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Firms that blend strategic agility with intelligent operations are set to transform value capture in the upcoming era of M&A. J. Neely, a senior managing director at Accenture, highlights that while financing conditions are stabilizing, geopolitical complexities persist. Notably, private equity holds over $2.5trn in dry powder, and M&A transaction value reached $3.1trn in 2025. Divestitures surged by 31% in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the previous year. Neely emphasizes the importance of AI, stating: "Companies with AI-led intelligent operations achieve 2.5 times higher revenue growth." To thrive in 2026, leaders must embed technology throughout the deal lifecycle, leverage AI for innovation, and align talent with digital capabilities.

 

CFO

A recent Teneo global survey reveals that CEOs and investors are maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook as they approach 2026, despite escalating geopolitical and economic challenges. AI continues to be a primary focus for businesses, although there are growing concerns regarding the pace of returns. The survey indicates that companies anticipate a rise in M&A activity and investment, showcasing a "guarded confidence" among business leaders.

 

CNBC

The U.S. economy likely grew 3.3% in Q3, fueled by consumer spending and AI-driven business investment, though momentum is fading amid high living costs and the recent government shutdown. Consumer activity was boosted by early EV purchases before tax credits expired and increased service spending by higher-income households. Meanwhile, lower-income groups face affordability issues. Inflation likely rose to 2.8%, and growth was supported by a narrower trade deficit. Economist Brian Bethune warned: “That is not going to be sustained in the fourth quarter.”

 

U.S. News

Reuters

A Supreme Court ruling that scraps the Trump administration's tariffs imposed on dozens of nations under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and which refunds the import fees collected, would create a major “administrative problem,” Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, has told CBS' “Face the Nation.” The president's top economic advisor said: “We really expect the Supreme Court is going to find with us,”  but even if it didn't find in the administration's favor, Hassett argued it would be “pretty unlikely that they're going to call for widespread refunds because it would be an administrative problem to get those refunds out there.”

 

Fortune

CBS News

Los Angeles Times

U.S. consumer sentiment rose slightly in December, although concerns over affordability and job security continued to weigh on households. The University of Michigan's final December sentiment increased 1.9 points to 52.9, missing the median 53.5 reading expected among economists polled by Bloomberg. While expectations improved to a four-month high, perceptions of current conditions fell to a record low, with big-ticket purchases seen as especially unaffordable. Despite lower inflation expectations, weak job growth and a rising unemployment rate are keeping sentiment nearly 30% below year-ago levels. “Despite some signs of improvement to close out the year, sentiment remains nearly 30% below December 2024, as pocketbook issues continue to dominate consumer views of the economy", commented Joanne Hsu, director of the survey.

 

Bloomberg

The accounting profession is on the brink of a significant transformation as it enters 2026, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Randy Johnston highlights that AI is evolving from a supportive role to one that actively manages workflows, with platforms like Thomson Reuters and Wolters Kluwer leading the charge. "The best firms will run AI-enabled workflows," Johnston notes, emphasizing the need for firms to adapt to this shift. The emergence of the "digital senior," professionals who blend accounting expertise with AI oversight, is crucial for success. As firms streamline their technology and focus on cohesive systems, the demand for measurable productivity gains will rise. The article outlines key trends, including the operationalization of AI in tax and audit processes, and stresses the importance of training and governance in this new landscape. Firms that embrace these changes will find opportunities for growth and improved client satisfaction.

 

CPA Practice Advisor

The impact of private equity (PE) on the accounting profession remains uncertain, with opinions divided among partners and staff at PE-backed firms. According to Accounting Today's "State of PE in Accounting 2025" survey, while some respondents report positive changes such as increased engagement and financial rigor, others describe a toxic culture and low morale. A partner noted: "It has changed for the better," highlighting improvements in culture and accountability. Conversely, a director lamented: "It is a dumpster fire," citing issues like staff turnover and reduced bonuses. Approximately one-fifth of respondents reported no significant changes, indicating a complex landscape as PE continues to influence the industry.

 

Accounting Today

The recent Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments highlighted significant improvements in audit quality in the U.S. over the past two decades, as noted by SEC Chief Accountant Kurt Hohl. He emphasized the need for vigilance in maintaining this quality amidst evolving business landscapes, including AI and private equity influences. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins anticipates a busy agenda for 2026, focusing on corporate disclosure and governance reforms, following delays caused by the government shutdown. The SEC is also expected to enhance its approach to PCAOB inspections, shifting towards a quality management system. Additionally, crypto regulation will be a priority, with the AICPA providing updated guidelines for digital assets. Susan S. Coffey, CPA, CGMA, CEO of Public Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, underscores the importance of these developments for the profession.

