CFO optimism dims in the short term, U.S. Bank survey shows

Though U.S. finance chiefs believe they have better prospects over the next three years, their optimism in the near term has “cooled,” according to U.S. Bank.

By Dan Niepow • May 6, 2026

CFOs fear health benefit costs are ticking up unsustainably

In a recently released survey by consulting firm Mercer, 80% of finance chiefs said their organizations couldn’t tolerate health care cost hikes above 6%.

By Dan Niepow • April 24, 2026

Tariffs become a ‘permanent planning assumption’ for US execs

Despite a major legal setback from the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year, tariffs are still a big consideration in executives’ scenario planning, according to a recent PwC survey.

By Dan Niepow • April 22, 2026

Private equity-backed CFOs earned average of $604K per year in 2025

A new report by executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles shows rising cash compensation and shorter tenure for top financial talent at private equity-owned businesses.

By Dan Niepow • April 15, 2026

CFO optimism, while dipping slightly, is still ‘high’, Deloitte says

The Big Four’s quarterly survey of North American CFOs reveals that many remain bullish on the economy at large and their own companies’ prospects.

By Dan Niepow • April 14, 2026

Big M&A deals roar back to the forefront

A surge of deals valued at $10 billion-plus closed in this year’s first quarter, although smaller deals may be in vogue for the rest of the year.

By David McCann • April 13, 2026

For CFOs, SEC’s semiannual reporting proposal may not change much

Lenders and investors may still demand quarterly reports from companies even if the federal government does not, experts say.

By Dan Niepow • April 10, 2026

Oak Park CFO reflects on a career in public-sector finance

Kevin Bueso talks through leading municipal finances at a time where local governments are being asked to “do more with tighter margins for error.”

By Dan Niepow • April 9, 2026

M&A deals need at least two years to reach expected ROI, CFOs say

But full-scale “cultural integration” is likely to take much longer, according to a survey by consulting firm RGP.

By Dan Niepow • April 7, 2026

Despite war and tariff uncertainty, CFOs are confident in economy: Duke-Fed survey

In the first quarter of 2026, finance chiefs’ optimism for their own business and the U.S. economy ticked up slightly.

By Dan Niepow • March 25, 2026

CFOs and private equity sponsors diverge on IPO timing and approach

While most CFOs surveyed by consulting firm Accordion said boards and sponsors should control IPO timing, more than half of PE sponsors said it’s the finance chief’s job.

By Dan Niepow • March 10, 2026

Despite volatile global conditions, finance leaders are optimistic: AICPA-CIMA survey

In the organizations’ latest economic outlook survey of CPAs and other business leaders, 39% said they’re optimistic about the U.S. economy.

By Dan Niepow • March 6, 2026

3 headwinds and tailwinds facing US economy: Goldman Sachs vice chair

From the persistence of tariffs to the promise of artificial intelligence, Robert Steven Kaplan outlined his take on the state of the American economy today.

By Dan Niepow • Feb. 27, 2026

Private equity deals hit $2.6T in 2025

New research by McKinsey & Company points to bigger deals, longer hold periods and the continued rise of “niche” methods of returning liquidity to investors.

By Dan Niepow • Feb. 19, 2026

Average enterprise business handles 40-plus bank accounts

A survey of finance leaders by fintech provider Adyen and Boston Consulting Group aims to quantify the complexities of running a large business.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 28, 2026

American CEOs bullish on M&A in 2026: EY

A recent survey conducted by the Big Four firm shows more than half of U.S. chief executive respondents planning to “actively” pursue mergers and acquisitions this year.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 27, 2026

What CFOs need to know for 2026

Finance leaders should become familiar with these trends and topics to minimize surprises and maximize leadership impact this year.

By CFO.com editorial staff • Jan. 26, 2026

Will private equity’s pivot to continuation vehicles continue in 2026?

The phenomenon of private equity firms essentially selling portfolio companies back to themselves has grown rapidly in recent years, but investors — and likely many CFOs — aren’t totally sold. 

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 22, 2026

Why CFO labor trends center on redesigning teams in 2026

This year’s finance labor trends are being shaped by the growing use of automation, a shift toward internal talent development and the need for CFOs to balance efficiency with adaptability. 

By Adam Zaki • Jan. 15, 2026

Economic fears prompt Americans to pare back on retirement savings

A new survey from Allianz Life shows a notable dip in the percentage of respondents who are still saving for retirement.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 14, 2026

Consumers head into 2026 with worries about inflation and jobs

A recent survey by the New York Federal Reserve points to persistent concerns about price increases over the year ahead.

By Dan Niepow • Jan. 13, 2026

SMBs still fret about the economy but see good times ahead for themselves

After surviving a topsy-turvy 2025, companies are ramping up their growth plans.

By David McCann • Jan. 8, 2026

7 finance trends CFOs can’t ignore in 2026

Finance chiefs are entering the year facing new pressures around talent, tax policy, capital allocation and risk.

By Adam Zaki , Dan Niepow • Jan. 8, 2026

CFOs targeting both business growth and cost reductions in 2026

A new survey by Gartner shows the “very explicit tension” finance chiefs expect to face in the year ahead.

By Dan Niepow • Dec. 17, 2025

Mid-market investment in AI averaged $600K this year

A survey by Baker Tilly reveals concerns and spending priorities for leaders of midsize businesses heading into 2026.

By Dan Niepow • Dec. 15, 2025