Outsourced CFO says that 2026 presents a strategic opportunity for businesses prepared to plan, invest and expand

The global business environment heading into 2026 is opening up meaningful opportunities. According to Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial consultancy firm specialising in fractional and outsourced CFO services, organisations that plan decisively and invest with confidence are better positioned to benefit than those taking an overly cautious approach.

According to Etienne Raubenheimer, Executive Head of CFO Services at OCFO, businesses will continue to operate against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, uneven economic growth and ongoing cost pressures. However, he believes these conditions are increasingly favouring organisations that combine ambition with disciplined financial planning.

“Uncertainty does not automatically mean risk,” said Raubenheimer. “For businesses that understand their numbers and plan properly, 2026 can be a year to move forward while others hesitate.”

Raubenheimer notes that many organisations are entering 2026 with stronger foundations than they realise. Balance sheets have been stabilised, cost structures refined and financial systems improved over recent years. This has created a platform from which businesses can pursue selective expansion, whether through new markets, product development, acquisitions or targeted investment in people and technology.

Financial planning for 2026 is therefore less about aggressive growth and more about intelligent expansion. Businesses are focusing on profitability, cash flow resilience and return on investment, supported by detailed forecasting and scenario planning. This allows leadership teams to act with confidence when opportunities arise, while maintaining control in volatile conditions.

“Growth in 2026 is about precision,” Raubenheimer said. “It is about knowing where to invest, when to invest and how each decision impacts cash flow and long-term value.”

He adds that access to high-quality financial insight will be one of the most significant differentiators in the year ahead. Historically, this level of insight has been available primarily to larger organisations with the resources to employ full-time, senior finance leadership. Today, fractional and outsourced CFO models are changing that dynamic.

“An outsourced CFO gives smaller and mid-sized businesses access to the same level of strategic financial insight that has traditionally been reserved for larger firms,” Raubenheimer said. “That levels the playing field and allows growing organisations to make decisions with the same rigour and foresight as much bigger competitors.”

By working with a fractional CFO, businesses are able to align financial strategy closely with operational goals, without the cost or commitment of a full-time appointment. This approach provides flexibility, senior expertise and objective insight, enabling businesses to pursue growth opportunities with greater clarity and confidence.

Technology continues to underpin this shift. Real-time financial data, cloud-based accounting platforms and integrated reporting tools are now essential infrastructure for businesses seeking to remain agile. Organisations with timely, accurate information are better positioned to manage risk, identify opportunity and scale responsibly.

From a workforce perspective, Raubenheimer expects continued pressure on specialist skills and productivity in 2026. Businesses are responding by focusing on efficiency, flexible resourcing models and more deliberate capital allocation. Financial leadership plays a critical role in ensuring these decisions support sustainable growth rather than short-term cost reduction.

The outlook for 2026 also reflects rising expectations around governance, transparency and financial discipline. Investors, lenders and partners are placing greater emphasis on credible forecasts, robust controls and clear planning assumptions. Businesses that demonstrate financial maturity are finding it easier to attract capital and build long-term partnerships.

“Trust is increasingly built on financial clarity,” Raubenheimer said. “Businesses that can clearly articulate where they are, where they are going and how they plan to get there are in a much stronger position.”

Looking ahead, Raubenheimer believes the businesses that succeed in 2026 will be those that combine realism with confidence. While external risks remain, organisations that plan carefully and act decisively can use the current environment to strengthen their market position.

“2026 is not about reckless expansion,” he said. “It is about using insight, planning and financial leadership to grow with purpose.”

OCFO works with businesses globally, providing CFO services and cloud accounting solutions that help organisations improve financial visibility, strengthen controls and support informed decision-making. Businesses seeking guidance on planning and growth in the year ahead can find further information and arrange an initial consultation with the OCFO team via the company’s website at www.ocfo.com.

About Outsourced CFOOutsourced CFO is a global financial advisory firm supporting more than 1,300 organisations across over 25 industries. From its roots in South Africa, the company has expanded internationally and now boasts a presence in Cape Town, London, and New York. Outsourced CFO provides a complete suite of services including outsourced CFO support, accounting, compliance, strategic financial guidance, and talent placement. By combining deep financial expertise with modern technology, the firm helps entrepreneurs and high-growth companies gain clarity, raise capital, and build sustainable businesses.