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CFOs are increasingly focusing on receivables innovation to enhance cash flow and agility, according to PYMNTS. Over 80% of surveyed CFOs plan to implement AI for predictive analytics, automated collections, and real-time billing visibility. This shift from traditional cost-cutting to optimizing the cash cycle is driven by the need to unlock trapped capital and improve customer experience. The PYMNTS report highlights that 77.9% of CFOs prioritize cash flow cycle improvements, with 93.5% of strategic movers emphasizing its importance. By modernizing receivables, CFOs aim to accelerate cash conversion and strengthen corporate resilience amid economic volatility under the Trump administration.

 

PYMNTS

FCPA Playbook: Strengthen Global Controls Before Year-End

FCPA enforcement may ebb and flow, but compliance risk never disappears. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Playbook gives CFOs a concise guide to maintaining defensible, future-ready compliance programs – even amid evolving federal, state, and international regulations.

Learn how to strengthen anti-bribery training, tighten internal controls, and establish secure whistleblower systems that encourage internal reporting. The playbook also covers how to align your policies with global standards such as the UK Bribery Act, Sapin II, and Brazil’s Clean Company Act.

Download the Playbook

 

The Trump administration's proposal to allow public companies to file financial reports semiannually instead of quarterly could disrupt AI-driven analytical models used by financial analysts, according to Steve Soter of Workiva. Currently, companies submit quarterly Form 10-Qs to the SEC in XBRL format, facilitating data accessibility and analysis. A shift to less frequent reporting may increase the risk of inaccurate analysis and reputational damage for companies. CFOs and other executives may need to address these risks if the SEC reporting schedule changes. Bloomberg Tax's Jorja Siemons discusses potential mitigation strategies with Soter.

 

Bloomberg Tax

In 2025, 72% of S&P 500 companies have reported AI-related risks in their disclosures, a significant increase from 12% two years ago. A report by The Conference Board and ESGAUGE highlights concerns over AI's impact on reputation, security, and compliance. Reputational risks, such as implementation and privacy issues, were noted by 38% of companies, while 20% cited cybersecurity risks like AI-amplified threats. Financials, industrials, IT, and health care sectors are most affected. The report emphasizes the need for integrating AI into governance with the same rigor as finance and operations to maintain stakeholder confidence.

 

Journal of Accountancy

The federal government has retracted Biden-era climate guidance, raising concerns among credit analysts about potential financial threats to banks from climate risk. The development comes amid broader regulatory shifts under President Trump's administration, including a district court's decision to pause compliance with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's open banking rule. Additionally, the Federal Open Market Committee is set to provide guidance on concluding its quantitative tightening program. These changes occur as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rescinds rules requiring nonbanks to register court orders and contract terms, reflecting a significant regulatory pivot.

 

American Banker

The classification of stablecoins as cash or cash equivalents is a complex issue that impacts liquidity metrics and risk perceptions for companies. Vivian Fang, the Sznewajs Family Chair in Finance at Indiana University, emphasizes that "any discussion of treating stablecoins as cash or cash equivalents must grapple with this diversity." The GENIUS Act, which regulates payment stablecoins, mandates compliance and transparency, yet many stablecoins fall outside its scope. The Financial Accounting Standards Board's ASU 2023-08 provides initial guidance but does not clarify stablecoin treatment. The lack of uniform accounting standards complicates the situation, as stablecoins vary widely in structure and rights. Without robust legal and audit frameworks, classifying stablecoins as cash equivalents could misrepresent corporate liquidity positions.

 

Bloomberg Tax

The B2B payments landscape is being reshaped by macroeconomic forces such as tariffs, interest rates, and industry consolidation, according to Boost Payment Solutions. The Trump administration's policies, including changes in tariff regulations, are contributing to this volatility. Visa's Commercial Enhanced Data Program is altering commercial transaction qualifications, impacting B2B pricing. Boost Payment Solutions is leveraging these changes to enhance agility and liquidity, offering a new working capital platform, Boost 100. This platform supports buyer-funded, supplier-funded, or shared-funded models, reflecting a shift towards using payments as strategic balance sheet tools

 

PYMNTS

President Trump and President Xi Jinping reached a tentative trade truce during their first in-person meeting in six years. Trump announced a 10% tariff cut on Chinese imports, reducing total tariffs to 47%, in return for China pledging stronger enforcement on fentanyl-related chemicals and easing rare earth export restrictions for one year. China also agreed to purchase “tremendous amounts” of U.S. soybeans, offering a boost to struggling American farmers. Trump rated the meeting a “12 out of 10,” expressing optimism about future relations, though analysts noted the deal lacked structural economic reforms.

 

Wall Street Journal

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed approval of the Federal Reserve's recent decision to reduce interest rates by 0.25%, while criticizing the Fed's hesitance to commit to further cuts within the year. Bessent argues that the Federal Reserve's communication reflects outdated thinking, suggesting a need for significant reform within the institution. This commentary comes amid ongoing economic adjustments under President Trump's administration, highlighting potential shifts in monetary policy strategy.

 

Reuters

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has said between $7bn and $14bn in U.S. gross domestic product will not be recovered after the government shutdown. According to the federal agency's report, the shutdown will also reduce U.S. GDP by one to two percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2025. CBO director Phillip Swagel said: “In CBO’s assessment, the shutdown will delay federal spending and have a negative effect on the economy that will mostly, but not entirely, reverse once the shutdown ends.”

 

Axios

Reuters

The Guardian

Emerging technology is transforming accounting and professional services firms, making them more efficient and competitive. However, the shortage of experienced accountants and the need for significant capital investments are pushing firms toward M&A for growth. BDO USA PC's acquisition of Horne LLP exemplifies this trend, as it gained 1,300 employees and expanded its client base. Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard, emphasizes the importance of acquiring firms that align with their service-oriented culture to ensure successful integration. As firms face capacity constraints and a shortage of skilled professionals, M&A offers a quicker path to profitability and service expansion. Taylor notes: "Growing a professional services firm today requires investment in capable experts who can help the business adopt emerging technology." The trend of consolidation is expected to continue as firms seek to enhance their capabilities and client offerings.

 

Bloomberg Tax

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced plans to invest a minimum of $5bn in South Korea by 2031 to develop new artificial intelligence data centers, aligning with the country’s goal to become an AI hub in Asia. This investment was discussed during a meeting between AWS CEO Matt Garman and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where industry leaders pledged a total of $9bn in investments over the next five years.

 

Reuters

Starbucks reported flat U.S. same-store sales for Q4 - its best result after six straight declines - while global same-store sales rose 1%. Revenue reached $9.6 billion, up 5%, but earnings missed forecasts at 52 cents per share. Net income plunged 85% to $133.1 million due to store closures, layoffs, and turnaround investments. CEO Brian Niccol has closed 627 stores, mostly in North America, cut 2,000 corporate jobs, and aims to refocus on café operations. Starbucks seeks a partner for its $10B-valued China unit and plans cautious pricing adjustments amid persistent high coffee costs.

 

Bloomberg

Wall Street Journal