Finance Leaders Prioritize Tech and Scenario Planning
A new SAP Concur survey reveals how global finance executives are adjusting their spending strategies.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Spending
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SAP Concur released survey findings from 400 finance leaders across eight markets detailing their evolving spending priorities. These leaders are increasingly leveraging automation and scenario planning to maintain financial visibility amid market volatility.
Why it matters
Finance departments are prioritizing real-time data and technological investments to support deliberate spending decisions. This strategic shift aims to help organizations maintain growth while navigating unpredictable economic conditions.
The survey of 400 global finance leaders shows that 52% now monitor market conditions more closely, and 46% have adopted detailed scenario planning. Additionally, 41% of respondents expect the balance between cost reductions and growth investment to become harder next year.
The players
SAP Concur
SAP Concur is a provider of integrated travel, expense, and invoice management solutions for organizations.
The details
Executives are using integrated spend data and artificial intelligence to assess risks and optimize budgets in real time. Adaptive leaders prioritize protecting core areas, with 88% maintaining cybersecurity controls and 74% safeguarding investments in AI and automation.
Timeline
Next year, 41% of finance leaders anticipate that balancing cost reductions with growth investment will become harder.
Market Dynamics
This move toward tech-driven financial oversight aligns with the broader shift toward digital finance operations documented by SAP Concur. It reflects a transition where CFOs are increasingly moving from reactive budget tracking to proactive, AI-enabled resource management.
Investors may see companies shift capital allocations toward automation and cybersecurity as finance leaders attempt to shore up long-term stability. These shifts indicate that firms are prioritizing technological resilience to mitigate the risks of volatile market cycles.
The takeaway
Organizations are increasingly relying on sophisticated automation and real-time data to navigate economic uncertainty. Leaders who protect investments in talent and innovation alongside their tech infrastructure are positioning themselves for greater agility.
Further reading
Learn more about organizational financial trends in our Spending section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IT Brief Australia.
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Is now a good time for businesses to prioritize growth investment over cost reduction?
