AI’s growing role in financial reporting sparks trust debate
Financial reporting remains central to economic journalism, but the rise of Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing how financial information is gathered, analysed and delivered to the public. This position was
Financial reporting remains central to economic journalism, but the rise of Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing how financial information is gathered, analysed and delivered to the public.
This position was canvassed by Prince Oladele Adeboye, who spoke as facilitator at a virtual media training on "Reporting Financial Analysis in the Age of AI."
His presentation noted that financial reporting is not just about publishing numbers, but a key tool that connects companies, investors, journalists and the public. It explained that the credibility of markets and institutions depends largely on how transparent and accurate financial information is communicated.
Adeboye said financial reporting helps companies build trust and maintain their reputation, while also giving them better access to funding.
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“By presenting clear and accurate disclosures, firms demonstrate accountability and build confidence among stakeholders,” he said, adding that transparency can strengthen brand loyalty and attract investors.
For the public, he explained that financial reporting offers a window into how businesses operate and their impact on the economy. He cited the example of the Dangote Refinery, noting that in times of uncertainty, such as periods of geopolitical tension, financial disclosures go beyond company performance and become a source of reassurance for citizens concerned about fuel supply, jobs and economic stability.
He added that investors rely heavily on financial reports to make decisions, assess risks and forecast future performance, stressing that transparent disclosures are essential for maintaining fairness and stability in financial markets.
Speaking on the role of journalists, Adeboye described financial reporting as a critical tool for ensuring accountability and protecting the public interest. He pointed to past global scandals, such as the Enron and Wirecard cases, where persistent reporting by journalists exposed major financial irregularities.
According to him, Artificial Intelligence is now transforming this landscape by enabling faster analysis of large volumes of data. He explained that AI systems work by processing structured and unstructured data, identifying patterns, and generating insights or predictions, including the ability to flag unusual financial behaviour that may indicate risks.
Adeboye said AI is already helping journalists analyse financial disclosures, detect trends, generate draft reports and verify claims. “AI can quickly analyse thousands of reports, saving time and supporting deeper investigations,” he said.
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However, he warned that the growing use of AI comes with risks, especially for investors. He noted that AI-driven insights can spread rapidly, influencing market sentiment before human analysis is completed, which could lead to sudden market reactions and increased volatility.
He also raised concerns about unequal access to AI tools, noting that investors with advanced technology may have an advantage over others, while questions around the reliability and possible bias of AI-generated reports could affect trust in financial information.
On the responsibilities of journalists, Adeboye stressed the need for context and accuracy. “Journalists must ensure AI-generated numbers are framed with human judgment,” he said, warning against misleading headlines that could amplify market volatility.
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He advised that journalists should report not only financial results but also the limitations of AI interpretations, while being transparent about the use of AI in their work.
He further recommended that journalists cross-check AI outputs with official data, balance speed with accuracy, and focus on explaining the reasons behind financial figures rather than just reporting raw numbers.
Adeboye concluded that while AI is reshaping financial reporting, human judgment remains essential.
“The future of financial journalism lies in collaboration between machine efficiency and human skepticism,” he said, adding that trust will depend on how well journalists combine technology with professional responsibility.
