From Risk to Resilience: Rethinking global finance for modern business

An AFR Insights report, authored by The Action Exchange and supported by Airwallex.

Learn how we work with finance and technology clients:

→ Finance and investment

→ Technology

Explore the services featured in this project:

→ Whitepapers and reports
→ Business intelligence
→ AFR Insights

Research question

In a volatile, global landscape how are Australian and New Zealand finance functions evolving from traditional reporting and governance roles into data-driven strategists?

Australian businesses are navigating a profoundly complex global landscape, defined by economic volatility, compressed margins, and rapid technological disruption. In this challenging environment, the finance function is undergoing a critical transformation by leveraging AI and integrated technology to become a driver of value creation.

Approach

By synthesising bespoke business intelligence, this high-impact whitepaper revealed a sector in transition, exploring the digital investments and leadership mindsets empowering CFOs to steer their organisations toward opportunity and embedded resilience.

The ideas

The report explores how progressive finance leaders are building the future of their function.

Key insights include:

• Finance is a strategic driver: As margins tighten, CFOs are taking a lead role in scenario-planning, risk modelling, and growth strategy, ensuring resilience is at the core of business decisions.

• Technology is the top enabler: AI and automation, paired with real-time data visibility, are ranked as the top two capabilities enabling business success. This technology is transforming daily workflows and boosting productivity.

• Digital tools level the playing field: Digital investment is scaling rapidly, giving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) unprecedented access to sophisticated financial tools once only available to large global enterprises.

• Global ambition demands agility: Nearly half (49%) of surveyed firms plan to expand overseas within two years, requiring fit-for-purpose processes and financial infrastructure that enables borderless transactions.

• Culture dictates adoption: Successful transformation hinges on leadership and culture. Change-ready leaders are fostering experimentation and data fluency within their teams to embrace a mindset that sees AI as an enhancer, not a threat.

Read the full report here.

“CFOs have always played a role as ‘data storytellers’. It’s just that now we have more sophisticated tools.”

Michael Davern, Professor of Accounting and Business Information Systems, University of Melbourne