From AI to Macro Trends: What Treasurers Took Away from EuroFinance Budapest

The organizers once again proved that live treasury events remain unmatched. From the moment you stepped into the venue, you could sense the energy. The conference rooms were buzzing with insightful sessions, while the trade floor offered an impressive array of solutions, conversations, and coffee-fuelled networking moments.

A personal highlight? Listening to José Manuel Barroso. His talk went far beyond the boundaries of treasury, diving into the broader European economic and political landscape. It was a reminder that what happens at the macro level – especially in the EU – has a direct impact on industries like automotive, chemicals, and travel, though it often goes unnoticed by politicians and the public alike.

For treasury professionals looking for actionable takeaways, one trend stood out: stop talking about AI, start using it. Everywhere you looked, discussions about AI were moving from theory to practice. It’s clear that treasurers are ready to implement solutions, not just debate possibilities.

While there weren’t any mind-blowing gadgets or unexpected apps this year, several subtler shifts caught my attention:

• Talks on macro-economic and political developments were more numerous than ever, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty in Europe.
• Attention on investments and liquidity management is rising as companies adapt to higher interest rates and smarter cash management practices.
• New TMS providers are stepping up, offering innovative solutions, yet the traditional heavyweights continue to dominate the market.

Beyond the sessions, what makes EuroFinance special is the human side. Reuniting with old friends, meeting new ones, and sharing insights over a well-catered coffee break or evening reception is just as important as the keynotes and panel discussions.

In Budapest, EuroFinance once again reminded us why this event remains THE gathering for corporate treasurers: you leave smarter, better connected, and, yes, genuinely having had some fun.