McKinsey’s 2025 State of AI report is one of the clearest signals yet of how quickly AI is moving from experimentation to transformation.
Below are 10 insights from the report and what each one means for KiwiSaver providers and wealth-management firms navigating the shift to AI-enabled operating models.
1. AI is now mainstream (88% adoption)
Most organisations use AI in at least one function.
Takeaway: Using AI is no longer a differentiator. Competitive advantage now comes from how deeply and how well you embed it across service, operations, and advice.
2. Agentic AI is emerging fast (23% scaling it)
Nearly a quarter of organisations are already scaling agentic systems that can plan and execute tasks.
Takeaway: This opens doors for automated casework, email triage, onboarding, and adviser prep – with human oversight.
3. Value is still local, not enterprise-wide (39% see EBIT lift)
Impact often sits at the use-case level rather than transforming the whole P&L.
Takeaway: Treat AI like a portfolio. Build multiple use cases that compound into enterprise-level efficiency and better member experience.
4. High performers think bigger
Organisations realising 5%+ EBIT from AI focus on growth, innovation, and new services – not just cost.
Takeaway: Move beyond efficiency. Explore AI-enabled advice, personalised member journeys, and better risk management.
5. Workflow redesign is essential (21% redesigned processes)
AI works best when you redesign processes rather than bolt it onto old ones.
Takeaway: Choose one journey – hardship, onboarding, contributions, annual reviews – and redesign it assuming AI is always available.
6. Knowledge management is now a leading AI use case
AI is heavily used in capturing and delivering knowledge across organisations.
Takeaway: The days of static Word docs and tribal knowledge are over. Smart, AI-powered knowledge systems are becoming essential infrastructure.
7. Early benefits are qualitative (64% cite innovation gains)
Organisations see improvements in innovation, customer satisfaction, and differentiation before financial outcomes.
Takeaway: Track early wins in NPS, adviser quality, speed-to-respond, and consistency – not just cost.
8. AI risk is already widespread (51% had a negative incident)
Inaccuracy is the most common issue reported.
Takeaway: In financial services, accuracy is non-negotiable. Build validation, auditability, explainability, and human review into every workflow.
9. AI leaders spend more (⅓ invest 20%+ of their digital budget)
Higher investment correlates with higher impact.
Takeaway: Treat AI as a strategic capability, not a line item. Allocate budget for ongoing AI adoption, refinement, and scaling.
10. Enterprise transformation requires six capabilities
Strategy, talent, operating model, technology, data, and adoption/scaling all correlate with strong outcomes.
Takeaway: Use these six areas as a diagnostic tool. Define where you sit today and where you need to be in three years to stay competitive.
McKinsey’s data points to a clear conclusion for KiwiSaver and wealth-management firms.
Early movers who scale AI with discipline, governance, and ambition will build the next competitive frontier.