Transformative Innovation: A Treasurer’s Guide
- Adam Edwards
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
The "Transformative Innovation: A Treasurer’s Guide" (link here) explores how treasury functions are evolving through AI, automation, real-time payments, and liquidity management. The report, featuring insights from BNP Paribas, Microsoft, Infosys, and other industry leaders, examines how treasurers can enhance efficiency, security, and adaptability.
AI and automation are driving treasury innovation, with machine learning and predictive analytics improving cash flow forecasting, fraud detection, and risk assessment. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, is being tested for automating compliance and customer service. However, data integrity and regulatory concerns remain key challenges.
Real-time payments and APIs are streamlining bank connectivity and cash visibility, with solutions like BNP Paribas’ Microsoft Teams in-app payments making transactions seamless. The adoption of instant payments, ISO 20022 messaging, and AI-driven compliance is transforming treasury operations.
Liquidity management is becoming more centralised, with multi-currency pooling, integrated cash structures, and automated investment solutions helping firms optimise returns. USD liquidity strategies, in particular, are evolving as interest rate uncertainty continues.
The report also highlights the impact of post-Brexit financial shifts, ESG integration in treasury, and cybersecurity measures to combat fraud. While AI-driven fraud prevention is proving effective, treasurers must remain vigilant as cyber threats evolve.
Treasurers are encouraged to embrace Treasury-as-a-Business (TaaB) by adopting flexible technology, refining risk strategies, and collaborating with financial partners. Companies investing in real-time liquidity tools, AI-driven analytics, and automation will gain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex financial environment.
20 Key Takeaways
AI and automation are transforming treasury through predictive analytics, fraud detection, and compliance automation.
Generative AI, like ChatGPT, is being explored for customer support, document processing, and risk analysis.
Real-time payments and APIs are enhancing bank connectivity and enabling seamless transactions.
Microsoft Teams now supports in-app payments, creating new B2B and e-commerce payment solutions.
ISO 20022 adoption is improving cross-border payments and regulatory compliance.
Cybersecurity risks are growing, with AI being used to detect fraud and transaction anomalies.
USD liquidity strategies are evolving, with firms leveraging multi-currency pools and automated cash sweeping.
Centralised liquidity structures help optimise working capital and reduce counterparty risks.
Post-Brexit business strategies require treasury teams to adapt to shifting regulatory and trade landscapes.
ESG integration remains a challenge, with treasurers struggling to align sustainability with profitability.
APIs and cloud-based treasury systems are enabling real-time cash visibility and forecasting.
Multi-bank cash pooling is becoming a preferred method for efficient cash concentration.
BNP Paribas' Treasury Lab is driving co-innovation between treasurers and financial institutions.
AI-powered chatbots are being used for automating routine treasury queries.
Instant payments adoption is accelerating, particularly in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
AI is enhancing FX risk management, helping treasurers hedge more effectively.
AI-driven compliance monitoring is reducing regulatory burdens on treasury teams.
Corporate treasurers must develop agile liquidity strategies to prepare for interest rate fluctuations.
Treasury-as-a-Business (TaaB) positions treasury as a strategic function, not just an operational one.
Companies investing in automation, AI, and integrated treasury platforms will gain a competitive advantage.