Forvis Mazars has shared new insights into the growth forecast and key priorities for financial services sector leaders, with 96% of C-suite executives having “positive growth” outlook.
Despite this, only 36% said they feel very confident in their ability to manage significant external developments—marking a 16-point drop compared to 2024, revealed the accounting firm’s annual C-suite barometer conducted at the beginning of the year.
However, confidence has declined most notably in areas such as handling increased competition, which saw a sharp fall from 76% last year to 41% this year.
Similar downward trends were observed in managing regulatory change, with confidence slipping to 28% from 60%, and in responding to new technological developments, which dropped from 72% to 50%.
In response to these pressures, leaders are prioritising technology transformation, with 41% identifying it as their main strategic focus.
Other key areas include updating approaches to talent recruitment and retention (28%), pursuing international growth (27%), and exploring private equity or alternative funding sources (27%).
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataDespite ongoing economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and market instability, firms in the sector continue to pursue overseas growth.
Nearly nine in ten organisations (89%) plan to enter at least one new international market within the next five years.
Among the most frequently targeted destinations are Germany, China, Canada, the UK and the US.
Forvis Mazars Group partner and financial services advisory leader Gregory Marchat said: “With international expansion a top priority for financial services leaders, an evolving US market landscape and rising global geopolitical tensions will require a more careful assessment of expansion plans.
“In Europe, we have seen an unprecedented number of national elections, which have yet to play out on the political and economic stage. A potential alternative expansion route is looking at individual countries on high growth trajectories.
“For example, tailoring products to the more commercial needs of rising economic stars, such as India or Mexico, may support a country-by-country approach that overrides regional complexities.”
