Navigating Global Tax Challenges: Insights from the Global CFO Roundtable

The recent Global CFO Roundtable, brought together leading experts to discuss the evolving landscape of international taxation and the challenges facing multinational groups. Among the key speakers was Alessandro Valente, whose contribution shed light on critical developments in global tax policy and their implications for CFOs.

The session covered three major themes: the OECD/G20 Global Minimum Tax (Pillar Two), the modernisation of transfer pricing rules, and the new corporate tax regime in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The Global Minimum Tax: Policy vs. Practice

Participants analysed the implementation of the OECD’s Pillar Two rules, stressing the gap between policy intentions and real-world application. While the initiative aims to ensure a global minimum tax of 15%, practical issues remain:

• How different jurisdictions are transposing the rules into domestic law
• The administrative complexity for CFOs in multinational groups
• Uncertainties regarding the treatment of deferred tax assets and safe harbour rules

Valente underlined that CFOs need to develop forward-looking compliance strategies while also weighing the reputational impact of aggressive tax planning in the new environment.

Transfer Pricing in Transition

Another focus was the modernisation of transfer pricing (TP). The OECD’s efforts to clarify and align TP rules with global realities have introduced both opportunities and challenges. For CFOs, the shift means:

• Stronger expectations on documentation and transparency
• Greater alignment between TP policies and value creation
• Increased scrutiny in audits, particularly around intangibles and intra-group financing

Valente highlighted that effective TP policies are no longer just about compliance but about reinforcing corporate governance and strategic positioning.

The GCC Corporate Tax Reform

Finally, the roundtable addressed the United Arab Emirates’ introduction of a corporate tax regime. This marks a fundamental shift for businesses operating in the region, long considered a low-tax jurisdiction. Key takeaways included:

• The UAE’s tax model as a hybrid between international standards and regional competitiveness
• The immediate compliance challenges for CFOs managing cross-border operations
• The broader message that no jurisdiction remains untouched by global tax trends.

Conclusion

The Global CFO Roundtable underscored a clear message: CFOs must adapt quickly to a fast-evolving international tax framework, balancing technical compliance with broader business strategy. As Valente noted, the key challenge is not only understanding new rules but integrating them into corporate decision-making processes.

In an era of unprecedented tax transparency, CFOs are expected to act not just as financial stewards but as guardians of corporate reputation and resilience.