Recap and Recording | Treasury 2024 Year Recap | Insights & Reflections

Key Highlights

• Geopolitical Influences: The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the Ukraine-Russia conflict and developments in the Middle East, have had a profound impact on corporate treasury operations.
  
  
• Technological Advancements: The rise of AI and payment service providers is reshaping the treasury landscape, necessitating a reevaluation of processes and systems.
  
  
• Focus on Fraud Prevention: Increasing fraud attempts have prompted treasurers to adopt more robust security measures and technologies.
  
  
• Strategic Transformation: The need for treasury professionals to transition from operational tasks to strategic roles is more critical than ever.
  
  

Lessons Learned

1. Adaptability is Key: As Matthias noted, “2024 felt like it went by really fast… this has been a year with many global geopolitical events.” The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is essential for treasury teams.
   
   
2. Embrace Technology: Kurt emphasized the importance of technology in treasury, stating, “Digital transformation is commoditizing analysis… but insights are extremely valued because they are not and cannot be commoditized.” Leveraging technology can enhance efficiency and strategic decision-making.
   
   
3. Proactive Fraud Management: Hanan highlighted the need for vigilance against fraud, saying, “Clients are being very vigilant towards payment fraud… we see a more proactive approach towards looking at the technology that exists.” Investing in the right tools is crucial for safeguarding assets.
   
   
4. Strategic Contributions: Kurt pointed out the shift in expectations for treasury professionals: “CFOs have had more ambition for Treasury than treasurers do… it’s essential to have commercial acumen to understand the commercial drivers of the business.” Treasurers must align their goals with broader business objectives.
   
   

Conclusion

The insights shared during the webinar underscore the dynamic nature of the treasury ecosystem. As we move into 2025, treasury professionals must focus on embracing technology, enhancing fraud prevention measures, and positioning themselves as strategic partners within their organizations. As Hanan aptly put it, “The aim of the treasurer is to have better cash management, better visibility of their cash, optimized processes.”By adopting a proactive and strategic mindset, treasurers can navigate the complexities of the evolving financial environment and drive value for their organizations.

The session concluded with a call to action for treasury professionals to start small with their projects, as Matthias advised: “Start small, your projects… do not think you can do a big bang but start small and then increase your scope.” This approach will enable teams to build momentum and achieve significant improvements over time.

Stay tuned for more insights and discussions in the upcoming sessions planned for 2025!