Navigating Uncertainty: The AFP 2025 Executive Institute for Finance Leaders

The AFP 2025 Executive Institute, supported by PNC Bank, offers an invaluable platform for treasury and finance executives. This premier event is designed to empower leaders in the finance sector with targeted solutions and insights needed to guide their organizations through the complexities of today’s financial landscape. This year’s institute will take place on October 27-28, 2025, and promises to be an inspiring gathering of minds focused on turning uncertainty into opportunity.

As the financial world continues to experience rapid transformations, the Executive Institute provides a curated environment where top-tier treasury and finance professionals can openly discuss challenges and explore innovative strategies. With a focus on leadership and emerging technologies, the program seeks to help executives unlock their potential and lead with confidence.

Keynote Speakers

One of the event highlights includes the keynote speeches from esteemed experts such as Curt Steinhorst, a renowned leadership coach. He will address leaders on the significance of regaining attention as a core leadership skill, emphasizing how this can serve as a competitive edge in an increasingly connected business environment. Steinhorst will share actionable strategies to reclaim focus in order to boost engagement and productivity within teams.

On the following day, Theresa Payton, a former White House Chief Information Officer and cybersecurity authority, will delve into the dual-edged sword that is artificial intelligence. While AI offers transformative opportunities for financial management, it comes with its own set of risks. Payton will unpack these dynamics, equipping leaders with the knowledge to harness AI responsibly while mitigating potential threats.

Comprehensive Programming

In addition to the keynotes, the AFP 2025 Executive Institute will synchronize a number of educational sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities designed specifically for finance executives. These sessions will cover pressing topics, from enhancing supply chains to developing policies for AI usage across borders. The interactive nature of these discussions aims to foster collaboration among peers, promoting the exchange of best practices that can lead to improved strategies back at their organizations.

“Today's leadership landscape is crafted through partnerships and shared knowledge,” expressed Pat Culkin, President & CEO of AFP. He emphasized the necessity of a conducive environment for treasury and finance professionals to connect with like-minded contemporaries, exchanging insights that pave the way for future growth and innovation.

Similarly, Emma Loftus, Executive Vice President and head of Treasury Management at PNC Bank, highlighted the critical role that finance leaders occupy in navigating their organizations through turbulent times. Loftus noted that the AFP Executive Institute is not only a chance to step back from routine responsibilities but also a crucial opportunity for executives to contemplate revolutionary ideas that can influence the direction of the industry.

Attendance at the AFP Executive Institute is restricted to high-level professionals, including CFOs, Vice Presidents of Finance, and Treasurers, ensuring that discussions are relevant and impactful. Interested attendees are encouraged to register by September 19, 2025, to take advantage of early-bird discounts, and secure their spot at this important gathering.

The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), headquartered near Washington D.C. and with a presence in Singapore, is dedicated to enhancing the professional landscape for finance and treasury professionals. By facilitating such initiatives, AFP cultivates excellence and drives innovation in finance, ultimately benefiting organizations and economies alike.

As the uncertainties of the financial landscape persist, events like the AFP 2025 Executive Institute become crucial for equipping leaders with the tools they need to thrive in their roles. Now, more than ever, effective leadership must leverage both innovative technologies and collaborative insights to ensure stability and forward momentum in an unpredictable world.