Navigating the Now, Shaping What’s Next: CFRI 2025 Opens with Insight and Impact
The 2025 Corporate Financial Reporting Insights (CFRI) Conference, hosted virtually by Financial Executives International (FEI), kicked off on November 11 with a powerful focus on “Navigating Global Change.” As the first of three high-impact days, Day 1 brought together more than 2,500 finance and accounting professionals to engage with the most pressing developments shaping the future of the finance function.
Keynote Spotlight: Phil Mackintosh on Economic and Geopolitical Shifts
The day’s centerpiece was the keynote address by Phil Mackintosh, Chief Economist at Nasdaq. Mackintosh delivered a candid and data-driven analysis of the current economic landscape, focusing on the interplay between tariffs, inflation, labor markets, and global supply chains.
He began by polling the audience on their economic outlook and concerns, revealing a mix of cautious optimism and persistent challenges, particularly around inflation and tariffs. Mackintosh noted that while inflation has moderated from pandemic highs, input prices and labor quality remain top concerns for finance leaders.
Delving into the impact of tariffs, Mackintosh explained how recent policy changes have driven U.S. tariff rates to their highest levels in decades, fundamentally altering the landscape for manufacturers and importers. He discussed the dual role of tariffs in addressing both fiscal and trade deficits, highlighting the complexities of balancing government debt, tax revenues, and spending on social programs.
Mackintosh also explored the long-term decline in U.S. manufacturing employment, the rise of automation, and the parallels with today’s advances in artificial intelligence. He emphasized that while tariffs are intended to support domestic industry, global cost advantages and supply chain dynamics mean that reshoring manufacturing remains a nuanced challenge.
Throughout the keynote, Mackintosh engaged attendees with real-time polling and comparative data, illustrating how U.S. consumers, businesses, and foreign exporters are each absorbing the effects of tariffs in different ways. He concluded by underscoring the importance of adaptability and strategic foresight for finance leaders navigating an era of rapid change.
Looking Ahead
As the conference continues, attendees can look forward to deep dives into regulatory and standard-setting developments (Day 2) and the transformative impact of technology and AI on finance (Day 3). With a lineup of distinguished speakers—including regulators, Fortune 500 CFOs, and thought leaders in technology—CFRI 2025 remains the premier event for financial reporting leaders seeking to anticipate change, manage complexity, and lead with confidence.