-- A new global report, “Smarter Contracts, Better Margins,” published by World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) in collaboration with the Commerce & Contract Management Institute and Icertis, has uncovered a persistent financial disconnect in the way organizations manage their contracts. The findings, drawn from nearly 200 businesses across industries, reveal that while contracts underpin every revenue stream and cost commitment, they remain too often viewed solely as risk instruments rather than strategic financial assets.
Photo Courtesy of: WorldCC
According to the report, organizations that embed financial intelligence throughout the contracting lifecycle outperform peers by an average of 5.4% of contract value. The study calls on leaders to close the gap between commercial, legal, procurement, and finance functions, a call that aligns directly with WorldCC’s 2026 theme, “One Discipline, Infinite Impact.”
“For too long, contracts have been viewed primarily as legal safeguards rather than as drivers of financial performance,” said Tim Cummins, President of WorldCC and Executive Director of the Commerce & Contract Management Institute. “This report demonstrates that when we break down functional silos, linking commercial, legal, and financial insight, contracts become instruments of shared success. That’s the essence of One Discipline, Infinite Impact.”
The 2026 theme underscores WorldCC’s long-standing mission to unify the profession. As global market volatility accelerates, the association argues that no single department can achieve sustainable impact in isolation. True transformation, says WorldCC, depends on convergence - embedding shared data, common governance, and cross-functional accountability into every contract.
“The findings of this report are a perfect introduction to our 2026 theme,” said Sally Guyer, Global CEO of WorldCC. “Smarter contracts are not just about better margins; they’re about shared understanding. One Discipline, Infinite Impact captures the future we’re building - a world where contracting transcends function and becomes a unifying force for performance, inclusion, and trust.”
“This report makes it clear that the old ways of managing contracts no longer suffice. Organizations must close the gap between legal protections and financial performance if they want to remain competitive in today’s volatile economy," said Bernadette Bulacan, Chief Evangelist at Icertis. "Emerging technologies, especially AI, offer a path forward - turning contracts from static risk documents into strategic assets that help leaders optimize capital allocation, protect margins, and accelerate revenue.”
The Smarter Contracts, Better Margins report also reveals how digital transformation, through the integration of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) platforms—creates near-real-time visibility into performance and exposure. By embedding financial acumen within contracting, organizations gain predictive insight into revenue, cost, and risk.
The report serves as both a wake-up call and a blueprint for change—a foundation for the WorldCC 2026 Summits, where leaders from across industries will explore how “One Discipline, Infinite Impact” can redefine the future of commercial and contracting practice.
Details and registration for the WorldCC 2026 Summits are available at: worldcc.com/Events/Summits
About World Commerce & Contracting
World Commerce & Contracting is a not-for-profit association dedicated to helping its global members achieve high-performing and trusted trading relationships. With more than 75,000 members from over 20,000 companies across 180 countries, the association welcomes everyone with an interest in better contracting—business leaders, practitioners, experts, and newcomers alike.
About Icertis
Icertis delivers AI-powered insights and agentic automation to transform static contracts into strategic enterprise advantage. The Icertis Contract Intelligence platform revolutionizes how enterprises manage their customer, supplier, and partner relationships, enabling businesses to grow revenue, control costs, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance. Today, more than one-third of the Fortune 100 trust Icertis to realize the full potential of millions of business relationships in more than 90 countries.
About the Commerce & Contract Management Institute
The Commerce & Contract Management Institute seeks to improve the world through higher standards in buying and selling. Its rigorous, practical research and insights shape global policy and practice, helping society by driving up standards for the exchange of goods and services across both public and private sectors. Founded and supported by WorldCC and the National Contract Management Association.
Contact Info:
Name: Kate Hodgins, Head of Marketing & Communications
Email: Send Email
Organization: World Commerce & Contracting
Website: https://www.worldcc.com/
Release ID: 89174339
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