Confidence among the Asia-Pacific’s accountants fell back in the third quarter of 2026, with costs still above average and more expecting interest rates to rise.
According to the latest Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) from the Association of Chartered
Certified Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants, the fall in the region may reflect renewed Middle East tensions and the rebound in energy prices, but the key indicators generally point to a constructive picture.
Meanwhile, the study revealed that geopolitical instability is the top risk priority for finance professionals in the region, ranked first by 24.1% of respondents in the region, compared with 18.4% globally, where economic pressures lead at 24.4%.
APAC also expresses concerns on talent and skills, as well as supply chain disruption, with several respondents in the region describing how climate change could disrupt supplies and services.
Further, cost pressures remain a concern for businesses in the region, as 62% of Asia Pacific respondents reported increased operating costs in the three-month period, down from Q2 but still meaningfully above the series average of 52%.
Resilient economic activity and elevated cost pressures may increase pressure on the region’s central banks to tighten policy: 41% of respondents expect interest rates to rise in their country over the next three months, up from 24% in Q1 and 30% in Q2.
If borrowing costs increase, businesses could face additional pressure on financing expenses, working capital and investment decisions. Accountants will therefore play an important role in evaluating financing options, assessing the affordability of planned investments and helping leadership teams prepare for different economic scenarios.
