Finance Leaders Embrace AI and Strategic Expansion at the 2026 Financial Executives Networking Group Forum, Prioritizing Disciplined Growth Amid Economic Shifts

Besides expanded roles, financial executives in 2026 are guiding their enterprises, with 57% of them contributing directly to strategy according to Deloitte’s Finance Trends report. CFOs are leveraging AI and cloud48% and 43% implementation among strategy leaders, respectively, to not just trim costs but also spark innovation. Being at the forefront of innovation, finance is thus becoming the main driver of business growth.

The Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG) and FEI magnify this initiative by the 2026 Financial Leaders Forum, co-branded with MFM, May 17, 20. Besides AI, risk, and multigenerational leadership, the deep dive tracks, roundtables, and an expanded expo for deal-making networks make the event even more attractive.

According to FERF’s Priorities 2026 report, the execution focus is on technology deployment, AI for ROI, resilience, and talent pipelines. Around 90% of CEOs, while acknowledging the uncertain environment, anticipate their companies to gain in revenue and productivity, with the finance function playing the leading role in digital transformation.

Networking is changing with smaller and more intimate events that help to build partnerships, while leaders are dealing with supply disruptions and regulations. Constant upgrading of skills in strategic innovation is the key to being able to respond to change effectively in whichever generation or industry one belongs.

This forum provides the tools for executives to navigate the path to disciplined growth, combining human judgment and technology to achieve sustainable performance in turbulent markets.