Some 37% of US-based chief financial officers (CFOs) are seeing ‘new business opportunities’ from sustainability, a new study by BDO has found.
BDO‘s 2025 CFO Outlook Survey also found that 34% of CFOs are reporting ‘greater access to favourable financing and investments’ as a result of their sustainability initiatives.
Sustainability strategy
For the coming year, CFOs plan to up investment in sustainable product development (39%) and employee well-being (40%) as part of their ESG endeavours.
In general terms, 47% of CFOs said that they ‘expect to be more involved’ in sustainability strategy at their firms over the coming year, with most businesses focused on stakeholder expectations and regulatory compliance.
‘However, companies integrating sustainability into overall business strategy are realising tangible benefits,’ it noted.
Undertaken in November 2024, the survey polled 500 CFOs at firms with revenues ranging from under $250 million to over $3 billion. It was conducted for BDO by Rabin Roberts Research Company, an independent marketing research firm, alongside Slice MR.
Other findings from the survey include that 21% of CFOs are actively building proprietary generative AI platforms, while 28% are investing in upskilling and reskilling their workforce as part of their talent development strategy.
To accelerate growth this year, CFOs said that they plan to increase investments in AI adoption (60%), expand products or services (48%), and implement pricing strategy adjustments (46%).
Embracing change
“Moving into 2025, it’s clear CFOs are not just adapting to change but are actively embracing it and helping shape their organisation’s response,” said Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA.
“The bold steps being taken in AI, workforce development, and sustainable operations are not merely reactions to market pressures – they are strategic moves to refine and redefine how leaders are conducting business. By embracing innovation and prioritising resilience, these leaders are setting a new trajectory for growth.”
Many CFOs also expect greater transactional opportunities this year, with 38% preparing for strategic sales over the coming year, and 16% pursuing buy-side M&A to drive growth or shift their business models after a period of subdued activity. Read more here.
Read more: Over two thirds of CFOs expect higher returns from sustainability initiatives
