APAC companies struggle to track IT spending as AI costs rise

A new study shows most APAC organizations lack oversight of cloud and AI spending, creating unpredictable costs and missed renewals.

Many companies across the Asia-Pacific region are struggling to keep track of rising IT expenses. A new study shows that more than seven in ten IT leaders feel they do not have firm control over what they are spending, even as demand for cloud services, AI tools, and software grows.

The research, carried out by Sapio Research and commissioned by Crayon, asked 500 IT decision-makers from organizations with more than 200 employees how they are managing IT costs, vendor agreements, sustainability goals, and financial discipline as AI adoption increases. While most respondents (66%) agree that cost management practices such as FinOps are important, nearly eight in ten say they do not have full visibility into their spending. Rhonda Robati, EVP APAC at Crayon, has seen how missing insight can affect both technology growth and financial planning.

"Working with hundreds of enterprises across APAC, it's clear that many businesses are grappling with uncontrolled and unexpected costs, missed renewals and opportunities, as well as AI governance risks," said Robati. She added that "Cost optimization isn't about cutting, it's about gaining control, surfacing risks early, and ensuring investments deliver long-term value and business outcomes."

The study points to a growing need to align AI governance with broader cost strategies. Many organizations see value in automation, with 58% viewing AI-driven automation as useful for reducing waste. But without clear oversight, leaders face risks when spending increases faster than they can track it. Nearly half of all respondents (45%) say AI spending and governance are the biggest challenges they face, even topping concerns over software and licensing fees.

"It's no surprise so many leaders highlighted spend in AI and governance as a top priority. This lack of oversight not only increases spending unpredictability but also hinders the ability to fully leverage the benefits of AI for long-term savings and innovation," said Robati.

Across APAC, 69% of organizations say they have some form of FinOps practice, slightly higher than the global average. Still, only 22% have fully integrated frameworks, and even fewer have strong oversight for AI or environmental impact. This gap shows how many companies are still working toward clearer standards.

At the same time, sustainability is rising in importance. Nearly all respondents (96%) track some form of environmental metric, and most focus on energy use. The priority given to sustainability has increased in the region, moving it higher compared to global trends. Yet Robati noted that 71% of organizations remain early in their efforts, which limits insight into both spending and carbon output.

The study also found interest in lowering emissions linked to cloud use. About 39% of organizations aim to reach Net Zero for cloud operations, and most have already taken at least one step toward reducing emissions. Improving how software runs was ranked as the most effective action.

Robati said this shift in priorities is shaping how companies buy and manage technology. She explained that visibility and control can free up money for projects such as AI automation while reducing risk. Companies are being encouraged to put in place frameworks that manage cost, governance, and environmental impact at the same time.

As the region continues to adopt new digital services, the report suggests that stronger financial controls, shared practices, and better insight may help organizations make smarter investments and avoid waste.