American Banker
Growth strategies

2026 CFO outlook report for financial institutions

Partner Insights from
The 2026 CFO outlook for financial institutions highlights how leaders are balancing risk, cost control, and AI-driven transformation in a volatile economic environment.

Financial institutions are entering 2026 facing heightened volatility, margin pressure, and accelerating technological disruption. Interest rate uncertainty, evolving regulatory dynamics, AI adoption, and growing competition from digital-first providers are reshaping how finance leaders manage risk and drive performance.

2026 CFO outlook financial institutions report

This national survey of CFOs and finance executives at banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions reveals the key risks, investment priorities, and profitability drivers shaping the year ahead. From commercial lending growth and deposit competition to data integration challenges and scenario modeling maturity, the findings provide a clear view into how peers are responding to uncertainty.

 

Download the report to understand where leading institutions are focusing resources—and how finance teams are modernizing planning, analytics, and decision-making to build resilience in 2026.

 

Inside the report:

  • The top risks expected to impact financial performance in 2026
  • Where institutions are investing in AI, data, and automation
  • Profitability outlook across commercial loans, deposits, and consumer lending
  • How finance leaders are strengthening resilience amid rate volatility
  • Three strategic imperatives for modernizing planning and scenario analysis
Growth strategies