Nearly Three-Quarters of CFOs Project Double-Digit Growth in 2025: FTI Consulting’s Global CFO Report

Rhea-AI Summary

FTI Consulting's 2025 Global CFO Report reveals that 72% of CFOs expect revenue growth of 10% or more in the next 12 months. The survey, covering 655 senior finance executives globally, shows 77% of CFOs from companies with revenues over $5 billion remain highly optimistic, while mid-market firms show decreased optimism with 67.5% predicting double-digit growth, down from 76% in 2024.

Key findings include: cybersecurity ranking among top strategic priorities, with 75% of North American CFOs citing cyber attacks as a major challenge; an 11% increase in finance function outsourcing; changing CFO tenure patterns; and 87% of CFOs planning to implement AI tools within 12 months. The report also highlights that 85% of CFOs identify forecasting accuracy as a primary area for improvement.

Positive

• 72% of CFOs project double-digit revenue growth for 2025
• 77% of large company CFOs ($5B+) remain highly optimistic
• 11% increase in finance function outsourcing for operational efficiency
• 87% of CFOs planning AI implementation within 12 months

Negative

• Mid-market CFO growth expectations declined from 76% to 67.5% YoY
• 75% of North American CFOs report cyber attacks as major challenge
• 85% of CFOs indicate issues with forecasting accuracy

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The survey reveals striking optimism among CFOs, particularly at large enterprises, with 72% expecting double-digit revenue growth in 2025. This widespread confidence, especially from companies with $5 billion+ revenues (77% projecting strong growth), suggests robust business conditions despite macroeconomic challenges. The 11% increase in finance function outsourcing indicates a significant shift in operational strategies to optimize costs and capabilities.

The divergence between large and mid-market companies' growth expectations (77% vs 67.5%) highlights a potential market segmentation in growth opportunities. This gap could create strategic advantages for FTI Consulting, as companies seek advisory services to navigate these disparities. The increased focus on AI adoption (87% planning implementation) and cybersecurity priorities signals strong demand for technological transformation services.

Financial Analyst

For FTI Consulting (FCN), this report strategically positions the company as a thought leader in CFO services while highlighting growing market opportunities. The high percentage of CFOs prioritizing forecasting improvements (85%) and cybersecurity concerns (75% in North America) directly aligns with FCN's service offerings. The trend toward longer CFO tenures and their expanding strategic roles suggests sustained demand for specialized consulting services.

The increasing complexity of CFO responsibilities, coupled with the widespread adoption of AI and emphasis on strategic planning, creates multiple revenue streams for FCN's consulting services. The company's expertise in these areas, combined with the survey's findings of increased outsourcing trends, positions FCN favorably for potential revenue growth in 2025.

Tech Expert

The survey's technology insights reveal a transformative shift in finance operations. The 87% commitment to AI tool adoption within 12 months represents an unprecedented technological acceleration in finance departments. This rapid adoption rate, combined with elevated cybersecurity concerns, indicates a significant market opportunity for integrated tech-finance solutions.

The increasing outsourcing trend suggests a growing market for specialized technology service providers. The emphasis on improving forecasting capabilities through technology adoption presents opportunities for advanced analytics and AI-powered financial planning tools. This technological transformation of finance departments is likely to drive substantial investment in digital infrastructure and consulting services throughout 2025.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the release of its 2025 Global CFO Report, which reveals almost three-quarters (72%) of Chief Financial Officers expect revenue growth of 10% or more over the next 12 months.

The survey, which collected the views of 655 senior finance executives across North America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Asia; and Australia, was conducted by the firm’s Office of the CFO Solutions practice in collaboration with CFO Dive.

More than three-quarters (77%) of CFOs surveyed from larger companies, those with revenues greater than $5 billion, remain highly optimistic about revenue growth in the coming year despite economic pressures driven by supply chain improvements and favorable market conditions. However, talent retention and financial forecasting still remain challenging for this group.

Mid-market firms with revenues between $100 million and $1 billion are adjusting expectations, with only 67.5% of CFOs surveyed predicting double-digit growth for 2025, down from 76% in 2024. The decrease may stem from rising costs, increased competition and talent shortages.

“Despite market volatility and economic pressures, this survey reflects what we’re seeing from our CFO clients: confidence in the ability of their businesses to expand,” said Gina Gutzeit, Global Leader of the Office of the CFO Solutions practice at FTI Consulting. “Additionally, CFO roles have shifted beyond traditional financial stewardship; they are placing more emphasis on strategic planning to help navigate the technological advancements and evolving business models needed to stay competitive.”

Additional insights from the global survey include:

• Cybersecurity was ranked in the top three strategic priorities for CFOs across all regions surveyed. In North America, 75% of respondents say cyber attacks are among their top challenges, leading to investment in robust defenses.
• Outsourcing finance functions has increased by 11% from 2024 to 2025. This increase highlights the growing reliance on external capabilities as CFOs seek to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve access to both technology and skills, without sacrificing capacity.
• CFO turnover rates are changing. While the majority (54%) of respondents still view the average tenure of a CFO at one company to be between three to five years, the number of respondents believing CFO tenure is five years or longer has increased 5% from 2024. This shift suggests organizations are valuing strategic leadership from CFOs, especially as they navigate complex challenges and market uncertainty.
• CFOs continue to emphasize the importance of improving forecasting capabilities, with 85% identifying forecasting accuracy as a primary area needing improvement.
• 87% of CFOs stated that they plan to use AI tools within the next 12 months, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging innovative tools that can enhance predictive capabilities.
  

“Whether it’s navigating their organizations through inflation, supply chain disruption or competitive pressures, the strategic CFO doesn’t sit on the sidelines; they are in the thick of it, driving decisions that shape the future of their organization,” said Alan Numsuwan, an Executive Vice President in FTI Consulting’s Office of the CFO Solutions practice. “As we have seen more and more, CFOs are driving growth through finance-led decision support and taking an increased role in business strategy.”

For more information, read the full survey report here.

About FTI Consulting  
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 8,300 employees located in 34 countries and territories, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $3.49 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2023. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.   

FTI Consulting, Inc.  
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Washington, DC 20004  
+1.202.312.9100 

Investor Contact:  
Mollie Hawkes 
+1.617.747.1791 
mollie.hawkes@fticonsulting.com 

Media Contact:  
Samantha Ford
+1.617.480.7402
samantha.ford@fticonsulting.com

FAQ

What percentage of CFOs expect 10% or higher revenue growth in 2025 according to FCN's report?

According to FTI Consulting's 2025 Global CFO Report, 72% of CFOs expect revenue growth of 10% or more over the next 12 months.

How has mid-market CFO growth outlook changed from 2024 to 2025 in FCN's survey?

Mid-market firms' CFO outlook decreased, with 67.5% predicting double-digit growth for 2025, down from 76% in 2024.

What percentage of CFOs plan to implement AI tools in 2025 according to FCN?

87% of CFOs stated they plan to use AI tools within the next 12 months.

How much has finance function outsourcing increased from 2024 to 2025?

Finance function outsourcing has increased by 11% from 2024 to 2025.

What percentage of North American CFOs cite cyber attacks as a top challenge in FCN's report?

75% of North American CFOs say cyber attacks are among their top challenges.