Leadership

Reading the Signals: Keynote Insights on the Economic, Leadership, and AI Forces Shaping Corporate Finance


by FEI Staff

Explore the top keynote sessions at FEI’s Corporate Financial Reporting Insights (CFRI) Conference, featuring insights from Nasdaq Chief Economist Phil Mackintosh on global market trends, AT&T CFO Pascal Desroches on leadership and policy, and AI strategist Sol Rashidi on scaling artificial intelligence in finance.

In today’s dynamic financial environment, economic shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancement are reshaping the role of finance leaders at public companies. Navigating this complexity requires more than technical expertise – it demands strategic insight, adaptability, and a clear understanding of the forces driving change. 

The Corporate Financial Reporting Insights (CFRI) Conference, hosted by Financial Executives International (FEI) from November 11–13, 2025, offers finance and accounting professionals a unique opportunity to gain that insight. This premier virtual event brings together leading voices in economics, finance, and technology to help attendees interpret market signals and prepare for the future. 

Phil Mackintosh: Making Sense of Market and Economic Volatility 

One of the most anticipated sessions features Phil Mackintosh, Chief Economist at Nasdaq, presenting “Navigating Global Change: A Market and Economic Outlook.” Mackintosh will explore the macroeconomic and geopolitical forces reshaping the business environment — including interest rate trends, market dynamics, regulatory developments, and their strategic implications for public companies. 

Known for his ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, Mackintosh’s session is essential for professionals involved in financial planning, reporting, and investor relations. Attendees will earn 1 CPE credit in Economics. 

Pascal Desroches: Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines of Finance 

The conference also features a fireside chat with Pascal Desroches, Chief Financial Officer at AT&T, moderated by Sabrina Sanders, Chief Accounting Officer at AT&T. In “Leading Through Change: Insights from CFO Pascal Desroches on Navigating Policy, Practice, and Leadership,” Desroches will reflect on his career spanning public accounting, regulatory service at the SEC, and executive leadership at major media and telecommunications companies. 

This candid conversation will offer valuable perspectives on leadership, decision-making, and navigating complexity in today’s evolving business environment. Attendees will earn 1 CPE credit in Management Services. 

Sol Rashidi: Scaling AI from Vision to Value 

Technology and AI are transforming the finance function, and Sol Rashidi, renowned technology and AI leader, will address this transformation in her keynote, “Scaling AI with Sol Rashidi: From Vision to Value.” Drawing on her experience leading AI and data initiatives at IBM, Estée Lauder, Merck, Sony, Royal Caribbean, and AWS, Rashidi will share real-world insights into scaling AI within large organizations. 

Topics will include team structure, data governance, investment prioritization, and aligning AI strategies with broader business goals. Attendees will earn 1 CPE credit in Information Technology. 

Why CFRI Is Essential for Finance Leaders at Public Companies 

CFRI is designed for finance and accounting professionals at public companies who must stay ahead of regulatory changes, economic shifts, and emerging technologies. This year’s themes include: 

  • Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty 

  • Regulatory and Standard-Setting Updates 

  • Technology, Transformation, and the Future of Finance

With up to 15 CPE credits available, CFRI offers both strategic insight and professional development. Attendees will hear from regulators (SEC, FASB, PCAOB), Fortune 500 CFOs and CAOs, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of finance. 

Register for CFRI 2025 

FEI’s Corporate Financial Reporting Insights Conference provides a platform for finance leaders to gain clarity, anticipate change, and lead with confidence. From economic outlooks to leadership strategies and AI transformation, CFRI 2025 delivers the insights needed to navigate today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Register today to join the conversation and connect with peers and experts who are driving the future of corporate finance.