6 ways CFOs can plan for uncertainty with confidence

A supportive guide to help finance leaders prepare for risks, protect their organizations, and keep teams moving forward.

Every finance leader knows that risk comes with the job. While you can’t predict every curveball the market or the world may throw, you can prepare for the challenges most likely to come your way. The good news? By planning and keeping a clear view of your priorities, you can help your organization weather uncertainty and even uncover new growth opportunities. Here are six areas that CFOs often face — and practical ways to strengthen your resilience in each one.  

1. Keep steady, even when the economy is uncertain

Markets shift. Inflation rises and falls. Forecasts get disrupted. These changes are outside your control, but your response isn’t. By pressure-testing your plans, running “what-if” scenarios, and staying flexible with budgets, you can help your company adapt quickly when conditions change. Think of it as building financial muscle memory, so your team knows how to respond when the unexpected happens.

2. Have more than one way to access capital

Access to capital fuels growth, but it’s not always guaranteed. Lenders may tighten standards, investors may wait for the “right moment,” and funding windows can open and close quickly. As CFO, you can prepare by keeping cash flow strong, exploring multiple business financing options, and having a plan B (and C) ready. That way, your company stays resilient, even when outside conditions shift.

3. Navigate global events with clarity and proactive communications

From elections to international conflicts, global events can ripple through supply chains, customer demand, and investor confidence. You can’t plan for every headline, but you can decide in advance how your organization will respond. Clear contingency plans and proactive communication help your people feel supported and your stakeholders stay confident.

Global events can also add uncertainty to cross-border relationships, but you don’t have to manage that risk alone. M&T can help you secure better payment terms with foreign suppliers and reduce the risks of international trade, so your organization stays steady even when conditions shift.

4. Protect against, and budget for, cyber threats

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a financial and reputational one, too. Attacks are more sophisticated than ever, and the costs can add up quickly. By working closely with security teams, setting clear budgets, and rehearsing incident responses, you can help your company stay ready. Even simple steps, like ensuring cross-team coordination and measuring the impact of your cyber spend, can give you confidence that the organization is better protected.

Cyber risks can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. With M&T’s layered security measures and proactive safeguards, you can help protect your organization from evolving threats and plan with greater confidence.

5. Use AI wisely so it doesn’t expose your organization to risks

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate. The pressure to adopt is real, but so are the risks if you move too quickly or without the right guardrails. As CFO, you’re in a unique position to balance innovation with accountability. Encourage teams to explore AI with curiosity, but also set clear

expectations around data quality, bias checks, and cost management. Done well, AI can free up capacity and deliver insights, without exposing the organization to unnecessary risks.

6. Guide, celebrate, and support your teams

Uncertainty doesn’t just affect the numbers. It also impacts the people behind them. When risks loom, your finance team may feel the pressure of shifting priorities and heightened expectations. One of the most powerful steps you can take is to keep your team grounded. Share the “why” behind decisions, encourage open conversations about challenges, and recognize the effort it takes to manage through complexity.

Check-ins, clear communication, and celebrating progress, even small wins, help your people stay motivated and aligned. By investing in your team’s resilience, you strengthen not only their performance but also your organization’s ability to adapt and thrive when conditions change.

Business resilience is key

Risks will always be part of the landscape for CFOs. But with preparation, you can guide your organization – and your team – through uncertainty with steadiness and clarity. By focusing on these six areas, you’ll not only protect against potential setbacks, you’ll also build a stronger, more resilient foundation for long-term success. Visit our International Banking section for more help to maximize global opportunities with fewer risks.