Finance Leaders Fraud Report 2025 Reveals Escalating Threats and Stalled Technology Adoption
March 27th, 2025
The Finance Leaders Fraud Report 2025, published by the Institute of Finance Operations & Leadership (IFOL) and sponsored by SAP Concur, reveals a growing disconnect between rising fraud threats and the limited use of modern prevention tools in finance operations. As schemes become more sophisticated, the report highlights that many finance teams remain dangerously underprepared – largely due to a lack of AI adoption.
The global research shows that 77% of finance professionals now know a victim of accounts payable (AP) fraud within the past five years, up from 65% in 2024. Yet, only 35% of teams rate their current fraud prevention controls as very effective, a significant drop from 56% last year. Despite the growing threat, 35% of organizations still do not use any tools or technologies to detect or prevent fraud, the same figure reported in 2024.
While malicious fraudsters increasingly leverage AI and automation, most finance teams are not keeping pace. Only 13% have implemented AI or machine learning in fraud detection. Additionally, 41% are unaware whether their organization has plans to adopt AI for fraud prevention, revealing a critical gap in awareness and strategy.
Sam Hitchen-Rae, COO at IFOL, commented:
“This year’s data signals an urgent wake-up call. The pace of fraud innovation is outstripping our defenses. Finance leaders must act now – by embracing AI and investing in team readiness – to close the gap between risk and resilience. Relying on outdated controls is no longer enough.”
The report also found that training remains inconsistent, with only 31% of finance professionals receiving regular fraud awareness training, while 24% receive none at all. Furthermore, 41% believe their manager could do more to protect the team from AP fraud, up from 27% in 2024 – suggesting a growing expectation for stronger leadership in fraud prevention.
Key Fraud Trends from the 2025 Report:
- Fraud is on the Rise: Business email compromise (BEC), duplicate invoices, and impersonation have become the most frequently reported fraud activities in 2025, overtaking shell companies and ACH fraud seen in 2024.
- Technology Gap Widens: Adoption of AI tools and fraud detection software remains low, leaving teams vulnerable to evolving threats.
- Confidence is Declining: Fewer finance teams rate their fraud controls as effective, and more professionals are calling for stronger leadership and better tools.
SAP Concur’s Commitment to Combating Fraud
As the sponsor of this global study, SAP Concur continues to champion the role of intelligent automation in protecting finance operations and reducing fraud risk.
As Sherri Bebee, Senior Marketing Director, SMB North America at SAP Concur, explained:
“Fraud doesn’t just hit the bottom line. It also puts pressure on everyone responsible for making sure expenses are accurate and compliant. That’s why the SAP Concur platform can be such a gamechanger for finance teams. Our AI-powered solutions help catch errors, prevent fraud, and make life easier for the people who keep everything running smoothly.”
Access the Full Report
Download the Finance Leaders Fraud Report 2025 for the complete data, insights, and expert recommendations.
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About IFOL
The Institute of Finance Operations & Leadership (IFOL) is a global professional body committed to raising the standards of finance operations through research, education, and professional certification. IFOL supports finance professionals in achieving operational excellence across accounts payable, accounts receivable, procure-to-pay, and wider financial leadership.
About SAP Concur
SAP Concur is the world’s leading brand for integrated and scalable travel, expense, and invoice management solutions. Everyday processes are automated to guide employees through business trips, move authorized charges directly into expense reports, and expedite invoice approvals. By integrating near real-time data and using AI to analyze transactions, businesses can make more informed decisions, improve compliance, and avoid possible blind spots in their budgets.
For press inquiries, contact marketing@acarp-edu.org