Latest news with #CFOProgram
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CFOs shift strategies as economic uncertainty dims growth outlook
Good morning. Economic confidence among finance chiefs has taken a sharp hit. Deloitte's Q2 2025 CFO Signals report, released this morning, gauges the sentiment of 200 finance leaders in North America at companies with at least $1 billion in revenue. The CFO confidence score came in at 5.4, indicating medium confidence, compared to the Q1 reading was 6.4—high confidence. The survey, conducted from June 4 to June 18, found growth expectations declined across every key operational metric. In fact, CFOs lowered projections for revenue, earnings, and capital investments. Fewer than a quarter (23%) of CFOs rate the North American economy as 'good now.' In comparison, 50% of the finance chiefs offered the same optimistic response in the Q1 survey. Just one in three CFOs believe now is a good time to take on more risk—the lowest reading since the third quarter of 2024—and well down from the 60% number in Q1. Meanwhile, 46% of CFOs surveyed say the U.S. capital market is undervalued, and 41% say it's overvalued. More than half (53%) view debt financing as attractive, 41% for equity. I asked Steve Gallucci, the global and U.S. leader of Deloitte's CFO Program, whether tariff uncertainty was the main cause of decline in optimism. He emphasized that broader global uncertainty is the real driver. 'Anytime there's uncertainty—whether it's policy, geopolitics, the economy, or capital markets—CFOs become less bullish,' he explained. While tariffs are one contributing factor, Gallucci noted that the survey doesn't single them out, and that the overall mood is shaped by a constellation of unpredictable forces. He pointed to last year's U.S. presidential election as an example: 'There was a lot of uncertainty around the outcome, and CFO optimism dipped. Once the election was settled, optimism spiked. Now, new uncertainties around policy and the broader environment have taken hold, and sentiment has dropped again.' CFOs cited the top external risk as the economy (53%). With growth expectations and revenue projections falling, how are CFOs responding? Gallucci described the current environment as a recalibration, not a retreat. Rather than pulling back, finance leaders are doubling down on fundamentals: —Sharpening focus on growth drivers: CFOs are revisiting where growth can realistically come from, both organically and elsewhere. —Managing controllable risks: Finance chiefs are prioritizing what they can influence—cost discipline, talent strategy, and technology-enabled initiatives. —Staying active in M&A: Despite risk aversion, there's ongoing interest in mergers and acquisitions, with some signs of increased IPO activity in the first half of the year. Gallucci highlighted the growing importance of technology investments—from disruptive innovations to generative AI. However, he noted CFOs are still moving cautiously on AI adoption. As companies expand their tech platforms, cybersecurity remains a leading external concern (51%). 'Cyber will always stay at the top of the CFO risk list,' Gallucci said, especially as businesses rely more on third-party providers and digital infrastructure. CFOs cited a trio of top internal risks: talent availability (46%), lack of agility/resilience (46%), and cost management (45%)—as nearly equal in importance. Gallucci explained that these risks are deeply interconnected. Disrupted supply chains and potential policy changes are driving scenario planning around cost management. Meanwhile, the talent challenge has shifted from hybrid work logistics to capability gaps: 'Do I have the right skill set within my finance organization to support the future—one that will rely more on technology, automation, and AI?' he explained. CFOs are focused on upskilling, recruiting for new capabilities, and tapping into broader talent pools to ensure their teams are prepared for what's next. Deloitte's Q2 CFO survey reveals a finance leadership community grappling with uncertainty. They're actively working toward solutions to weather the storm of unknowns and position the company for future growth. Sheryl This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Media Alert: Deloitte CFO Signals™: CFO Confidence, Risk Appetite and Forecasts in Q2 2025
NEW YORK, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What: Deloitte's "Q2 2025 CFO Signals Report" (longitudinal data) Who: Steve Gallucci, National leader of Deloitte's CFO Program When: July 8 at 6 a.m. EST Where: Details: Deloitte's latest CFO Signals™ report — a quarterly gauge of the sentiment of North America's top finance leaders — shows a marked decline in optimism across a number of fronts. Released July 8, the Q2 2025 survey dashboard highlights increased caution among CFOs likely driven by ongoing economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty. Highlights from the report: CFO sentiment dropped considerably. The CFO confidence score came in at 5.4, indicating medium confidence. The Q1 reading was 6.4 — high confidence. Growth expectations declined across every key operational metric. Notably, CFOs lowered projections for revenue, earnings and capital investments. Just 23% of CFOs rate the North American economy as "good now." By comparison, 50% of the finance chiefs offered the same response in the Q1 survey. The survey revealed CFOs are getting more risk averse. Only 1 in 3 CFOs believe now is a good time to take on more risk. That's the lowest reading since 3Q24 — and well down from the 60% number in Q1. Top external risks: the economy (53%), cybersecurity (51%) and interest rates (43%). Top internal risks: talent availability (46%), lack of agility/resilience (46%) and cost management (45%). CFOs are split on U.S. capital market valuations: 46% say it's undervalued, 41% say it's overvalued. Sentiment around financing remains mixed: 53% view debt financing as attractive, 41% for equity. Why it matters:This quarterly report is a barometer of CFO sentiment and forward-looking strategies. In an environment demanding both caution and clarity, Deloitte's CFO Signals offers insight into how the stewards of corporate strategy are thinking, investing, and planning for what's next. About DeloitteDeloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters for our people, clients, and communities. We bring together distinct talents, technologies, disciplines, and an ecosystem of alliances to help tackle today's most complex business challenges and drive long-term progress. