As finance leaders gear up for 2026, they face a trio of pressing challenges: the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the ripple effects of tariffs, and heightened concerns over data security and privacy. These insights come from Protiviti’s annual Global Finance Trends Survey, which highlights the evolving role of chief financial officers (CFOs) amid persistent economic uncertainty. Only 41% of CFOs and finance leaders express strong confidence in their organizations’ ability to navigate today’s global economic challenges, underscoring the complexity of the landscape.
AI Adoption Surges in Finance
The survey reveals a dramatic rise in AI use among finance teams, with adoption soaring from 34% in 2024 to 72% in 2025. This leap reflects growing recognition of AI’s potential to transform finance functions. Process automation leads the way, with 66% of teams using AI to streamline repetitive tasks and reduce errors. Financial forecasting, employed by 58% of respondents, benefits from AI’s ability to sharpen budgeting and planning accuracy. Meanwhile, 57% leverage AI for risk assessment, using advanced analytics to proactively manage financial risks.
“CFOs are no longer just stewards of capital,” said Christopher Wright, global leader of Protiviti’s CFO Solutions and Business Performance Improvement practice. “They’re harnessing AI, scenario planning, and digital tools to drive innovation and prepare for challenges like price volatility and data governance.”
Tariffs Reshape Financial Planning
Tariffs and shifting trade policies are putting significant pressure on financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Nearly 40% of finance leaders say tariffs demand greater focus on FP&A, with 64% noting at least a moderate impact on forecasting, 62% reporting effects on reporting timelines and accuracy, and 59% citing impacts on profitability. Rather than overhauling offshoring strategies, 60% of organizations are strengthening supplier communication, while 52% are bolstering risk management oversight.
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Finance teams are also investing in advanced tools like driver-based machine learning models, predictive and prescriptive analytics, and self-service reporting to enhance decision-making. “FP&A is becoming a strategic engine for businesses,” Wright said. “AI and data-driven tools are helping CFOs measure performance and guide C-suite decisions.”
Data Security Remains a Top Concern
For the second consecutive year, data security and privacy top the list of CFO concerns, driven by the need to maintain trust in a digital finance landscape. As AI integration introduces new risks, CFOs are collaborating closely with Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to modernize technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and navigate evolving regulatory requirements.
“With AI reshaping the threat landscape, CFOs are playing a pivotal role in cybersecurity governance,” Wright noted. “They’re not just protecting financial data but shaping how organizations secure and govern all data in a complex digital world.”
