CFO Optimism Holds Steady Amidst Economic Uncertainty, Driving Tech Investment
Event summary
- Grant Thornton’s Q4 2025 CFO survey polled over 230 finance leaders.
- 52% of respondents expressed optimism about the U.S. economy, unchanged from the previous quarter.
- Technology and cybersecurity spending are at 20-quarter highs, with 67% and 60% expecting increases, respectively.
- Operations expenses are projected to increase by 51%, a 20-quarter high, while focus on cost optimization has decreased.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is expected to benefit 44% of respondents, with 18% planning to outsource compliance.
The big picture
Despite ongoing economic volatility, CFOs are demonstrating resilience and a willingness to invest in growth, prioritizing digital transformation and strategic spending. This shift reflects a broader trend of businesses adapting to a complex regulatory landscape and embracing technology to improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities. The survey highlights a move away from short-term cost-cutting measures towards longer-term strategic investments, potentially signaling a more confident outlook for the U.S. economy.
What we're watching
- Tech Alignment
- The disconnect between CFO enthusiasm for technology and a lack of confidence in achieving technology objectives suggests a need for more rigorous project selection and implementation processes, potentially impacting ROI.
- Workforce Flux
- The increase in workforce management focus, coupled with headcount and compensation expense reductions, indicates a potential restructuring of finance teams to accommodate automation and outsourcing, which could impact employee morale and productivity.
- OBBBA Impact
- The reliance on third-party compliance services to maximize benefits from the OBBBA signals a potential vulnerability to external expertise and cost fluctuations, requiring careful vendor management and ongoing monitoring of legislative interpretations.
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