This session will offer a forward-looking perspective on the key factors that will shape the global economy in 2026, including geopolitical shifts, technological developments and evolving market dynamics. It summarizes the main trends that CFOs need to monitor as they prepare their strategies for the year ahead.

In this session, we will talk in a practical and accessible way about how artificial intelligence is entering the finance function: which technologies are being implemented, how they are actually used, and what concrete benefits they bring. We will present real-life examples - how long implementation takes, how it streamlines processes, what results it delivers, and how it changes the work of teams. We will also discuss which solutions are most suitable for different financial activities, helping everyone understand what works in real business.

This will be a conversation in which we will talk about business transformation through the lens of the finance function – the key steps in a successful transformation, from new management models and modern productivity approaches to real examples of digital and organizational change. We will discuss how finance leaders can turn a dynamic and sometimes unstable environment into a source of business development and sustainable growth. We will also talk about difficult decisions, how to maintain the pace of change, and what distinguishes successful transformations from those that fail to deliver the expected impact.

Together with Boris Goncharov, we will speak openly about how cyberattacks can quietly turn into financial losses, how a CFO can recognize early warning signs in time, and how to assess the real cost of an incident. We will show what an attack looks like in practice, review real examples, and discuss what this means for accountability, regulation, and investor trust.

How CFOs turn ESG obligations into Long‑Term Value and Capital Advantage. Exploring how finance leaders integrate sustainability into funding decisions, risk management, performance measurement and investor communication—while navigating increasing regulatory complexity and market expectations.