Tim Aman
Global Leader, Fintech
National Leader, Financial Services
National Leader, Financial Services
Australia's financial services leaders remain optimistic about the future, but they're becoming more deliberate in how they invest, manage risk and prepare for uncertainty.
BDO's second annual Financial Services Survey explores how senior leaders across banking, insurance, wealth and asset management, and fintech are responding to economic uncertainty, artificial intelligence, regulatory complexity and evolving financial crime threats.
Access the full findings, expert commentary and industry perspectives.
Hear from Tim Aman - National Leader, Financial Services
This year's Financial Services Survey revealed something that may surprise many. 72 per cent of financial services leaders remain optimistic about the Australian economy. Yet confidence doesn't mean certainty.
In this short video, Tim Aman shares the key themes emerging from the research and why it matters for the future of the sector. Explore the findings and see what leaders across the industry are preparing for next.
of financial services leaders are optimistic about the Australian economy over the next 12 months
report operational efficiency gains from AI adoption
expect compliance costs to increase over the next 12 months
identify AI-enabled scams and deepfakes as one of the biggest financial crime challenges facing their organisation.
The findings from BDO's 2026 Financial Services Survey suggest Australia's financial services sector remains confident about its future, but leaders are approaching growth and investment more carefully than they were 12 months ago. While organisations continue to invest in innovation, customer acquisition and long-term capability, there is growing emphasis on resilience, flexibility and preparedness for uncertainty.
One of the strongest themes emerging from this year's research is that financial services organisations are increasingly building strategies around multiple possible futures, rather than relying on a single economic outlook. Respondents reported adapting plans, reassessing priorities and becoming more deliberate about where they deploy capital and resources.
Explore the trends reshaping financial services and how organisations are responding.
This year's report includes insights from specialists across economics, financial services, digital transformation, people advisory, regulation, financial crime and risk.
Featured contributors include:
Tim Aman
Anders Magnusson
Nick Kervin
Julianne Kennedy
Ella White
Geoff Rooney
Katie Bourne
Matt McQueen
Whether you're navigating regulatory change, exploring AI opportunities, responding to financial crime risk or planning for growth, BDO's Financial Services team can help.
Our Financial Services team is at the heart of supporting financial services clients through this period of change.
Whether it’s preparing for new regulations, navigating new tax requirements, expanding into new markets, or building future-ready strategies, our team brings together deep expertise across audit, assurance, tax, regulatory advisory, and technology.
We’re proud to help clients turn complexity into confidence and unlock opportunities for growth and resilience.
As we continue to support our clients, these insights reinforce the importance of a holistic approach - combining innovation, compliance, cyber security, and human-centred transformation.