To have any chance of success as a business, regulatory compliance must be a prominent part of daily operations. Regulations act as guardrails designed to protect people or organizations from harm. Some regulations can help businesses protect the health of the people they serve or employ, while others may aim to increase transparency of the company’s dealings.

Each decision a business makes either creates or mitigates risk, making the need for risk management a critical element of strategic business operations. Risk management is a requirement for many organ

Companies often reach a point where they decide to restructure in some form. While corporate restructuring can be associated with failing performance and a need to cut back, there are many types of restructuring that can be beneficial when done with care, accuracy and transparency. Spin-offs are a good example. 

The global capital markets are entering 2026 in a notably different posture after several years of pronounced volatility. Inflation shocks, rapid interest rate hikes, and geopolitical uncertainty defined the 2022–2024 period, forcing issuers and investors into defensive, short-term decision-making.

Market conditions continue to evolve, and so do the strategies dealmakers use to navigate them. DFIN Venue's new Leading Through Innovation Infographic breaks down the latest data across IPOs, M&A, SPACs, and private capital to give you a clear view of what’s ahead. 

See why buy side, sell side, and fundraising confidence is rising and how senior decision makers are increasing investments in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity as deal activity accelerates.

Private equity (PE) continues to be a cornerstone of global M&A and capital markets, shaping how businesses operate, grow, and transform.

As we begin 2026, capital markets are reopening, but they are doing so selectively. IPO and M&A activity is returning, not in broad waves, but through narrower execution windows. Companies with predictable revenue models, disciplined cost structures, and credible governance frameworks are well positioned in this environment. Simply put, the companies that win are the ones that have already invested in ongoing compliance readiness as well as transaction readiness.

Corporate structures are constantly evolving as organizations adapt to market pressures, regulatory expectations, and long-term strategic goals.

DFIN’s 2026 CFO Guide highlights key findings from DFIN’s annual survey of over 180 finance leaders, from VPs to CFOs, offering an in-depth forecast of the macrotrends, operational challenges, and strategic priorities shaping the future of financial leadership.

This year’s report highlights a pivotal year for finance leaders—one defined by accelerating innovation, heightened regulatory pressures, and a renewed push for operational resilience.

Companies need funds to operate, and there are points where revenue generation simply will not meet the mark. Businesses that want to fund organic growth into new markets, products or facilities often require more funding than they can get through normal business operations.