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The results of the EY study show that financial sector leaders started 2026 with the belief that are capable of driving growth and creating valuedespite the continuing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
They perceive the prospects of the entire sector positively (59%), although only 27%. has confidence in forecasts for the global economy. In the case of banks, 61 percent CEOs are optimistic about global economic growth. In other industries, this position was taken by 68 percent. respondents.
More than one-fifth (21%) of financial sector CEOs expect significant year-over-year growth in revenues and profitability, and 46% predicts a significant increase in efficiency, even though 23 percent is afraid of rising costs compared to 2025.
Leaders of financial companies believe that the results of their organizations will depend primarily on the decisions they make – the clarity of strategy, the effectiveness of implementation and the quality of transformation programs set in a constantly demanding macroeconomic environment.
– says Magda Warpas, EY partner in the Financial Sector Advisory Department.
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AI brings better results than expected
Investments in AI in the financial sector in 2026 will not consist solely in pilot projects. CEO Outlook showed that these will be initiatives on a larger scale, because according to 45 percent CEOs are the most important factor influencing the resilience and adaptability of their organizations.
As many as a quarter said that AI significantly exceeded expectations, and for 57 percent its effects were better than expected. In the case of banks, as much as 81 percent The CEO stated that artificial intelligence brought more value. Within two years, 30 percent EY survey respondents expect that AI will change their companies' ability to create value, and 63 percent it hopes to lead to significant operational improvements.
Among the technologies being implemented, generative AI (GenAI) came first. More than half of respondents (53%) said it would bring the greatest transformational benefits. It is closely followed by machine learning (45%) and agent-based AI (38%).
The study showed that activities related to AI are the subject of special attention of management boards of companies from the financial sector – 76%. expects that metrics related to the return on investment in transformation will be tracked and verified as frequently as financial results. As much as 84 percent it also said it is prioritizing the responsible and ethical implementation of AI, even if it slows profits.
— The experience of many institutions shows that point implementations of AI tools, such as copilots or agents, rarely bring tangible results unless they are accompanied by a deep process reconstruction. The key challenge for banks will be organizational preparation: redesigning processes around AI, developing a new division of work between people and technology, and actually relieving employees of routine tasks. It is a complex and multi-year process, requiring consistency and investment, but potentially important from the point of view of increasing productivity and cost control, says Warpas.
Talent remains a key element of AI-based transformation, but 87 percent surveyed CEOs are optimistic about their ability to attract and retain employees in 2026. More than half (60%) said that investments in AI will lead to maintaining or increasing employment. Only 28 percent was of the opposite opinion – artificial intelligence will reduce employment in 2026.
Mergers and acquisitions are an important element of the strategy
After a year of planning, financial sector CEOs intend to become more actively involved in mergers and acquisitions or strategic partnerships. Eight out of ten CEOs, including 77 percent bankers, claimed to have adjusted their investment plans due to geopolitical and trade uncertainty. Almost 1/3 (32%) of respondents accelerated their actions, but the same number delayed them. Among bank presidents, 45 percent are planning mergers and acquisitions within the year, and 89 percent wants to establish strategic partnerships or joint ventures. 18% withdrew from some markets. all surveyed CEOs of the financial sector, and 24 percent started operating in new geographical areas.
The main reason for M&A transactions will be business optimization, revenue growth and improved customer engagement and retention. For those companies that plan to sell assets, savings are to be a priority factor.
Despite uncertain geopolitical and economic conditions, companies from the financial sector show great interest in mergers and acquisitions. But it is equally important to communicate clearly with investors, presenting them with a development strategy and showing measurable goals. In this way, the sector builds market confidence, and investor sentiment influences the final valuations of companies, adds Warpas.
About the study
An anonymous survey of 1,200 CEOs of large companies from around the world, including 240 from the financial sector, was conducted on behalf of EY by the specialized research and marketing department of the Financial Times Group – FT Longitude. Respondents represented 21 countries (Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea) and five industries (consumer products, healthcare, financial services, industrials, energy, infrastructure, media and telecommunications). The annual revenues of the surveyed companies were as follows: below USD 500 million (20%), USD 500–999.9 million (21%), USD 1–4.9 billion (29%) and over USD 5 billion (30%).
