Success often comes from establishing a clear path forward, aligning teams around shared objectives and enabling teams to deliver with autonomy.
The 12th annual APAC CFO & Treasurers Forum brought together more than 240 CFOs and treasurers from over 200 leading corporations across 11 APAC markets. As the region's premier gathering for finance leaders, the Forum offered a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices and navigate today's market volatility.
Highlights from the J.P. Morgan APAC CFO & Treasurers Forum 2026
APAC’s growth story and the path ahead
The outlook for APAC remains constructive despite recent tariffs and energy-related headwinds. Discussions at the Forum highlighted the region's resilience, supported by diversified energy sources, strong growth momentum and its growing role in the global AI ecosystem.
One of the strongest drivers of growth has been the rise in technology exports, first through volumes and increasingly through prices. In tech-oriented markets, such as South Korea and Taiwan, the momentum is now extending beyond exports into investment, supporting capacity expansion and GDP growth.
At the same time, the region's growth trajectory remains uneven. While tech-led economies are seeing the benefits of increased investment, the broader economic impact on employment, wages and consumption is expected to build over time.
Stronger growth could boost government revenues, giving policymakers more flexibility to support economic activity. The key test will be whether the current investment boom can translate into broader benefits for households, employment and consumer spending.
“While market conditions continue to evolve, the growth opportunities across APAC remain significant. Our role is to help clients navigate complexity, unlock new opportunities and grow with confidence across markets and sectors.”
Kerwin Clayton
Co-Head of Global Corporate Banking, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan
For CFOs and treasurers, the environment remains increasingly complex. Higher funding costs, persistent inflation and greater policy intervention are reshaping the operating landscape. In response, business leaders will need to maintain financial flexibility, stress-test assumptions and remain agile as conditions evolve.
Transforming business in the AI era
A recurring theme throughout the Forum was the importance of AI in reshaping how organizations make decisions, redesign workflows and create lasting value.
The discussion also touched on how AI is helping the transportation sector. AI-powered assistants are increasingly handling routine customer inquiries, allowing employees to focus on more complex and value-added interactions. Beyond automation, AI is helping organizations redesign workflows and better allocate work between people and technology, improving both customer service and operational efficiency.
As AI becomes cheaper and more widely available, success will depend less on having the technology and more on how companies use it through their data, expertise and ways of working. For business leaders, the priority is clear: embrace AI as a catalyst for business transformation, not just productivity improvement.
Four takes on leadership in a changing world
“The best personal investment we can make is in our brain health. As leaders, our ability to learn, adapt and challenge our thinking is what enables us to navigate change and seize new opportunities.”
Oliver Brinkmann
Co-Head of Global Corporate Banking, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan
Leadership is about navigating trade-offs. Long-term success comes from balancing the needs of stakeholders while creating sustainable value.
Meaningful progress requires the courage to question established practices and embrace change.
Clear thinking, resilience and adaptability are critical leadership advantages. Prioritizing brain health through regular exercise, quality sleep, effective stress management and continuous learning can help leaders perform at their best.
Contact us
Learn more about J.P. Morgan Global Corporate Banking.
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