SINGAPORE, October 10, 2025 – Asia-Pacific companies are showing greater caution in pursuing major transactions compared to their North American peers, as new research highlights persistent readiness gaps in governance, data management, and deal execution.
The findings come from the study Ready for the Deal: Transaction Readiness in Turbulent Times, conducted by the Diligent Institute in partnership with Wilson Sonsini, Oracle NetSuite, CFO Alliance, and the CFO Leadership Council. The global survey of 233 executives included 12% based in the Asia-Pacific region.
Economic and Geopolitical Turbulence a Top Concern in APAC
While global business leaders cite limited resources (56%) and economic uncertainty (35%) as major obstacles to transaction readiness, APAC companies were more likely than North American counterparts to highlight geopolitical and economic turbulence as a top concern (39% vs 30%).
The report suggests that Asia-Pacific organisations, often operating in dynamic markets with shifting regulations and cross-border complexities, face added hurdles in ensuring readiness for M&A and strategic deals.
Focus on Data Quality and Governance
One of the defining gaps highlighted for companies in Asia-Pacific is data quality and availability. Respondents outside North America – including those in APAC – were more focused on enhancing data quality (40% vs 31% in North America). This reflects a regional push towards strengthening governance structures and building reliable transaction data, particularly as regulators in markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia demand greater transparency.
“Transaction readiness requires integrated preparation across people, processes, and technology,” said Nithya Das, General Manager and Chief Legal Officer at Diligent. “In uncertain markets, comprehensive readiness separates successful deals from missed opportunities.”
Leadership Patterns Differ in APAC
The survey also found differences in transaction leadership. Outside North America, CFOs (31%) and corporate development officers (24%) were more likely to take the lead on deals, compared to 26% and 17% respectively in North America. This suggests that in APAC, financial leaders and specialised deal teams are increasingly critical in steering M&A and partnership strategies.
Meanwhile, CEOs remain central to deal-making globally, leading 77% of transactions, but the APAC trend reflects a wider distribution of responsibility across finance and corporate development functions.
Slower Pace of M&A
The data indicates that companies outside North America – including those in Asia-Pacific – are less acquisitive overall, with only 24% pursuing targeted acquisitions, compared to 39% in North America. This cautious stance reflects regional headwinds, from weaker IPO pipelines to heightened regulatory scrutiny.
As one survey respondent noted, “We need to strengthen our governance structures to suit the current VUCA environment.”
The Way Forward for APAC
For Asia-Pacific companies, the report underscores the need to:
– Invest in data quality and digital infrastructure, reducing reliance on manual, analogue transaction processes.
– Strengthen governance frameworks and board engagement to ensure clarity on transaction strategies.
– Equip CFOs and corporate development teams with tools and resources to lead complex deal evaluations.
“Economic turbulence doesn’t just test strategy—it tests resiliency,” said Jack McCullough, Founder and President of the CFO Leadership Council. “The companies that navigate uncertainty best are those with the infrastructure, talent, and culture to adjust course rapidly and with confidence.”
Survey Reveals APAC Firms Face Added Complexity in Pursuing Strategic Transactions
