PodChats for FutureCFO: Building Finance Functions in Unfamiliar Jurisdictions

For CFOs overseeing finance operations across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe, building compliant, scalable finance functions in unfamiliar jurisdictions is a high-stakes challenge. Asset acquisitions, market entries, and decentralized operations demand more than technical expertise—they require navigating fragmented regulations, cultural complexities, and resource constraints while ensuring agility and compliance. From establishing local GAAP reporting to designing anti-fraud controls in multilingual environments, success hinges on balancing global standards with hyperlocal realities. As cross-border complexities grow and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, CFOs must ask: How do we future-proof our finance infrastructure to thrive in uncertain, multi-jurisdictional landscapes?

Joining us on PodChats for FutureCFO is Mr Oleg Koslov, head of internal audit at Modern Mills Company.

1.       How can CFOs harmonise financial reporting and compliance across multiple jurisdictions, balancing global standards like US GAAP and IFRS with local tax regimes and regulatory requirements without overburdening local teams?

2.       What strategies and controls are essential to ensure pricing, contracting, and anti-trust compliance in politically volatile or complex regulatory environments such as Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia?

3.       How can CFOs leverage digital technologies, including AI and machine learning, to automate compliance processes (e.g., ESG reporting, transfer pricing documentation) and enhance finance operations while managing risks like data privacy and algorithmic bias?

4.       What approaches best address talent recruitment and development challenges in regions with acute skill shortages or unfamiliar markets, ensuring culturally aligned, high-performing finance teams?

5.       How should finance functions design agile operational processes-such as accounts payable/receivable and payroll-that can adapt to sudden currency volatility, sanctions, and geopolitical risks across diverse markets?

6.       What role should regional or localised finance hubs play in balancing cost efficiency, regulatory expertise, and the need for centralised oversight versus local autonomy?

7.       How can CFOs proactively manage multi-jurisdictional risks related to geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory landscapes to safeguard financial stability and support growth?

8.       What frameworks and best practices facilitate the integration of finance operations post-acquisition, especially when acquiring specific assets with limited transitional information, to build sustainable, compliant finance functions in unfamiliar jurisdictions?