March 9, 2009

Everest: New FAO spending in 2008 set record, grew 35 percent

Financial sector and mid-market spending drops

DALLAS, March 9, 2009 ─ Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) contracts signed in 2008 reached US $3 billion – the strongest year ever for new FAO spending – representing a 35 percent growth over 2007. Continued strong growth is projected in 2009, according to the Everest Research Institute’s annual study of the FAO market. FAO market fundamentals continue to be strong, and both clients and providers of F&A outsourcing are positioned better now than ever to capitalize on key opportunities. Everest analysts will hold a one-hour Webinar on March 17, 9 am CDT, to highlight the direction and nature of emerging value drivers FAO buyers are increasingly pursuing.

The economic recession fueled large market FAO activity, but mid-market engagements slowed noticeably according to the Institute’s study, Finance & Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) Annual Report 2009. FAO activity in the financial services sector also dipped last year, from 15 to 7 percent, as buyers held a ‘wait and see’ approach. Meanwhile, activity continued to be strong with traditional adopters, including manufacturers, and emerging industries such as media and entertainment. The multi-process FAO market represents nearly US $20 billion in Total Contract Value (TCV).

“FAO has experienced double-digit growth for three consecutive years. Beyond new contract signings, organic growth from existing engagements and contract renewals also contributed significantly to last year’s growth,” said Katrina Menzigian, Vice President, Everest Research Institute. “Despite economic uncertainties, the value proposition remains very strong for direct cost savings and business impact benefits that tackle economic pressures. Although mid-market activity dropped, we believe it will pick back up as cost-cutting pressures mount.”

The Institute’s report explores and defines FAO market size and buyer adoption, contract characteristics, supplier landscape, and emerging growth drivers.

Study findings include:

• Western Europe is emerging as a hot-bed of FAO activity. New, rapidly emerging delivery regions include Central and South America, China and Southeast Asia, as well as tier-two and tier-three cities in mature delivery regions that include India, and Central and Eastern Europe.
• FAO contracts worth US $7 billion are up for renewal in the next three years
• Accenture, IBM and EDS accounted for 42 percent of multi-process FAO contracts and 59 percent of multi-process FAO TCV signed in 2008.
• Other suppliers with strong reports last year were ACS, Capgemini, Infosys BPO, TCS, Wipro and WNS.

“While the leading FAO suppliers are holding onto their market positions, major contenders are closing the gap and emerging players are feeling the squeeze,” said Saurabh Gupta, Research Director, Everest Research Institute. “As competitive intensity increases, the need for suppliers to differentiate offerings is extremely high, which ultimately enhances value for the buyer.”

To register for the March 17 Webinar (9 am CDT; 10 am EDT; 2 pm GMT Standard Time) please visit: www.everestresearchinstitute.com/Events/Webinars

Click here to download the full press release