Survey: Policy Shifts, Cyber Threats, Talent Among Top 2025 Risks

Potential policy shifts, growing cyber threats, and competition for top talent area among the risks chief financial officers identified in a new survey.

Produced by the international professional services organization BDO, the 2025 CFO Outlook Survey shows a shift in mindset among CFOs.

Within the next 12 months, CFOs intend to accelerate growth through increased investment in AI adoption (60%), product or services expansion (48%), and pricing adjustments (46%). 

The survey also shows how companies plan to address major risks, with plans to enhance cybersecurity (37%), implement new risk monitoring and intelligence tools (37%), and update business continuity strategies (31%). 

“Moving into 2025, it’s clear CFOs are not just adapting to change but are actively embracing it and helping shape their organization’s response,” said BDO USA CEO Wayne Berson.

“The bold steps being taken in AI, workforce development, and sustainable operations are not merely reactions to market pressures—they are strategic moves to refine and redefine how leaders are conducting business.”

Investment Strategies

The survey found that companies will continue pursuing generative AI, including developing proprietary platforms (21%) or through third-party solutions (32%).

CFOs cite a number of AI challenges, including employee adoption, scaling, and inadequate IT infrastructure. 

Companies are reinforcing talent recruitment and retention as part of their growth strategies.

Companies “must remain vigilant to regulatory changes in the months ahead, particularly around trade, tax, and AI.”

Thirty-nine percent are leveraging AI adoption for employee enablement, 37% will invest in employee training, and 32% plan to boost monetary compensation to attract talent.

While most businesses are planning significant technology investments, firms “must remain vigilant to regulatory changes in the months ahead, particularly around trade, tax, and AI.”

“By mapping the potential impacts of these shifts and making contingency plans before they occur, businesses can avoid being caught off guard,” the report notes.