Inside CFOs’ 2025 Playbook 🏢

Balancing Bold Growth with Smart Risk Management 📊

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Hey there, CFOs! 💼

We’re diving into what’s shaping the priorities of CFOs in 2025—from driving organic growth and acquisitions to tackling payments fraud and addressing workforce skill gaps.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

  • 📊 CFOs’ 2025 Priorities: Organic Growth and Strategic Acquisitions

  • 🛡️ Payments Fraud Still Runs Rampant Despite Corporate Vigilance

  • 🎓 Only 51% of Finance Leaders Believe New Grads Are Job-Ready

  • Why Midsized Companies Are Turning to Fractional CFOs for Flexible Financial Leadership

  • Booking Holdings CFO Drives $450M Cost Cut with AI-Backed Transformation

  • FM Global’s CFO on Mutual Advantage: Doubling Surplus Amid Market Cycles

📊 CFOs’ 2025 Priorities: Organic Growth and Strategic Acquisitions

CFOs are focusing on driving organic growth and pursuing acquisitions as key strategies to navigate a complex economic landscape in 2025. Discover how finance leaders plan to balance growth with risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • 🏛️ Organic Growth Focus: CFOs prioritize internal growth to strengthen core business foundations.

  • 🏞️ Acquisition Strategies: M&A remains a vital lever for expanding capabilities and market reach.

  • 🕊️ Risk Management: Balancing growth ambitions with prudent financial oversight is crucial.

  • 🌀 Technology Investment: CFOs continue to invest in tech to drive efficiency and informed decision-making.

🛡️ Payments Fraud Still Runs Rampant Despite Corporate Vigilance

Despite enhanced corporate efforts and AI-powered tools, payments fraud continues to challenge businesses. Learn what CFOs and finance teams are doing to stay ahead in this ongoing battle.

Key Takeaways:

  • 🏛️ Persistent Threat: Payments fraud remains a significant risk for businesses globally.

  • 🏞️ AI Assistance: AI tools are crucial in detecting and preventing fraudulent transactions.

  • 🕊️ Corporate Vigilance: Companies are increasing checks but fraud tactics evolve rapidly.

  • 🌀 Continuous Improvement: Ongoing investment in technology and training is essential to mitigate risks.

🎓 Only 51% of Finance Leaders Believe New Grads Are Job-Ready

A recent report reveals that just over half of finance leaders think new graduates are prepared for the workforce, highlighting a growing skills gap in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • 🏛️ Skills Gap: Nearly half of finance leaders feel new grads lack essential job skills.

  • 🏞️ Data & AI Demand: Growing emphasis on data literacy and AI competencies.

  • 🕊️ Gender Disparity: Notable gender gaps persist in finance leadership roles.

  • 🌀 Workforce Development: Increased focus on training and upskilling programs.

Why It Matters

Understanding CFO priorities helps us navigate the evolving financial landscape and prepare for future challenges. Staying informed empowers businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a complex economy.

Vanessa Carter
Editor-in-Chief
CFO Executive Insights

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