Business collaboration between Chief Legal Officers (CLO) and Chief Financial Officers (CFO) drives business expansion, as revealed in a new report by ACC and Odgers.

In today's complex and fast-moving global economy, the collaboration between Chief Legal Officers (CLOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) has become essential for organizational resilience and high performance. According to a 2025 report by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) in partnership with Odgers, 81% of CLO respondents rated communication between legal and finance as highly effective.

The report, titled "The Power Partnership: Optimizing CLO-CFO Collaboration for Business Success", outlines how this partnership helps organizations unlock value, manage enterprise risk, and scale with confidence.

One of the primary benefits of this collaboration is improved risk management. By aligning compliance and financial risk understanding, the partnership bolsters organizational integrity and stability. About 77% of CLOs expressed confidence in CFOs’ grasp of compliance risks and their financial repercussions. CLOs foster this by educating CFOs on the "cost of non-compliance", while adopting solution-oriented approaches.

Another significant advantage of the CLO-CFO partnership is the ability to unlock strategic opportunities. CFOs view legal teams as strategic partners capable of identifying "offensive opportunities" that drive revenue and financial value. Regular meetings ensure that legal and financial strategies are aligned to capitalize on such opportunities effectively.

Moreover, the synergy between CLOs and CFOs contributes to sustainable business growth, especially as organizations face complex regulatory, geopolitical, and market challenges. The report notes that companies with strong CLO-CFO alignment, particularly those where the CLO reports directly to the CEO, are better equipped to unlock value and scale with confidence.

The complementary perspectives of CLOs and CFOs also create a comprehensive approach to enterprise risk management and strategic decision-making. CLOs bring legal expertise, while CFOs bring financial acumen, creating a balanced approach that leverages both viewpoints.

In summary, the CLO-CFO collaboration is not only effective but also indispensable for modern organizations. This partnership provides a strategic advantage through integrated communication, trust, and aligned leadership at the executive level. It helps companies navigate complexity, mitigate risks, and seize growth opportunities with a unified, forward-looking approach.

The report provides insights into how high-performing organizations are breaking down traditional functional silos to create integrated, forward-looking executive partnerships. It also outlines best practices and practical recommendations for fostering CLO-CFO synergy at the executive and board levels and building resilient operations.

The report is based on global survey data from hundreds of CLOs and in-depth interviews with leading CFOs. It is available for download on the ACC website.

Odgers, the global executive search firm that has been helping organizations find senior talent for over 50 years, emphasizes the importance of integrated financial strategy and legal foresight for organizational resilience and high performance. As Conrad Woody, Odgers managing partner, states, "forward-thinking CFOs seek legal leaders who possess a deep understanding of the company's financial architecture to form strategic partnerships and create long-term enterprise value."

ACC, the premier global legal association for in-house counsel, promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel through information, education, networking, and advocacy. Veta T. Richardson, ACC president and chief executive officer, stated that the CLO-CFO alliance is not just a best practice, but a strategic imperative for global success.

Collaboration is critical for bolstering organizational integrity and stability, according to 85% of CLO respondents. Consistent, scheduled meetings are emphasized as important for the CLO-CFO partnership to discuss key initiatives and establish a predictable cadence for information sharing.

In conclusion, the CLO-CFO partnership is a strategic imperative for global success, providing a competitive edge in today's complex and fast-moving global economy. By fostering visibility, alignment, and trust across the executive team, organizations can unlock value, manage enterprise risk, and scale with confidence.

The CFO's appreciation for the legal team's insight in unlocking 'offensive opportunities' results from their collaboration with Chief Legal Officers (CLOs), providing a strategic advantage for business success.
Effective communication between CFOs and CLOs not only leads to optimized organizational resilience and high performance but also facilitates the identification of strategic investment opportunities, promoting financial growth and enterprise value.

Business collaboration between Chief Legal Officers (CLO) and Chief Financial Officers (CFO) drives business expansion, as revealed in a new report by ACC and Odgers.