Companies worldwide risk losing vital growth opportunities because chief financial officers lack sufficient technology readiness to lead key investment and value creation discussions, according to the latest EY Global DNA of the CFO survey. The report draws on insights from more than 1,600 CFOs and senior finance leaders across 28 countries, including 40 participants from Singapore and spanning 22 industry segments, exploring how the CFO role evolves amid rising complexity in creating and measuring business value.
Findings show that while six in ten CFOs globally believe they should be involved in value creation efforts, the Philippines registers a 55 percent share in this view. Yet only about one-quarter of all respondents actually lead major investment decisions or drive conversations centered on key value drivers. In the Philippine context, just 10 percent of participating CFOs stated their organizations recognize the finance function as a core partner in value creation.
Myles Corson, EY Global Strategy and Markets Leader for Financial Accounting Advisory Services, emphasized that neither CFOs nor their teams can take charge of value creation without rethinking how value is measured. He explained that modern value generation is becoming increasingly complex, with new forms of value often escaping traditional metrics. Without a clear framework to measure value in all its dimensions, CFOs will face greater difficulty identifying where value is truly created and will be ill-equipped to guide strategic discussions or challenge key business decisions.
The survey also reveals that leadership capabilities are failing to keep pace with the rapidly changing demands of the CFO role. Around 40 percent of Philippine CFOs indicated they are evolving faster than broader leadership teams within their finance functions, while 63 percent believe they must adopt new skills and leadership styles to remain effective. One-third of Filipino CFO respondents want leadership development opportunities extended across the entire finance team to address potential succession risks.
The report outlines key recommendations to help CFOs build more resilient and innovative finance functions capable of acting as strategic business partners. Suggested actions include overhauling existing value measurement approaches and taking clear ownership of critical investment decisions. CFOs are also advised to strengthen artificial intelligence readiness by building robust data foundations and investing in skill development, while elevating people and culture as central organizational priorities.
Corporate Significance
These findings highlight a critical misalignment between expectations and capabilities. CFOs are increasingly looked to as key drivers of value and investment strategy, yet many lack the technology readiness, modern measurement tools, and team support required to deliver on this potential. Philippine businesses face an even more pronounced gap, with low recognition of finance’s strategic contribution alongside growing pressure to upskill and develop talent. Resolving these issues is essential to unlocking untapped growth, improving decision-making quality, and securing long-term competitiveness amid rising market complexity.
