Nexia Global Growth Insights Survey 2026: Businesses embrace a new era of measured growth

Nexia Global Growth Insights Survey 2026: Businesses embrace a new era of measured growth

In a world full of constant shocks, how are growing companies balancing ambition and risk? Business leaders are entering a new era of measured growth, according to the inaugural Nexia Global Growth Insights Survey 2026.

The research shows that mid-market companies remain ambitious despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty, but are increasingly prioritising sustainable, achievable growth over high-risk expansion.

Developed by Nexia, our leading global network of independent accounting and consulting firms, this inaugural report captures the views of 179 businesses across 118 countries. More than 70% of respondents were owners, directors or C-suite executives, providing insights from those directly responsible for strategy, investment and growth decisions.

The report explores key themes including:

• Business confidence and growth expectations
• The role of AI and emerging technologies
• Sustainability and long-term value creation
• The challenges leaders expect to face in the years ahead

Key facts

• 61% expect revenue growth of 5 – 20% over the next 12 months
• 54% describe their strategy for the year ahead as ambitious
• 83% are confident they will achieve their growth ambitions
• Team capability is the number one internal driver of growth
• Businesses continue to pursue international expansion despite global uncertainty

Nexia Christchurch CEO, Amy Murdoch says “the survey shows that businesses are not becoming less ambitious – they are becoming smarter about growth. Companies are focusing on sustainable expansion, investing in their people and making disciplined strategic decisions in an uncertain world.”

Rather than chasing rapid expansion at any cost, leaders are focusing on:

• setting achievable growth targets
• strengthening internal capability
• understanding their markets
• investing in technology and innovation
• using specialist expertise when needed

How does APAC compare to the rest of the world?

• Asia-Pacific data show geographic expansion is less of a priority with 30% of organisations in APAC expecting to move into new geographic markets this year vs 37% in Europe
• 11% of APAC respondents believe their leadership team have an ‘aggressive’ attitude towards growth, vs 7% globally, while a further 49% characterise their approach as ‘ambitious’
• 60% of APAC organisations see AI investments as either ‘fundamental’ or ‘important’ vs 49% globally, while only 4% see it as ‘not at all’ or ‘not that’ important
• APAC organisations expect growth with only 2% forecasting zero growth in the next months, vs 9% in Europe

Download the Nexia Global Growth Insights Survey 2026 here.

The Nexia Global Growth Insights Survey 2026 gathered responses from leaders of predominantly mid-sized companies across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Conducted during Q1 2026, the survey included 179 organisations across 118 countries representing approximately 213,000 employees worldwide.