FULL OVERVIEW

CFOs are leading through a period of sustained global disruption. Political uncertainty, rising fiscal deficits, stubborn inflation and tariff threats are converging to create an environment of heightened volatility. Questions around global competitiveness are becoming more urgent as inflation persists, infrastructure gaps widen, and energy costs remain high. Business leaders are under pressure to make long-term plans amid short-term uncertainty, particularly in markets where supply chains, investment flows, and policy directions remain unsettled.

At the same time, organisations are undergoing internal transformation. Artificial intelligence is changing the structure and focus of the finance teams, CFOs are responsible for. Energy supply is no longer a back-office issue but a board-level concern. Skills shortages are limiting operational flexibility and slowing growth. CFOs must balance cost discipline with investment in talent, technology and long-term resilience — often without clear signals from markets or policy-makers.

The 2026 edition of the CFO Summit, hosted by EY in partnership with the Financial Times, brings together leaders in finance, policy and business to explore the critical pressures shaping the CFO agenda. From transatlantic trade and geopolitical risk to workforce planning and the energy transition, this year’s conversations will focus on the practical steps CFOs must take to manage uncertainty, build resilience and adapt to changing expectations.