AmEx CFO Survey: Cash Flow is a Key Focus Amid Geopolitics

American Express has released research on the re-aligned priorities for CFOs given the continued fluctuation in geopolitical tensions and its effects. 

The survey polled 999 senior leaders in finance across 14 countries, and shows that priorities are going back to things CFOs can control. 

Speaking to Finance Chief exclusively, Ruchi Sharma, Vice President, UK Commercial at American Express says: 

“In an unpredictable environment, resilience starts with clarity over the fundamentals. Strong cashflow visibility gives finance leaders a clearer view of their financial position, helping them anticipate unexpected pressures, make more informed decisions and act with confidence. 

“A focus on what they can control creates greater flexibility to navigate challenges and invest for long-term growth.”

The emerging priorities 

AmEx’s survey reveals that the increasing financial pressure that finance leaders are facing as a result of macroeconomics has led to a shift in priorities. 

Geopolitical and economic risk planning has fallen by 12 percentage points to just 30%.

Meanwhile, there has been a rise in cash flow and finance management, going from 65% in 2025 to 74% in 2026. 

Half of the participants surveyed cited that they expect cash flow to remain a top priority in the next year. 

Ruchi further notes: “Economic and geopolitical headwinds aren’t going away, but finance leaders are changing how they respond to them.

“CFOs have spent the past few years strengthening their ability to navigate uncertainty and are now putting greater emphasis on the areas where they can have the most direct impact – cash flow, working capital and forecasting.

“It’s not about ignoring external risk; it’s about building resilience by focusing on what businesses can control and improve.”

An approach to increasing working capital 

Just over half of respondents (55%) also cite that growing working capital is a strategic priority for the business. 

To remedy this, attention has been turned to automation and forecasting, according to American Express.  

CFOs that prioritise using improved forecasting to increase or guard against a lack of working capital reached 44%, up from just 32% last year. 

Finance leaders increasing automation followed closely behind, up from 32% to 44%.

The research also notes that payment automation was reported to provide benefits that included improved liquidity, cost reductions, greater efficiency and faster payments as key benefits. 

A majority of respondents (82%) say their organisation is investing significantly in automating B2B payments. 

AI confidence in the finance suite

Another top priority concerns digital transformation, as 57% of respondents say bringing AI on board is paramount to the business. This is up from 39% last year. 

Ruchi continues: “Technology is becoming central to how CFOs strengthen the fundamentals of finance. The research demonstrates they are seeing tangible benefits from AI but also taking a pragmatic approach – firstly proving its value in core finance processes, building confidence and governance around it, and progressing from there.”

Tipping just over half (59%), some finance leaders note that AI is already delivering “tangible” improvements in cashflow, according to American Express. 

This figure is balanced against the confidence issues leaders face in adopting AI. 

AmEx partners: 

ALL Accor: Part of its partnership rewards programme, members can transfer points from their AmEx cards to use at ALL Accor. Accor was founded in 1967, and is currently under the executive leadership of Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin. It is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.

British Airways: Founded in 1974, British Airways is a partner of AmEx, and members can trade AmEx Membership Rewards points for British Airways Club points. British Airways is headquartered next to Heathrow Airport in Middlesex, England and is governed by CEO Sean Doyle. 

Marriott Bonvoy: Under Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano, the hotel chain, incorporated in 1929,  pairs with AmEx for member benefits and rewards. Head office is based in Maryland, US. 

Emirates Skyward: Similar to British Airways, AmEx members can use rewards to swap points for Emirates Skyward points. Emirates Skyward is led by Dr. Nejib Ben-Khedher, and is part of the global Emirates brand, with headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Nectar: The rewards programme, owned by popular highstreet supermarket Sainsbury’s, Nectar pairs with AmEx also for the transfer of points. Sainsburys was founded in 1869 and is under CEO Simon Roberts. It is headquartered in London, UK.