How CFO demand is reshaping remuneration across UK PE-backed finance teams

Now in its fifth year, Finatal’s UK Senior Finance Professionals Remuneration Report 2026 provides a comprehensive view of remuneration and market trends for senior finance professionals in UK private equity-backed businesses. Drawing on data gathered in H1 2026, it examines how competition for CFO talent is influencing the value, expectations and career opportunities of the finance leaders beneath them.

As investors increasingly consider first-time CFO appointments, Finance Directors, Group Financial Controllers and Directors of FP&A are becoming more visible to the external market. This year’s findings show average base salaries rising across all ten roles tracked, with the strongest growth in Director of FP&A and Finance Director positions, at 20.1% and 16.4% respectively.

The report explores remuneration by role, sector and location, alongside bonuses and benefits. It also considers why employers are placing greater emphasis on base salary, how the London salary premium is evolving, and what these trends mean for retaining the next generation of finance leaders.

For private equity investors, portfolio company leaders and finance professionals, the findings provide context for remuneration benchmarking, career discussions and succession planning. Download the full UK report to explore the data and Finatal’s perspective on building and retaining strong finance teams throughout the investment cycle.