Finance, tech and information governance – three FM trends in 2026
1. Financial resilience becomes a core FM priority FM teams are increasingly required to demonstrate value beyond day-to-day delivery. Maintenance decisions are being scrutinised more closely, with greater emphasis on cost avoidance, asset life extension and risk reduction. In 2026, FM is less about how much is spent and more about how intelligently budgets are allocated.This shift is driving a move toward whole-life costing, clearer prioritisation of statutory and high-risk assets, and more transparent reporting. Financial resilience is fast becoming a core FM skill, as organisations look to balance compliance, safety and performance within increasingly constrained budgets.2. Digital transformation and AI move to active applicationOver the past year, advances in artificial intelligence and data-led tools have shifted the conversation from potential to practical application.FM teams see AI as a decision-support tool, from predicting asset failure and prioritising maintenance activity, to identifying compliance risks before they escalate. Rather than replacing FM expertise, these tools can be used to support speed and productivity, helping teams make better use of limited time and resources.As 2026 unfolds, success in digital transformation will depend less on deploying new technology and more on ensuring systems work together, data is reliable, and teams have the skills to interpret and act on insights generated by AI.3. Information governance and accountability under the spotlightThe ‘golden thread’ has been firmly established in recent years, but 2026 marks a turning point where information governance becomes a measurable compliance requirement, rather than an aspirational goal.Asset owners, accountable persons and facilities managers are under pressure to ensure that building information is accurate, accessible and up to date throughout the asset life cycle. Incomplete records, fragmented systems and unclear data ownership are emerging as material risks, particularly for higher-risk and complex buildings.2026 will see a stronger focus on structured data management, consistent documentation practices and clear accountability for information accuracy across FM teams and supply chains.Paul Bullard, product and professional services director at SFG20
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