CFOs across Asia-Pacific are placing growth, operational efficiency, and risk management at the forefront of their 2025 agendas, according to Deloitte’s second annual Asia-Pacific CFO Survey. Based on insights from 469 CFOs across industries and regions, the report highlights that 83% of respondents ranked revenue growth as their top priority, followed by 72% cost control, 67% financial performance, and 59% productivity improvement. “Our strategy emphasizes the importance of pursuing cost control alongside revenue growth. Cost control is necessary to ensure operational efficiency, while growth enables us to channel new investments back into the business,” said a Singapore-based CFO of a global technology company. CFOs are also actively engaging in inorganic growth strategies, with 47% expecting an increase in M&A activity over the next three years. In Japan, 76% of CFOs list M&A as a key priority.
Operational resilience and technological integration are gaining momentum, with 78% of CFOs planning to embed more automation and digital tools into their operations. Japan and China lead in upskilling efforts, at 79% and 76% respectively. Risk remains top of mind, with CFOs identifying inflation, interest rates, economic slowdown, and geopolitical uncertainty as key concerns. Xu Sitao, Chief Economist at Deloitte China, noted, “These survey results indicate a high risk of both recession and inflation, suggesting that CFOs are anticipating potential stagflation.” CFOs are also preparing for generative AI and sustainability, with 60% optimistic about 2025 and 27% increasing investment in sustainability initiatives.