 

Journal of Accountancy

A Parseur survey revealed that 88% of U.S. business leaders are confident in their data accuracy, yet 69% frequently find errors, impacting forecasts and compliance. Invoices, purchase orders, and customer documents are primary error sources. Sylvestre Dupont, CEO of Parseur, said: "Organizations believe their data is healthy, but persistent errors tell a different story." This overconfidence poses risks as companies increasingly rely on AI, necessitating improved data validation processes. The finance sector, particularly CFOs, remains skeptical, with 35% citing data trust issues as a barrier to AI ROI.

 

Accounting Today

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is shifting its focus on corporate diversity programs, according to Chair Andrea Lucas. She stated that companies considering race, sex, or other protected characteristics in employment decisions could face legal actions. Lucas aims to enforce a conservative view of civil rights, targeting initiatives like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. She noted that any program motivated by these characteristics may be deemed unlawful. This change follows a broader push from the Trump administration to challenge DEI policies, prompting companies to reassess their diversity initiatives.

 

US News and World Report

Google, Microsoft and Apple are advising some employees on U.S. work visas to avoid international travel due to delays of up to a year for visa stamping appointments at embassies. Immigration law firms representing the companies said the delays stem from new social media screening requirements, and warn that staff risk being stranded outside the U.S. if appointments are postponed. "While in the past the emphasis may have been on processing cases quickly and reducing wait times, our embassies and consulates around the world, including in India, are now prioritizing thoroughly vetting each visa case above all else," a spokesperson for the Department of State told Business Insider.

 

Business Insider

Reuters

As the number of skilled tradespeople diminishes in the U.S., Walmart is enhancing its workforce through revamped training programs aimed at maintenance technicians. Liz Cardenas, who joined Walmart in May 2023, exemplifies this effort, having increased her hourly wage to $43.50 while gaining responsibilities in equipment repair. “I was able to move out of my parents' house,” she said, underscoring the financial freedom her new role provides. Walmart's training program, launched in 2024, aims to train 4,000 workers by 2030, with nearly 400 graduates already having secured technician roles.

 

Los Angeles Times

Treasury departments have evolved into strategic nerve centers, leveraging AI and APIs for real-time financial management. Predictive cash forecasting and automated risk management are now standard, transforming treasury from a back-office function to a core strategic asset. Steve Wiley, VP of Product Management at FIS, said: "Artificial intelligence is a must-have, and that's happened very, very quickly." This shift positions treasury as a key player in enterprise-wide decision-making, with systems integrating seamlessly with ERPs and FinTech platforms.

 

PYMNTS

Wajeeha Ahmed, CFO of Bevi, emphasizes the importance of financial transparency in fostering employee ownership and engagement. She believes that sharing performance metrics during monthly meetings helps connect individual contributions to overall company success. Ahmed said: “Where we are as a company today, this level of openness has been really effective.” As Bevi approaches new growth phases, including potential public market entry, the executive team will continue to evaluate their communication strategies. Ed deHaan, an accounting professor at Stanford University, supports this approach, noting that helping employees understand financial principles can enhance overall performance. Ahmed's focus for 2026 remains on execution, aiming to exceed both top-line and bottom-line goals.

 

CFO

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has said Europe's largest carmaker will continue to cut costs as the company seeks to remain competitive in the face of sector-wide challenges. "The task now is to continue to consistently reduce our costs in order to remain competitive in the long term," Blume said. Volkswagen CFO Arno Antlitz said the German automaker must generate more revenue with fewer resources. "This requires even stricter cost management and investment discipline . . . We need more Group synergies, less complexity and a strengthening of our market position in the USA and other regions outside Europe," Antlitz said.

 

Reuters

Amazon has blocked more than 1,800 job applications from suspected North Korean agents attempting to apply for remote working IT jobs using stolen or fake identities, Amazon's chief security officer Stephen Schmidt has said in a LinkedIn post. "Their objective is typically straightforward: get hired, get paid, and funnel wages back to fund the regime's weapons programs," he said, adding that this trend is likely to be happening at scale across the industry, especially in the U.S. Amazon has witnessed a nearly one-third increase in job applications from North Koreans in the past year, Schmidt said, adding that the operatives typically work with people managing "laptop farms" - a reference to computers based in the U.S. that are run remotely from outside of the country. Amazon used a combination of artificial intelligence tools and verification by its staff to screen job applications, he said.

 

BBC News

Tech in Asia

The Register

The FCC announced a ban on new foreign-made drones, effectively blocking Chinese brands like DJI and Autel from the U.S. market. This decision follows a defense bill mandating a review by December 23, 2025, which identified national security risks. Michael Robbins, CEO of AUVSI, stated: "The U.S. must increase domestic drone production and secure its supply chains." The ban coincides with preparations for major events like the 2026 World Cup. American firms are expected to benefit as they fill the market void left by Chinese competitors.

 

U.S. News