Korean C-suites confidence lags behind global peers for 2026: Forvis Mazars annual C-suite barometer

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Global business leaders are regaining confidence in growth prospects for 2026 despite continued uncertainty and volatility in the global economy, according to the 2026 Global C-suite Barometer published by Forvis Mazars. By contrast, Korean executives report lower confidence in growth and appear more sensitive to external risks compared with the global average.

The survey was conducted at the end of 2025 among more than 3,000 C-suite executives, including CEOs and CFOs, across 40 countries. Published annually, the C-suite Barometer has become a key indicator of how business leaders worldwide perceive the economic environment and define their strategic priorities.

The findings show that 92% of global executives have a positive outlook for their company’s growth, and 82% expect revenues to increase. Although this represents the lowest level since the mid-pandemic period in 2021, it still indicates that overall optimism remains relatively strong among global business leaders. In Korea, however, executives are taking a more cautious view. The share of respondents expressing confidence in their company’s growth prospects fell to 64%, down sharply from 86% the previous year. Similarly, only 58% expect revenue growth in 2026, significantly lower than the global average of 92%. This does not necessarily signal a loss of optimism, but rather reflects Korean executives’ more cautious assessment of external uncertainties.

Globally, executive confidence has begun to recover. The global Confidence Index, which declined by seven points last year, rebounded by six points in the latest survey. Technological innovation and AI are widely seen as key drivers behind this renewed optimism. Overall, 94% of global executives say their organisations are prepared for AI adoption, while 92% believe they are ready for technological innovation more broadly. In Korea, however, the Confidence Index dropped to 9%, down from 23% a year earlier, highlighting a clear contrast with the global recovery trend. Only 9% of Korean respondents say they are “very confident” in their ability to manage major global trends, compared with 43% globally.

These differences may partly reflect the structural characteristics of the Korean economy. With its strong reliance on exports, Korean businesses tend to be more sensitive to external factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, tariff policies, and geopolitical tensions. Indeed, only 44% of Korean executives say they are confident in their ability to manage rising costs linked to tariff increases, and just 4% report being “very confident”. By comparison, 88% of global respondents express confidence in managing such cost pressures, including 44% who say they are “very confident”. In this environment, Korean executives appear to be prioritising profitability and operational efficiency over rapid expansion. Their approach to international expansion also remains relatively cautious. A total of 42% of Korean respondents say they currently have no plans to expand overseas, significantly higher than the global average of 16%. Nevertheless, the United States, Japan, and China remain the most frequently cited expansion destinations, with more than 30% of respondents considering entering at least one of these markets.

Investment trends also highlight the contrast between Korea and the global outlook. The global Investment Index rose to 69%, reaching its highest level since 2022, with more than two-thirds of executives planning to increase investment across their core business areas. In Korea, however, the Investment Index declined from 50% in 2025 to 44% in 2026, reflecting a more cautious investment stance.

Overall, the report suggests that while global executives are maintaining what could be described as “measured optimism,” Korean business leaders are placing greater emphasis on risk management in their strategic decision-making. This caution should not necessarily be interpreted as short-term conservatism, but rather as part of a strategic adjustment aimed at strengthening resilience in the face of persistent uncertainty and volatility.

Julien Herveau, Country Lead Partner at Forvis Mazars Korea, commented: “In an environment where uncertainty has become the norm, the success of businesses will depend on their ability to respond flexibly to change while maintaining consistent execution of their strategic objectives. The cautious approach taken by Korean companies can be seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen their foundations ahead of the next phase of growth.”

Key findings

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Contact

Tae-Hee Kong, MarCom, Forvis Mazars in Korea
tae-hee.kong@forvismazars.com / +82 (0)2 3438 2457

About Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars is a leading global professional services network operating under a single brand with just two members: Forvis Mazars, LLP in the United States and Forvis Mazars Group SC, an internationally integrated partnership operating in over 100 countries and territories. Both members share a commitment to providing an unmatched client experience, delivering audit & assurance, tax, advisory, and consulting services across the globe. ​

About Forvis Mazars in Korea

Forvis Mazars Group SC is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading professional service network. Operating as an internationally integrated partnership in over 100 countries and territories, Forvis Mazars Group specializes in audit, tax, and advisory services. The partnership draws on the expertise and cultural understanding of over 40,000 professionals across the globe to assist clients of all sizes at every stage in their development.

Forvis Mazars Sebit Accounting Corporation is an independent member firm of Forvis Mazars Group SC.

Visit forvismazars.com/kr to learn more.