Gaps in leadership, training, and technology leave finance teams exposed to increasingly sophisticated AP fraud
Just 22 percent of finance leaders say they feel very well protected against fraud, according to new research from the Institute of Financial Operations & Leadership (IFOL). The findings highlight a growing confidence gap as fraud threats become more sophisticated and harder to detect across finance operations.
The Finance Leaders’ Fraud Report 2026, sponsored by SAP Concur, examines how accounts payable and finance operations teams are responding to evolving fraud risks. While awareness of fraud remains high, many leaders acknowledge that current controls, training, and leadership support may not be keeping pace with emerging threats.
66 percent of finance professionals say they personally know someone who has been a victim of fraud in the last five years, while exposure to attempted fraud is also on the rise. Fraud is becoming less visible but more embedded in day-to-day operations, particularly as impersonation tactics and technology-enabled attacks grow more advanced.
Leadership Gaps in Fraud Protection
The research shows that 60 percent of respondents believe their manager could do more to protect the team from AP fraud, up from 41 percent in 2025.
Sam Hitchen-Rae, CEO of IFOL said:
“Confidence without clarity is a risk. When only 22 percent of leaders feel well protected, it suggests many teams are operating with cautious optimism rather than certainty. Fraud prevention cannot sit solely with systems or policies. It requires visible leadership, structured training, and continuous reinforcement.”
Fraud Training Gaps Persist
Investment in fraud training remains inconsistent:
- 29 percent of organizations do not provide fraud training or awareness at all
- 22 percent provide training only occasionally
- 76 percent of respondents say they would find additional training and resources useful
Without ongoing education, teams are less able to detect or challenge suspicious activity, even when controls exist. In an environment where fraud tactics are constantly evolving, static policies and infrequent updates leave organizations exposed.
SAP Concur, sponsor of the research, commented:
Sherri Bebee, Senior Marketing Director, SMB North America at SAP Concur,
commented:
“Behind every fraud attempt is a team trying to keep things moving while managing risk. Without the right training and AI-powered tools, that pressure only grows. This report shows teams need both to catch issues early, automate controls, and stop problems before they happen.”
Taking a Risk-Based Approach
The report urges organizations to take a risk-based approach that combines people, process, and technology. Rather than reacting to incidents, finance leaders should embed fraud prevention into daily operations through structured training, regular KPI reviews, and stronger management accountability.
As fraud becomes increasingly technology-driven, the report stresses that human awareness and professional development remain critical lines of defence. IFOL recommends finance leaders:
- Join the IFOL community to share insights and access resources
- Explore Certified Fraud Prevention programs to build team expertise
- Attend industry events for live training and best practice updates
By taking these steps, organizations can strengthen both people and processes, keeping pace with evolving fraud threats.
About the Research
The Finance Leaders’ Fraud Report 2026 is published by the Institute of Financial Operations & Leadership and is based on survey data from finance, AP, P2P, and finance professionals across multiple sectors. The report provides insight into fraud exposure, leadership accountability, training investment, and emerging technology risks.
