C-suite barometer 2026: adapting in uncertainty
InsightsGlobal insightsForvis Mazars C-suite barometer
C-suite barometer 2026: adapting in uncertainty
29 January 2026
Our annual C-suite barometer gathers the views of 3,000+ leading executives from all over the world. This latest study uncovers a global paradox – uncertainty is now the norm, yet opportunities are abundant. In 2026, leaders are building organisations ready for what’s next: embracing change, investing in technology and people, and reimagining strategies to stay ahead of disruption and competition. Success now rests on adaptability as much as ambition.
3,000+
C-suite insights.
40
countries worldwide.
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Prepare for what’s next
The C-suite’s economic survival strategy
Economic uncertainty and increased competition also continue to be the top factors most likely to hold back growth.
Biggest trends influencing businesses
Economic trends and increased competition are among the trends expected to have the biggest impact on businesses, but Artificial intelligence comes out on top.
Renewed confidence
Confidence is back and technology is leading the charge. After last year’s seven-point dip, our Confidence Index has rebounded by six points, signalling renewed optimism among business leaders despite the relentless change and conflict from geopolitical turbulence and the economic landscape.
Investment: the ultimate vote of confidence
C-suite executives are aligning confidence levels with action in their investments. Our Investment Index has climbed to 69%, its highest level since 2022, with more than two-thirds of executives planning to increase investment across core business areas.
Success rests on adaptability“Adaptability is not about waiting for uncertainty to pass but about building organisations that are ready for what’s next and can thrive in the long-term. Our research suggests leaders are embracing change, investing in technology and people, and reimagining their strategies to stay ahead of disruption and competition. The most successful will be those who combine confidence with caution – moving forward boldly, with strong awareness of both the risks and opportunities. Success rests on adaptability as much as ambition.”
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Resetting strategic priorities
Technology transformation remains the ultimate priority for C-suite executives, but it’s only part of the strategy.
As businesses strive for growth, they must pair innovation with adjustable plans to pursue international expansion, tackle intensifying competition and overcome mounting tariff pressures. |
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Transformation through technology remains the dominant priority of C-suite executives. |
Adapting to competition & tariffs appears for the first time at the top of C-suite agendas. |
International expansion remains a top three priority for the third year. |
Our Experts
Rachael Harper London
Rick Chan Managing Partner & Head of Audit & Assurance APAC
Sylvie Matherat Paris
George Lagarias Chief Economist - London
Asam Malik Head of Growth: Large Clients - Newcastle
Florence Sardas Partner, member of the Executive Committee - Paris
Forvis Mazars C-suite barometer
Every year, Forvis Mazars conducts research to understand the priorities and issues at the heart of our clients’ businesses. Our C-suite barometer gathers the views of executives from all over the world, giving us valuable insight into key topics on their agenda, the trends and transformations they expect to impact their company, the challenges and opportunities they are facing and their outlook for...
Forvis Mazars’s APAC C-suite barometer
Every year, Forvis Mazars conducts research to understand the priorities and issues at the heart of our clients’ businesses. Our C-suite barometer gathers the views of executives from all over the world, giving us valuable insight into key topics on their agenda, the trends and transformations they expect to impact their company, the challenges and opportunities they are facing and their outlook for...