Class action embroils Wells Fargo commercial real estate underwriting practices

A judge is set to rule on the bank's motion to dismiss the complaint, which names the company, ex-CEO Tim Sloan and former CFO John Shrewsberry among the defendants.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • March 2, 2022

CFOs should prepare for stronger ESG shareholder pressure: EY

CFOs and directors need to prepare for the 2022 proxy season as institutional investors turn up the heat on efforts to ensure companies embrace sustainable business practices.

By Jim Tyson • March 1, 2022

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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

Forecasters see 'major risk' of wage-price spiral

Economists have grown more pessimistic about inflation over the next three years, citing higher wages and supply chain disruptions, NABE said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 28, 2022

Boards face more challenging 2022 proxy season on ESG

Company leadership should enter the proxy season ready to handle numerous shareholder proposals on sustainability and such political activities as lobbying and campaign contributions, the Conference Board said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 25, 2022

SEC to take hard stand against corporate 'greenwashing'

The SEC soon plans to propose rules for sustainability disclosure that will feature detailed guidelines for reporting on greenhouse gas emissions, according to SEC Commissioner Allison Herren Lee.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 24, 2022

Ransomware attacks, extortion doubled in 2021: Accenture

Companies facing a surge in cybercrime can take several steps to limit the risk — and cost — of a ransomware attack.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 17, 2022

Direct lending may take hit in credit crunch: S&P Global

Direct lending has boomed in the past decade but its resilience has yet to be tested in an extended credit crisis, S&P Global Ratings said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 16, 2022

Default rate will rise this year, Moody's says

The default rate will increase but stay well below its pandemic-period high even though central banks in many countries are raising interest rates, Moody’s said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 15, 2022

Gensler aims to boost SEC incentives for whistleblowers

After a record year for whistleblower awards, SEC Chair Gary Gensler wants to increase the enticements for those who disclose financial misconduct. 

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 14, 2022

4 CFO scenarios – and fixes – for inflation

Many economists, including those at the Federal Reserve, botched their forecasts for price gains last year. CFOs can avoid losses from flawed inflation projections through scenario planning.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 11, 2022

Most CEOs expect inflation to persist, survey shows

Plans by the Federal Reserve to raise the benchmark interest rate probably will not quickly rein in the fastest price increases in four decades, most CEOs said in a survey.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 10, 2022

CFOs reveal four inflation-coping strategies

CFOs in several industries describe how they are trying to shield profits against an inflationary surge.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 9, 2022

'Price-wage spiral' boosting inflation: Moody's

CFOs facing the worst inflation in more than 30 years can largely blame price increases rather than wage pressures, Moody’s said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 7, 2022

CFOs should adopt strategies of activist investors: Gartner

CFOs should advance beyond the role of reviewer or advisor and serve as an “activist,” crafting a business strategy and investment portfolio that maximizes long-term value.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 4, 2022

Supply chain overhaul brings benefits with tax complexity: EY

Although the pandemic revealed the costs of relying on a global supply chain, companies that bring production home may face a big tax bill.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 28, 2022

Inflation will persist through 2023 even if pandemic fades: Conference Board

Federal Reserve efforts to curb inflation will probably collide against several inflationary forces, including reshoring of production and shortages of both workers and semiconductors.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 27, 2022

CFOs need to change how they discuss inflation: Gartner

Rising price pressures have pushed inflation toward the top of agenda items during earnings calls, prompting some needed changes in tactics by CFOs.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 26, 2022

Cybersecurity increasingly on audit committee agendas

To the extent CFOs support the committees, they could be called on to help find experts to join, or present to, members who are tasked with preventing a damaging breach.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 26, 2022

CFOs 'managing blind' the rising pressure for ESG gains: Accenture

Companies lack the expertise and consistent metrics for satisfying growing investor demand for sustainable operations.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 25, 2022

Legal strategy works best when it starts as budget strategy

Giving the legal team resources to anticipate risks is a cost-effective way to manage disputes that companies can expect to face, a strategist says.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 25, 2022

Sales rising but more companies expect falling profits: NABE

A steady increase in profits may falter at some companies this quarter in the face of shortages caused by the omicron variant of COVID-19.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 24, 2022

CFOs to use debt issuance for M&A, refinancing in 2022: Moody's

Companies are in “savings mode” and well prepared for both M&A and riding out turbulence in financial markets, Moody’s said.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 21, 2022

Dawn of post-LIBOR era brings SOFR, operational challenges to CFOs

More work needs to be done to assure a seamless transition "when the switch is actually thrown in the middle of next year," Deloitte's Alexey Surkov said.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 21, 2022

CFOs, accountants vexed by surging operating costs

CFOs and other financial executives express rising concern about increasing prices for transport, energy and other costs, a survey found.  

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 20, 2022

Companies ignoring employee demands will falter: Fink

A tight labor market has strengthened workers’ clout, compelling corporate leaders to increase pay and benefits or risk underperformance, according to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 18, 2022