Deloitte’s latest report highlights the critical role of chief financial officers (CFOs) in Southeast Asia as a stabilising force in governance amidst increasing volatility. The report, based on surveys conducted between October and December 2025, reveals that 90% of audit committee members expect CFOs to act as a bridge between management and the board, emphasising the need for timely and effective communication.
The report, titled “The Audit Committee: A North Star for CFOs navigating uncharted waters,” underscores the importance of recalibrating governance strategies. It notes that whilst 85% of audit committee members feel they receive the right information under normal conditions, this confidence diminishes as volatility rises. A subsequent pulse survey conducted in March and April 2026 indicates a growing need for earlier visibility and stronger resilience planning due to geopolitical disruptions.
Audit committees are increasingly demanding continuous updates, with 62% expressing this need, yet only 36% of CFOs currently meet this expectation. “Recent geopolitical disruption has reinforced a simple truth: in volatile conditions, audit committees do not merely need more data,” said Ho Kok Yong, CFO Programme Leader at Deloitte Southeast Asia. “They benefit from earlier orientation—visibility into what is changing, what is uncertain, and which judgement calls narrow options if delayed.”
The report also highlights the rising significance of AI and automation in governance, with 90% of audit committee members valuing visibility into finance systems. Despite these challenges, trust between CFOs and audit committees remains robust, rated at 4.0 out of 5. However, the quality of interactions is slightly lower, reflecting the growing demands on CFOs. The report concludes that effective governance relationships will allow difficult issues to surface early, ensuring resilience is maintained.
