In a relatively short time, AI has transformed how companies handle translation. AI tools are fast and easily accessible, and they can process large volumes of text quickly. For companies that regularly produce annual reports, sustainability reports, press releases and other international communications, the immense potential is clear.
The question is no longer whether AI can be used for translation. The interesting question is where human oversight is needed — and how it is best utilised. After all, AI excels at many things. It can quickly identify patterns, translate recurring phrases and produce texts that, at first glance, appear both correct and professional. The problem arises when linguistic correctness is not the same thing as effective communication or factual accuracy.
In financial and sustainability-related communication, subtle nuances can have significant consequences. Should the Swedish word 'väsentlig' be translated as 'material' or 'significant'? Does the Swedish word 'ska' correspond to 'shall' in English, or is 'should' more appropriate in the context? And is there a nuanced difference between a company stating that it is 'committed to', 'aims to', or 'will' reach a target? This is where human review is particularly important. An experienced translator can assess the wording used based on context, target audience, terminology and the meaning that the company actually intends to convey. This applies especially to legal phrasing, financial terms, investor communications and sustainability claims — areas where a seemingly minor linguistic nuance can affect how the text is perceived.
AI + human oversight can be a powerful combination.
This does not mean that companies always have to choose between AI and human translators. On the contrary, a combination can be highly effective. AI can handle the initial work quickly and efficiently, while a professional translator reviews the output, fine-tunes nuances and ensures consistency in terminology and tone. This results in efficiency without compromising quality.
However, the choice of AI tool matters here as well. If confidential annual reports, strategic documents, or as-yet unpublished information are to be processed, companies should exercise caution regarding general-purpose AI and translation tools. A safer alternative might be to use AI solutions provided by an established translation vendor, where security, confidentiality and data management are integral parts of the service.
There is also another advantage: such solutions can often be combined with a company's existing translation memories and term databases. This allows previously approved phrasing to be reused and ensures that a company's preferred terminology is maintained over time. For financial and sustainability-related communications, established IFRS and ESRS terminology lists can also be used as a resource. This creates a far more controlled process than relying on a general AI tool to translate text without access to the company's terminology and past translations.
The major benefit of AI lies not in replacing the translator, but in streamlining parts of the process. When a company's credibility — particularly regarding investor communications — is at stake, the question should not be whether the text looks correct, but whether it conveys exactly what the company intends. In this regard, AI can be a highly powerful tool. However, the final quality check should always be performed by a human.
At Fluid Translation, if the client so desires, we work with secure ISO-certified AI tools combined with the clients' own term databases and translation memories, as well as the relevant IFRS and ESRS terminology lists compiled by a terminologist. Our experienced language experts possess in-depth knowledge of sustainability terminology and financial communication, and they always check the quality of the translation before delivery. We guarantee that your reports are not only accurately translated but also polished to appeal to a global audience.
Contact us for more information about the translation of financial texts and sustainability reports, with or without AI support.
