CFO Survey Global Report

Survey highlights: CFOs build confidence with optimism, preparedness, and risk intelligence

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The CFO 2026 outlook: confidence, readiness, and agility

Survey highlights: CFOs build confidence with optimism, preparedness, and risk intelligence

The Kyriba OPR Index: measuring CFO confidence under pressure Key trend #1: The enduring trust gap Key trend #2: The era of engineered growth Key trend #3: The rise of risk-intelligent performance

With volatility now a permanent fixture, CFOs are redefining how they assess risk, prepare for disruption, and plan for growth. Understanding the dynamics that underpin CFO confidence in the financial world is central to driving sustainable performance.

To measure these elements and provide meaningful perspective, this CFO survey report introduces the Kyriba OPR Index, a data-driven measure of CFO confidence built on three core pillars: Optimism, Preparedness, and Risk. For 2026, the OPR Index indicates Optimism is strong and Preparedness is high, while Risk pressures from external factors (inflation, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruption) remain elevated, tempering confidence.

Three key trends driving CFO confidence

Building on the OPR Index findings, the research identified three critical trends that are reshaping finance and defining CFO priorities for the coming year.

The enduring trust gap: CFOs are overwhelmingly optimistic about AI's transformative potential, yet a significant gap between ambition and adoption persists. While 74% see AI fluency as a critical skill, security concerns and a lack of integrated systems slow widespread implementation. Unlocking AI’s value requires a foundation of clean data and secure, connected platforms.
The era of engineered growth: Leaders are shifting to "engineered growth,” a strategy building innovation on a bedrock of operational precision. However, ambition often outpaces execution. Nearly two-thirds (59%) of CFOs lack a complete, real-time view of cash and liquidity. To turn strategic goals into reality, CFOs need full visibility, reliable data, and seamless connectivity.

The rise of risk-intelligent performance: CFOs are redefining risk from a threat to be avoided to a performance variable that can be measured and managed with agility. Nearly two-thirds (61%) identify risk management and scenario planning as crucial skills, underscoring a move toward proactive, data-driven decision-making.

Data, visibility, control: the CFO confidence trifecta

Ultimately, this report reveals a clear mandate for CFOs: build a robust operational core to support strategic ambitions. By strengthening data infrastructure, enhancing visibility, and fostering control, finance leaders can close the gap between strategy and execution, transforming risk into a competitive advantage and driving sustainable growth with confidence.

About the CFO survey

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,400 CFOs and senior financial decision makers (18+) at organizations $500M+ from the following countries: USA, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Spain, Italy, and Singapore. The data was collected between September 11, 2025 and September 25, 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.