accounting, compliance, and operational finance functions. This initiative was reported on February 6, 2026, reflecting a significant shift in the finance sector.
The Rise of Agentic AI
The move towards agentic AI highlights the rapid adoption of AI technologies within corporate finance. As companies strive to enhance productivity while managing risk and control, the role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) is evolving. They are increasingly experimenting with AI platforms that promise to streamline operations.
Goldman Sachs’ Chief Information Officer, Marco Argenti, revealed that the firm has invested six months embedding engineers from Anthropic, the creators of the Claude model, to co-develop AI agents capable of performing complex, rule-based tasks. This goes beyond simple coding and drafting, venturing into the realm of sophisticated financial processes.
Applications of AI in Finance
The AI agents are currently being tested on various tasks, including:
- Transaction reconciliation
- Trade accounting
- Client vetting and onboarding processes
These tasks have traditionally been labor-intensive and resistant to automation due to the need for processing large volumes of data against strict regulatory frameworks.
Internal Framing of AI Agents
Goldman Sachs is positioning these AI agents as “digital colleagues” rather than replacements for human workers. However, the market has reacted with caution, as demonstrated by a recent sell-off in technology and financial services stocks, which raised concerns about the potential disruption caused by AI in traditional sectors.
Broader Trends in Finance Automation
Goldman’s initiative is part of a larger trend in the finance industry, where firms are increasingly investing in internal AI platforms. For example, Citibank has rolled out Stylus Workspaces, a platform designed to streamline complex multi-step tasks across various applications, consolidating workflows that previously required multiple tools and human intervention.
This strategy allows companies to retain control over sensitive financial data while boosting productivity and reducing inefficiencies associated with switching between legacy systems.
CFOs Embrace AI
Currently, a significant number of CFOs are adopting AI within finance functions, with a focus on risk and control. According to a December PYMNTS Intelligence report:
- 45% of CFOs report using AI tools in structured, rules-based areas like working capital monitoring and compliance oversight.
- 52% of CFOs are open to allowing AI to recommend adjustments to liquidity and payment timing, emphasizing the need for human oversight in high-risk areas.
Moreover, nearly 7% of CFOs have already deployed agentic AI in live finance workflows, with an additional 5% running pilot programs. Interest in agentic AI is on the rise, with seven in ten enterprise CFOs expressing a strong desire to utilize this technology for financial planning and analysis.
Conclusion
Goldman Sachs’ initiatives in deploying AI agents signify a pivotal moment in the finance industry, highlighting the growing reliance on technology to enhance productivity and maintain compliance. As firms continue to explore the potential of AI, the landscape of corporate finance is set to undergo transformative changes.
