The overlap of the Venn diagram between bungee jumping enthusiasts and CFOs has got to be pretty empty. Now, it’s getting even emptier. Or, said differently, CFOs are getting even more risk averse, according to Deloitte’s latest CFO Signals survey.
Because things change a mile a minute nowadays: Note, the survey was conducted between June 4 and June 18 this year. Of the approximately 200 North American CFOs with at least $1 billion in revenue responding, 67% of surveyed CFOs said it’s not a good time to take bigger risks, a climb from 40% the previous quarter. That translates to only 33% of CFOs thinking it is a good time to take more risks, marking a significant drop from a 60% reading in Q1.
Gee, wonder why the sudden risk aversion? Asked for their most pressing external risks, 53% of CFOs cited the economy. Could it be that rampant economic uncertainty makes CFOs more cautious?
Coming in close second, however, was cybersecurity, with 51% of respondents dubbing it a top external risk, while 43% of CFOs said interest rates and supply chain disruptions, respectively, were top of mind. Internally, CFOs reported worries about talent availability (53%), lack of agility and resilience (46%), as well as cost management (45%). Who knows?
We have a feeling the bungee jumping set-up at your next C-suite meeting will be as unpopulated as the room temperature sushi buffet right next to it.
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