Opening Treasury Chests!

By treasuryXL

24/12/2024

At treasuryXL, some articles shine brighter than others, drawing in thousands of curious readers. These pieces, created with our expert partners, are packed with valuable knowledge. The upcoming days, we’re opening the Treasury Chests to revisit the most popular articles from the past two years, sharing practical insights and actionable takeaways for our growing treasury community.



Top 5 Articles treasuryXL

To kick off, we revisit one of our most popular read, “What is Treasury in Banking?” by Aastha Tomar.

#1 | Total Reads: + 20.000


This article dives deep into the role of treasury within banks, exploring how treasury teams manage everything from liquidity and cash flow to asset-liability management. Aastha draws on her extensive experience to explain the functions that keep a bank running smoothly while balancing risk and maximizing return. It’s a perfect example of the unique, expert-driven content we’ve collaborated on to provide actionable, real-world knowledge.

“Treasury is the backbone of any bank, ensuring it remains compliant, resilient, and primed for profitable opportunities.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Treasury in banking is crucial for maintaining liquidity and managing risk.
  • Asset and liability management ensures financial stability.
  • The role of trading, hedging, and operations teams in a bank’s success.

A must-read for anyone looking to understand how treasury functions within the banking sector.

Read the full article

Another excellent article that stands out is, “Types of Forward Contract?” by Harry Mills.

#2 | Total Reads: + 7.000


Harry provides an overview of forward contracts in the context of currency hedging. He explains what forward contracts are, their benefits, and the three main types: fixed, open, and window forwards. The article also includes an example of how these contracts work and offers guidance on selecting the right type based on business needs. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of transparency and fair pricing from FX providers.

“If in doubt, you should speak to your FX provider about forward pricing and which solution would be best for your needs, balancing flexibility and market pricing.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Purpose and Benefits: Forward contracts help businesses lock in exchange rates to manage currency risks, providing certainty, predictability, flexibility, and simplicity.
  • Types of Contracts: Fixed, open, and window forwards cater to different needs, with varying levels of flexibility and cost implications.
  • Transparency Matters: Partner with an FX provider offering clear pricing, honest guidance, and flexible transaction options to avoid hidden costs.

This article is a must-read for treasury professionals, CFOs, financial directors, and business leaders who deal with foreign currency transactions and seek to manage currency risks effectively while optimizing cash flow predictability.

Read the full article

The following article that stands out is, “The Differences between Senior Secured and Senior Unsecured Debt” by Sabbir Rahman.

#3 | Total Reads: + 5.000

Sabbir Rahman provides an insightful overview of senior secured and senior unsecured debt, explaining their distinctions, implications for creditors and debtors, and how they influence financing decisions. Drawing from extensive experience in corporate financing, Rahman emphasizes the importance of understanding these debt types to optimize capital structures and manage risks effectively.

“The availability of security and the seniority ranking of debt has important implications for creditors in an event of default and therefore for the pricing and availability of debt to corporate debtors.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Security and Risk: Senior secured debt is backed by collateral, reducing lender risk and lowering costs, while unsecured debt carries higher risk and interest margins.
  • Flexibility vs. Cost: Secured debt encumbers assets but offers a lower cost of capital, whereas unsecured debt avoids asset pledges but demands higher interest.
  • Seniority Matters: In liquidation scenarios, seniority determines repayment order: secured debt first, unsecured debt next, and subordinated debt last.

This article is valuable for corporate treasurers, CFOs, financial directors, creditors, business leaders, and financial advisors seeking to understand the key differences between senior secured and senior unsecured debt for informed financing and risk management decisions.

Read the full article

A must-read article is “What Personality Traits Do Treasurers Have?” by Máximo Santos Miranda.

#4 | Total Reads: + 4.500

Máximo Santos Miranda delves into the key personality traits that define successful treasurers. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, proactivity, and communication skills in a treasury role. He also highlights accuracy, quick decision-making, and the need for both technical knowledge and curiosity to keep up with market trends and innovations. The article reflects on how a treasurer’s personality traits can directly impact their effectiveness in managing financial operations and collaborating across departments.

“A good treasurer must adapt to each specific reality and always think of new ways to improve the function..”

Key Takeaways:

  • Flexibility and Proactivity: A successful treasurer must be adaptable to different company cultures and proactive in improving treasury functions.
  • Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders is crucial for success in treasury.
  • Accuracy and Quick Decision-making: Precision in financial operations and the ability to make swift decisions under pressure are vital to minimize risk.

This article is relevant for CFOs, HR professionals, and aspiring treasurers looking to better understand the personality traits that lead to success in the treasury role. It’s also insightful for recruitment professionals aiming to identify the right candidates for treasury positions.

Read the full article

Share now

We appreciate your presence in the treasuryXL community! Your contributions and active participation are truly valued, and we trust you’ve discovered meaningful content and engaging discussions on our platform.

Wishing you the best in 2025!



Wout van Wijlick

Marketing Manager

Can’t get enough? Check out these latest items

Tax & Treasury Stagiair @ Walraven Group

What is an FX Budget Rate?

Vacancy | Senior Treasury Consultant – Brussels

Cash Manager – Rotterdam @ Treasurer Search

Logo - BNG Bank

Treasury & Portefeuillebeheer medewerker @ BNG

Treasury Specialist – Rotterdam @Treasurer Search

ABN AMRO - logo

Analyst II (ALM/Treasury) @ ABN Amro

Senior Treasury Consultant – Brussels @ Treasurer Search

Senior Cash Manager – Amsterdam @ Treasurer Search