News & Insights

The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has transformed significantly. CFOs are no longer limited to traditional financial stewardship; instead, they have become central figures in driving strategic growth and innovation within organizations.

Historically, CFOs were primarily responsible for financial reporting and risk management. Today, they play a critical role in strategic decision-making. According to Gartner, CFOs are increasingly expected to align their organization's cost structure with unique capabilities and to act as executive champions in enterprise-wide data and analytics governance.

This shift is further illustrated by the rising number of CFOs transitioning into CEO roles. A 2023 survey by Heidrick & Struggles revealed that nearly one-third of FTSE 100 CEOs were former CFOs, an increase from 21% in 2019.

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On May 7, 2025, According to NBC News, The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced its decision to maintain the federal funds rate at the current range of 4.25% to 4.50%. This marks the third consecutive meeting where the Fed has held rates steady, reflecting a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

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Neglecting mental health in the workplace can have considerable financial consequences. According to the National Institutes of Health in the United States, untreated mental illness costs businesses up to $193.2 billion annually due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare expenses. Likewise, according to Deloitte in the United Kingdom, poor mental health among employees costs employers approximately £51 billion each year, with presenteeism—when employees work while unwell—accounting for around £24 billion of this total.

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Women entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping the business landscape, with approximately 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., representing 42% of all companies, according to Psychology Today. However, the entrepreneurial journey often presents unique mental health challenges for women, stemming from societal expectations, systemic biases, and the various roles they undertake.

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Entrepreneurship is exhilarating, but for small business owners, it often comes with a significant mental toll. Juggling multiple responsibilities, managing cash flow, and making high-stakes decisions frequently leaves little room for self-care or emotional support. A study by UC Berkeley revealed that 72% of entrepreneurs experience mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout, highlighting the prevalence of these struggles among founders.

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The banks in the Phoenix area with the fastest-growing commercial and industrial loan portfolios reported loans valued at $1.167 trillion as of Sept. 30, marking a 1.481% increase over what was reported in the year-earlier period.

The online version of this ranking expands beyond what appears in print; another 16 lenders are included in our digital rankings, in addition to the 40 featured in this week's print edition.

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The banks operating in the Phoenix area hold more than $8 trillion in total combined deposits as of Dec. 31, 2024, marking a 1.46% increase over what was reported in the year-earlier period.

The online version of this ranking expands beyond what appears in print; another 36 banks are included in our digital rankings, in addition to the 20 featured in this week's print edition.

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For businesses, strong leadership is one of the defining factors in achieving success. While leadership can be cultivated through various experiences, military training can provide effective and time-tested principles that, in some cases, can beseamlessly transition into the corporate environment. According to the United States Census Bureau, Veterans own about 5.4% of the nation’s employer businesses, generating approximately $922 billion in revenue, which underscores the significant impact of military-honed leadership skills in business.

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Arizona’s technology sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation characterized by significant job growth, strategic investments, and a committed focus on diversity and inclusion. The latest Arizona Technology Industry Impact Report for Q4 2024, based on quarterly data from Lightcast, provides an in-depth look at these emerging trends that are establishing the state as a key player in the national tech landscape.

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Military leaders engage in rigorous strategic planning before executing any mission. Similarly, business leaders must anticipate market trends, assess risks, and devise long-term strategies to remain competitive. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 70% of organizations that execute strategic planning report higher revenue growth compared to those that don’t. By adopting military-style scenario planning, businesses can prepare for uncertainties and pivot effectively when challenges arise.

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