The new CFO: transformation, strategy and geopolitics
December 2025 | COVER STORY
CFOs are increasingly expected to act as integrators – bridging financial performance with operational execution, and aligning fiscal discipline with innovation. Their ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategy is now central to organisational success.
Project purgatory: avoiding AI failures in financial services
December 2025 | FEATURE
In financial services, while the volume of AI projects approved is substantial – driven by executives optimistic about the potential impact on profitability – successful implementation remains elusive.
Global IPO market finding its footing
December 2025 | FEATURE
Emerging from persistent economic and geopolitical challenges over the past five years, the global IPO market fared reasonably well in 2025.
Carbon counts: tackling emissions challenges
December 2025 | FEATURE
By aligning incentives with sustainability outcomes, companies can ensure that carbon accounting is not only adopted but actively championed across all levels of leadership.
Bankruptcy & restructuring
December 2025 | WORLDWATCH
In a challenging and unpredictable business environment, organisations that identify early warning signs, communicate openly with financial stakeholders, and take timely action to protect value are more likely to manage bankruptcy and restructuring processes with confidence and control. FW moderates a discussion between Cristina Gomez-Clark at Alvarez & Marsal, Carole Nerguararian at Linklaters LLP, Mark Meili at Prager Dreifuss Ltd, Emma Whalley-Hands at PwC, Kon Asimacopoulos at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, and Joost Volkers at Van Doorne.
Q&A: Accelerating value in PE carve-outs: strategy and execution
December 2025 | SPECIAL REPORT
An adequate carve-out is one where there are no surprises and separation risks do not derail growth. A successful carve-out goes further – it accelerates into the growth plan from day one. FW discusses strategy and execution for accelerating value in private equity carve-outs with Phil Dunne and Peter Rodrigues-Renon at Stax, a Grant Thornton company, and Gerard Nichol at Grant Thornton.
Private equity’s new liquidity playbook: creativity now rivals capital
December 2025 | SPECIAL REPORT
As the initial public offering window remained largely closed and with M&A activity tepid over the past several years, fund managers have increasingly turned to secondary transactions and distributions to paid-in capital-driven structures to return cash faster.
Petrofac tests cross-class cram downs
December 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
While some companies have successfully adapted to the Petrofac judgement, securing court sanction through enhanced creditor engagement and robust valuations, the ruling introduces significant uncertainty and complexity for companies and stakeholders navigating the path to court sanction.
Equity compensation plans: shaping a successful proposal
December 2025 | TALKINGPOINT
Make sure your proxy statement tells your story as to why you are asking shareholders to approve shares for your equity plan. FW discusses equity compensation plans with Donald Cioffi, Stephen Freyman, Etelvina Martinez, Reid Pearson and Michael Vogele at Alliance Advisors.
Cross-border investigations and asset recovery strategies
December 2025 | TALKINGPOINT
International cooperation frameworks have evolved significantly to address the complexity and urgency of recovering illicit assets. FW discusses cross-border investigations and asset recovery strategies with Edgars Volskis, Pei Li Wong, Jonathan Graessle and Barry Robinson at BDO.
M&A activity outlook
December 2025 | MARKET PULSE
As companies recalibrate their strategies in response to global pressures and technological acceleration, dealmaking is becoming more nuanced, more deliberate and more transformative. With Mark Wilson at Headpoint Advisors.
Evolving M&A valuations: rethinking value in a shifting market
November 2025 | TALKINGPOINT
Innovative deal structures are gaining traction as buyers and sellers seek flexibility in navigating valuation mismatches. FW discusses evolving M&A valuations in a shifting market with Jennifer Van Dalen, Joanne Lupton, Sander Mulder, Matthew Warren and Johannes Post at KPMG.
The high-stakes future of healthcare consolidation and regulation
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
Anticipating regulatory shifts and embedding compliance into strategy allows providers to withstand pressure and turn limitations into opportunities. Maintaining regulatory vigilance in tandem with the evolution of business development goals is key to successful enterprise risk management.
Selective and strategic: the rise of megadeals in a leaner M&A market
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
Megadeals are not without peril. Beyond merging systems and processes, megadeals require aligning corporate cultures, leadership teams and brand positioning. A single misstep risks eroding projected synergies.
‘Be your own activist’ – avoiding common pitfalls in activism preparedness
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
The key to activism preparedness is having a well-advised board, thinking about the value drivers of the business and viewing the company through the lens of various constituencies, including potential activist shareholders.
Challenges posed by the digital economy
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
By addressing the regulatory, ethical and operational dilemmas posed by AI, businesses can position themselves as leaders in the digital age. For companies grappling with the challenges of AI or seeking to understand how it can transform their organisation, now is the time to act.
