Protiviti’s 2025 Global Finance Trends Survey, highlights AI adoption, tariff impacts, and data security as top priorities for CFOs and finance teams planning for 2026. Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, only 41% of finance leaders express high confidence in navigating global challenges, underscoring the need for strategic adaptation.
The survey reveals a transformative shift, with AI doubling its adoption among finance teams. “CFOs are no longer simply stewards of capital,” said Christopher Wright, global leader of Protiviti’s CFO Solutions. AI tools enable process automation, precise forecasting, and proactive risk management, positioning finance as a strategic engine. Investments in driver-based machine learning, predictive analytics, and self-service reporting tools are empowering data-driven decisions across enterprises.
Tariffs are reshaping financial planning, with 39% of leaders prioritizing FP&A enhancements. Rather than overhauling offshoring models, organizations are strengthening supplier relationships (60%) and risk management (52%). This resilience-focused approach, supported by AI-driven analytics, helps CFOs navigate global price volatility and maintain profitability.
Data security and privacy top CFO concerns, driven by AI integration and evolving cyber threats. CFOs are collaborating with CIOs and CISOs to modernize technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and develop governance frameworks. “CFOs continue to take an active role in cybersecurity governance,” Wright noted, emphasizing their role in safeguarding all organizational data amid stricter regulatory requirements.
The survey paints CFOs as pivotal in navigating economic uncertainty, with only 41% highly confident in their organizations’ resilience. By leveraging AI, enhancing FP&A, and prioritizing data security, CFOs are transforming finance into a proactive force for innovation and growth. The integration of advanced analytics and cross-functional collaboration is critical to addressing tariff impacts and cyber risks.
Protiviti is a global consulting firm delivering expertise in finance, technology, operations, data, digital, legal, HR, risk, and internal audit through over 90 offices in 25+ countries.
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