Public Markets

In an era marked by external disruptions, the role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) has evolved to encompass not only financial acumen but also a proactive approach to uncertainty. The past challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions highlight the need for CFOs to thrive during both good and bad times...

Qualcomm has announced a strategic shift in its leadership structure, appointing Akash Palkhiwala, the current CFO, to the dual position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. In this expanded role, Palkhiwala will not only continue overseeing financial matters but will also take charge of global go-to-market operations, including the IT department. The move comes amid a broader trend where finance chiefs are increasingly taking on dual roles, merging CFO and COO responsibilities...

Saori Casey, Apple's Vice President of Finance, is set to depart the tech giant to join Sonos as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Casey, who played a significant role in overseeing financial planning and investor relations at Apple, brings her extensive experience to Sonos, a leading smart speaker company...

As the role of CFOs continues to evolve, business travel remains a crucial element for connecting with stakeholders, building relationships, and collaborating with dispersed teams. In 2024, CFOs seeking to expand travel budgets should be attuned to shifting industry dynamics, according to a state of corporate travel report by expense travel and corporate card provider Navan...

The resurgence of interest in artificial intelligence (AI) within the business community is anticipated to catalyze a surge in merger and acquisition (M&A) activities in the coming year. Analysts tracking dealmaking trends suggest that after a slowdown that persisted through 2022 and into 2023, M&A may experience a turnaround. Factors contributing to this potential upswing include stabilized interest rates, moderated inflation, and a growing apprehension among companies about falling behind in the race to acquire new AI capabilities...

Brix Holdings, the parent company overseeing restaurant and foodservice chains such as Friendly’s, Red Mango Yogurt Cafe & Juice Bar, Orange Leaf, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, SouperSalad, and Pizza Jukebox, has appointed Rick Brown as is newest Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Brown, with a background of 14 years at TGI Fridays and prior experience at Blockbuster, brings his financial expertise to manage the financial and accounting functions across all BRIX Holdings brands...

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes business landscapes, CFOs find themselves at the forefront of strategic decision-making, playing a pivotal role in determining which AI projects receive funding and how extensively AI integrates into enterprise strategies. According to a CNBC survey, 47% of companies consider AI their top priority for tech spending in the next year, with AI budgets surpassing cloud computing spending by more than double...

In its recently released outlook for 2024, Bank of America (BofA) Global Research anticipates a global shift to rate cuts, predicting that disinflation will continue and both the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank (ECB) will begin cutting rates in the latter half of the year. BofA economists and strategists expect that the rate hikes observed over the past 18 months will ultimately weaken growth and lead to higher unemployment levels. However, they foresee a soft landing rather than a recession...

Sergio Ermotti, the Chief Executive Officer of UBS, has called for increased powers for Switzerland's financial regulator and sanctions for negligent bankers in the aftermath of the collapse of Credit Suisse. UBS played a crucial role in rescuing its former rival in March, marking one of the most significant bank takeovers since the 2008 financial crisis...

As the financial industry undergoes continuous transformation, the importance of quality digital services in banking is increasingly evident, influencing customer satisfaction and shaping competitive landscapes. A recent report by Susan Foulds from Keynova Group sheds light on key trends, emphasizing the growing significance of real-time payments (RTP), personal financial management (PFM) tools, and other innovative services...