Accountants Brace for 2026 with Caution Amid Subdued Global Outlook

Kuala Lumpur, January 23, 2026 – Finance professionals worldwide are entering 2026 cautiously, according to the latest ACCA and IMA Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) for Q4 2025. Global economic confidence remains subdued, with the New Orders Index declining for the third straight quarter, signaling potential slowdown, though above pandemic lows.

CFO confidence improved slightly but stays below norms, amid risks like geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions.In contrast, Asia Pacific (APAC) sentiment rose to its highest since Q2 2024, providing a counterbalance.

Accountants and global outlook

The Capital Expenditure Index climbed for the third quarter, and Employment Index ticked up, while operating costs eased, hinting at room for monetary easing. Jonathan Ashworth, ACCA Chief Economist, noted, “Accountants remain cautious entering 2026, amid a highly uncertain global backdrop… But there remains significant uncertainty, amid a wide array of risks.”

Malaysia stands out with robust growth: Q4 expanded 5.7%, lifting 2025 to 4.9%, driven by domestic demand, services, manufacturing, and E&E exports surging 26.5% in October due to AI demand. Stable labor markets, low inflation (1.3–2.0%), Budget 2026 (RM419.2 billion), and Visit Malaysia Year bolster optimism.

Top risks

Andrew Lim, ACCA Portfolio Head for Maritime Southeast Asia, said, “Malaysia’s resilience… allows finance teams to approach 2026 with informed optimism.” Top risks include economic pressures, cyber disruptions, and geopolitics.

Business News