Netherlands CFOs growing more optimistic despite concerns about business climate

Chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Netherlands have many concerns about the local business climate, global tensions, and the economy, but their optimism is increasing. Nearly 40 percent are more optimistic about their organization’s financial prospects than they were six months ago, according to the most recent edition of the biannual Deloitte CFO Survey.

After several years of economic uncertainty, profitability increased more than expected since the COVID-19 pandemic. And more and more CFOs expect this to remain the case in the coming period, Deloitte found in its survey of over 1,100 Dutch CFOs.

However, many CFOs are worried about the uncertain political situation in the Netherlands and its impact on the business climate. Many said they were closely monitoring developments related to talent availability, the tax climate, energy security, and regulations regarding CO2 and nitrogen.

CFOs consider widespread staff shortages in the Dutch labor market as the biggest risk that could disrupt the local business environment - 62 percent mentioned it as a risk. That combined with the very pronounced anti-immigration stance of three of the four parties currently negotiating a new Dutch Cabinet, has many CFOs concerned. Companies have postponed investments for growth in the Netherlands, and increasing numbers are opting for internationalization to reduce the local political risks.

CFOs are also worried about increasing geopolitical tensions (49 percent) and the still-recovering economy (46 percent).