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing 180 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see to learn more about our global network of member firms. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Deloitte Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Government Human Resources Department and ESCP Business School sign strategic partnership agreement with Emirates NBD
This unique partnership brings together the expertise of the private, public and educational sectors to deliver the Chief Financial Officer Program, designed to empower Emirati finance professionals The partnership reflects the long-standing commitment of both parties to developing Emirati talent to strengthen its industry leadership pipeline, while supporting the UAE to build its increasingly global reputation as an innovative finance hub and knowledge centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates: In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and ESCP Business School - Dubai Campus, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates NBD, the leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, to launch a comprehensive program aimed at building the UAE's financial leadership pipeline. This initiative signifies the commitment of both parties in advancing Emirati talent and strengthening the UAE's position as a global financial hub. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the Dubai Fintech Summit by Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group and His Excellency Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was also witnessed by His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and His Excellency Saeed Al Attar, Director General of the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Their presence coincided with the celebration of the launch of a second financial initiative, the "Dubai Financial Experts Programme," a joint professional development program between the DIFC and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development. This program is designed to support mid-career Emirati financial professionals in their career advancement. The two new finance programs uniquely bring together the expertise of the private, public and education sectors to build a pipeline of UAE National finance leaders from the mid-managerial level up to the C-suite. Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Emirates NBD Vice Chairman and Managing Director, said: 'Our new CFO Program directly contributes to the UAE's strategic goals, including the Emiratisation of critical leadership roles, while strengthening our knowledge-based economy, and positioning the UAE as a global hub for finance leadership, fintech innovation and overall excellence.' Al Qassim added: 'This program builds on Emirates NBD's proven track record of Emirati talent development including our exemplary graduate programs, leadership development initiatives, and long-term partnerships with some of the world's leading tertiary institutions. We look forward to seeing this program deliver tangible outcomes for the UAE's finance sector and the broader nation.' Beyond financial sponsorship of the program, Emirates NBD will contribute capstone projects, ensuring practical relevance and real-world impact for participants. Emirates NBD will also provide invaluable professional insights and executive support, enriching the learning journey of all participants. His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said: 'We are extremely committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of Emirati financial leaders. We will spearhead the selection of 30 exceptional finance professionals from across the government and private sectors to participate in this transformative program. We will collaborate closely on capstone projects to ensure they directly contribute to our national strategic priorities.' The program will be comprehensively promoted across key government and private entities, complemented by extensive outreach through Emirates NBD's digital marketing channels. Pr Bastian Dufilhol, Executive Director of ESCP Business School campus in Dubai, said: 'ESCP Business School, with its rich heritage dating back to 1819 and six campuses across Europe, is honoured to partner in this strategic initiative. We will design and deliver a transformative, five-month program in Finance, leveraging our internationally recognised faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and immersive learning experiences, including coaching, mentoring, case studies and simulations, to empower the next generation of Emirati financial leaders. Our master's in finance has recently been ranked as the first in the world, which reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation in financial education. ESCP is proud to contribute to the UAE and Dubai's education strategy in this field.' About Emirates NBD Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As of 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water.
