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- The CFO’s Guide to Thriving in 2025 💼📊
The CFO’s Guide to Thriving in 2025 💼📊
Navigating AI, Tariffs, and Regulatory Shifts
Vanessa Carter
February 05, 2025
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Hey there, CFOs! 💼
The finance world isn’t just evolving—it’s transforming at lightning speed. AI is rewriting how companies forecast, new tariffs are shaking up supply chains, and CFOs are now expected to be strategic powerhouses, not just financial gatekeepers.
This week, we’re unpacking the biggest shifts shaping 2025—from AI-driven automation to navigating economic uncertainty and workforce changes. The question isn’t whether the role of CFOs is changing—it’s how fast you can adapt.
Let’s dive into the strategies that will define who thrives and who gets left behind.
📰 Upcoming in this issue
The 2025 CFO Playbook: What Finance Leaders Must Know 💼
Prudential’s CFO on Growth, Risk, and the Future of Retirement Finance 📈
CFO Dive’s 2025 Outlook: Key Trends Shaping Finance 📊
📈 Trending news
The 2025 CFO Playbook: What Finance Leaders Must Know 💼 read the full 1,254-word article here
Article published: January 28, 2025
For CFOs, 2025 is a year of transformation—from economic shifts to tech disruption and a workforce in flux. To stay ahead, finance leaders must embrace strategic collaboration, rethink labor models, and leverage AI-powered financial tools.
According to CFO.com, the biggest trends shaping finance this year include: workforce evolution, AI-driven automation, cloud cost control, and the CFO's growing role in cross-departmental strategy. Failing to adapt means falling behind.
Key Takeaways:
📊 AI & automation are redefining finance: AI-driven forecasting and real-time analytics are becoming must-haves for CFOs optimizing decision-making.
💼 The role of CFOs is expanding: Finance leaders are collaborating across departments, influencing strategy, risk, and tech investment decisions.
⚠️ Labor shortages & return-to-office debates: Talent retention is a growing challenge, with CFOs balancing hybrid work demands and upskilling initiatives.
💰 Cloud cost efficiency is critical: With rising IT expenses, CFOs must scrutinize cloud investments and avoid costly inefficiencies.
Prudential’s CFO on Growth, Risk, and the Future of Retirement Finance 📈 watch the full 21-min video here
Video published: January 30, 2025
Yanela Frias, Prudential’s CFO, isn’t just managing numbers—she’s reshaping the company’s future. With 27 years at Prudential, Frias has climbed from finance roles to running businesses, and now, as CFO, she’s balancing growth, risk, and efficiency.
Under her leadership, Prudential is navigating market shifts, AI adoption, and a historic retirement wave, all while maintaining its "fortress balance sheet" philosophy.
Key Takeaways:
🏦 Prudential is doubling down on retirement solutions: With record numbers of retirees, the demand for annuities and pension risk transfers is booming.
🤖 AI & automation are transforming operations: AI has cut underwriting times from 20 days to minutes, with claims processing and customer service next in line.
⚖️ CFOs must balance risk and opportunity: "To grow, you have to take risks—but they must be prudent, thoughtful, and managed appropriately," says Frias.
📊 Efficiency is a lifestyle, not a cost-cutting exercise: Frias champions continuous improvement over one-time cost cuts, ensuring long-term sustainability.
CFO Dive’s 2025 Outlook: Key Trends Shaping Finance 📊 read the full 1,200-word article here
Article published: January 31, 2025
CFOs in 2025 are walking a financial tightrope, balancing a mix of economic volatility, technological disruption, and regulatory shifts that demand swift and strategic decision-making. The start of Trump’s second term has already introduced new tariffs, altering global supply chains and forcing companies to reassess cost structures.
At the same time, AI-driven finance automation is transforming how CFOs manage everything from forecasting to risk assessment. Companies are rapidly adopting agentic AI, but questions remain about accuracy, security, and workforce displacement.
Key Takeaways:
🌍 Trade and Tariffs Shake Up Supply Chains: New 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico could disrupt pricing and force companies to rethink sourcing strategies.
📉 A Softer SEC Means Fewer Compliance Hurdles: Trump’s cost-cutting approach to the SEC may ease regulatory burdens, allowing CFOs more flexibility in financial reporting.
🤖 AI Agents Reshape Finance: Microsoft and SAP are rolling out AI-driven finance tools, with agentic AI automating reporting, forecasting, and decision-making.
🔍 CFOs Must Lead with a Problem-First AI Strategy: AI isn’t a plug-and-play solution—finance teams must focus on clear business problems before deploying AI-driven automation.
Why It Matters
2025 isn’t just another year—it’s a crossroads for finance leaders. AI is reshaping decision-making, new regulations are rewriting the rulebook, and the businesses that fail to pivot? They’ll struggle to keep up.
CFOs who embrace change will drive their companies forward. Those who hesitate? They’ll be playing defense in a game that demands bold moves.
The future of finance won’t wait—are you ready to take control?
Vanessa Carter
Editor-in-Chief
CFO Executive Insights
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