The new Horváth CFO-Study shows that economic uncertainty is increasingly weighing on the confidence of finance leaders. Volatile markets, geopolitical tensions, regulatory pressure, and persistently high costs are forcing companies to reassess their priorities. As a result, CFOs are acting with greater caution, focusing on liquidity protection and cost efficiency while shifting investments selectively toward digitalization, automation, and AI to strengthen future resilience.

Risk management has become a central pillar of the CFO agenda. Finance functions are expected to stabilize organizations in turbulent times by strengthening transparency, protecting cash flows, and improving decision-making under uncertainty. Especially developments in US economic policy are perceived as an additional disruptive factor, influencing global markets, supply chains, and strategic planning.

Despite years of transformation, financial process optimization remains one of the most pressing priorities for CFOs. Siloed thinking, insufficient change management, a lack of qualified experts, and a persistent reluctance to invest continue to slow down progress. Many organizations still operate fragmented process landscapes, which limits efficiency, agility, and the quality of management decisions.

​The study is based on insights from more than 240 top finance executives across industries, company sizes, and countries. It highlights how finance leaders worldwide are navigating the growing complexity of today’s business environment – balancing short-term stabilization with long-term transformation needs.