5 takeaways from SEC’s actions in ADM accounting scandal

This week’s legal filings contained clues to where the SEC’s accounting fraud case may lead and to what enforcement actions may look like in the second Trump administration.  

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 29, 2026

‘Massive trust gap’ hinders CFOs’ AI ambitions, study finds

Most respondents said their finance team had encountered at least one instance of inaccurate or “hallucinated” data while using AI.

By Alexei Alexis • Jan. 28, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Navigating risk in turbulent times

CFOs must help their organizations mitigate risks by balancing the need for both growth and stability. 

By CFO Dive staff

Fed holds main rate steady, highlighting signs of job market stability

Two Federal Reserve governors dissented against the decision to leave policy unchanged, favoring a fourth consecutive cut to borrowing costs.

By Jim Tyson • Updated Jan. 28, 2026

SEC sues ex-ADM CFO, alleges accounting fraud

In a related action, Archer-Daniels-Midland agreed to pay a $40 million civil penalty to settle SEC charges it inflated its Nutrition business segment's performance.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 28, 2026

CFO Dive’s 2026 outlook roundup: Trends to watch

Financial executives in the new year must prepare for potential changes to several building blocks at the foundation of corporate strategy.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 28, 2026

Trade Desk terminates CFO after five months

The ad tech company’s shares have slumped since it announced the firing of Alexander Kayyal, a Salesforce alum.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 27, 2026

Cyber insurance prices set to hold steady through mid-2026

But challenges such as ransomware and supply chain risks endure, with AI poised to intensify the threat landscape, insurance broker Gallagher said.

By Alexei Alexis • Jan. 27, 2026

Sales expectations rise, recession worries ease: NABE survey

Nearly three out of four respondents to a survey by the National Association for Business Economics expect that artificial intelligence will boost productivity this year.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 26, 2026

Top 5 AI adoption challenges facing CFOs in 2026

When it comes to AI investments, management teams will need to be more strategic and coordinated, with CFOs playing a central role, experts say.

By Alexei Alexis • Jan. 23, 2026

Consumer sentiment rises amid persistent job, price worries: UMichigan

Recent federal government data suggest the outlook for the economy — and consumer spending — is brightening.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 23, 2026

SEC cuts PCAOB budget 9.4%, slashes compensation, accounting fees

The auditor watchdog, created after the Enron accounting scandal, has faced pressure as the Trump administration seeks to soften regulation.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 22, 2026

Fed’s preferred inflation gauge falling below policymakers’ forecast

The central bank will probably leave the federal funds rate unchanged after a two-day meeting ending on Jan. 28, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 22, 2026

The false promise of growth through acquisition

Acquisitions don't work for most businesses — at least not in the way their leadership hopes, Alvarez & Marsal’s Conor Johnston writes. 

By Conor Johnston • Jan. 21, 2026

US bears 96% of tariff costs, belying Trump’s claims: Kiel Institute

President Donald Trump plans talks with European leaders in Davos, Switzerland, over his threat to impose a 10% tariffs on the exports of NATO members if Denmark does not sell Greenland to the U.S.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 20, 2026

Recalibrating risk: Why 401(k) plans belong on the CFO’s risk agenda

401(k) plans pose rising litigation and compliance risks. PEPs help transfer that burden.

Jan. 20, 2026

[Podcast] Santander US Prosperity Exchange

Even moments of uncertainty can unlock great opportunity. For Santander Bank, it led to one of the largest commercial real estate transactions in recent memory.  That’s the focus of the Santander US Prosperity Exchange podcast, featuring leaders from Santander in conversation with other finance leaders to explore the market’s current challenges and hidden opportunities.

Updated Jan. 20, 2026

CFOs, CISOs clash over cybersecurity spending as threats mount: Expel

Four in 10 surveyed finance leaders said quantified risk reduction would make it easier to justify a cybersecurity spending hike.

By Alexei Alexis • Jan. 20, 2026

Retail sales rose 0.6% in November despite weak consumer sentiment

The outlook among consumers, though brighter than in September, is still gloomier than in early 2025, according to recent surveys.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 14, 2026

Inflation holds steady, affirming Fed focus on weak job market

“Risks to employment have increased as the labor market cooled, while the upside risks to inflation have lessened somewhat,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 13, 2026

DOJ probe of Powell triggers bipartisan fire against Trump administration

Powell said the motive behind the investigation “should be seen in the broader context of the administration’s threats and ongoing pressure.”

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 12, 2026

Increased filings and underwriter appetite mark IPO landscape

Increasing filings and growing underwriter demand create fresh opportunities and challenges for companies preparing to go public.

Jan. 12, 2026

Trump deregulation era requires CFOs to tread carefully

Finance chiefs still need strong internal controls because the absence or easing of regulation does not absolve responsibility, Armanino’s Chris Gagliardi writes.

By Chris Gagliardi • Jan. 12, 2026

Hiring declines as employers take cautious view of new year

Following release of employment data, traders in interest rate futures raised the odds that the Fed will leave the main rate unchanged at a meeting late this month.

By Jim Tyson , Alexei Alexis • Jan. 9, 2026

Productivity speeds up to fastest clip in two years: BLS

Declining wage pressures, as revealed in Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Thursday, may slow inflation toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 8, 2026

‘Strategic openings’: 5 CFO trends for 2026

Financial executives in the new year must keep a competitive edge by adapting to trends including fluctuating tariff rates and refocusing of priorities at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 7, 2026