Business Wire·Feb 3, 2026, 9:00 AM ET

Workiva Executive Benchmark Survey Finds Instability is Accelerating Data Automation and Governance in 2026

Workiva Inc. released its 2026 Executive Benchmark Survey based on responses from 1,497 global professionals in finance, accounting, sustainability, audit, operations, & legal departments.
79% of business leaders prioritize data automation & governance to close enterprise-wide data gaps exposed by geopolitical instability.
73% of organizations report dedicated IT team support for transformation initiatives, while 71% have secured dedicated budgets.
96% of respondents state that C-suite alignment between CFOs, CIOs, & CSOs is imperative to break down data silos & achieve optimal business outcomes.
91% of organizations say AI has improved the timeliness & strategic value of financial decisions.
65% use AI in select components of quarterly or annual disclosures, while 46% use it extensively across the reporting process.
76% of organizations have internal audit teams testing their AI models to ensure oversight & control.
Nearly half of organizations have established Chief Transformation Officers to drive accountability & measurable returns in financial transformation.
Poor data quality is cited as a cause of bad or delayed operational decisions, regulatory fines, legal action, & loss of investor credibility.
96% agree that better access to shared data improves the likelihood of achieving optimal business outcomes.