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Agenda

8.00am

Registration and networking refreshment

8.55am

Welcome address

  • Chris Clarke

    Head of content, EuroFinance & CPI

    X
9.00am

US Economy: oscillations in protectionism, trade, rates, growth and inflation

2025 is a critical year of both change and continuity in US economic and trade policy. With a new President, many of the protectionist policies that began in the first Trump term, and developed in the Biden administration, will be further strengthened. Whilst inflation is gradually in decline, and the Fed have begun rate cuts, the US economy is at risk of rekindling inflation due to artificial prices in markets. Trade volumes between the US and China will decline, disrupting supply chains whilst tariffs raise import prices, higher prices and inflation. The net effect might be that the Fed will reverse or hold rates into 2026, impacting the cost of capital for US corporations. For treasurers, who were hoping that trade disruptions and elevated rates were behind them, might need to readjust their forecasts. Corporations will continue to explore alternative supply chains and develop nearshoring strategies, as the old order of globalisation increasingly fragments in global bifurcation of US and China. Demand and investment risk also is present as prices rise, signalling the possibility of recession in the US. The upside of protectionism is that tariffs will form subsidies to support US jobs, enabling some measure of continuity and growth in domestic markets in the short-medium term. In export markets, the US might consider dollar devaluation to lower the price of US goods in overseas markets and boost US trade. In all scenarios, the economy in 2025 will be pivotal for the US economy and corporate treasures will be proceeding with caution. 

  • Mary E. Lovely

    Senior fellow Peterson Institute for International Economics

    X
  • Henry Tricks

    US technology editor The Economist Group

    X
9.45am

AI Futures: harnessing the power and promise

Everyone is talking about AI and with good reason: AI is transforming the business world. Whether automating repetitive tasks, predicting outcomes and forecasting markets, generating real-time analysis, creating new products or re-designing supply chains, AI is revolutionising corporations now. In finance and treasury, AI is powering fraud detection, algorithmic trading, credit risk assessment and forecasting, enabling greater efficiencies in processes and greater strategic decision-making. The rapid advance of AI across business has been met with a rise in policy and regulatory responses to develop guidelines for the AI use. Concerns include the AI algorithms that might include bias, data privacy concerns in public AI models, and risks in automated systems with minimal human oversight. Public policy initiatives include developing ethical AI practices and eliminating bias in AI algorithms and decision-making. As AI continues to evolve, transforming the world of business, finance and treasury, we will all need to adapt and harness the power of the technology to create better outcomes and opportunities in companies, markets and society. In this session, we hear how we are all catching up with AI and how we can harness its power and promise.

  • Conor Grennan

    Chief AI architect, CEO and founder NYU Stern School of Business, AI Mindset

    X
  • Henry Tricks

    US technology editor The Economist Group

    X
10.30am

Networking break

11.10am

Roundtables

  • Cash forecasting with AI: AI is transforming cash forecasting with greater data accuracy and predictive analytics, here we look at how it works and the improvements to visibility in cash reporting.
  • Crypto, stablecoins and CBDCs: Crypto is back with bitcoin soaring, US CBDCs are now off the table as private entities launch new stablecoins – what does all this mean for the treasury digital wallets now?
  • Real time payments, real time treasury: RTP and Fed Now have arrived, so how are real time payments integrated into treasury – here will delve into payments interoperability and the benefits of real time treasury. 
  • Working capital workarounds: With some uncertainty in rates markets and inflationary pressures lingering, treasurers remain focussed on working capital and balance sheet assets to generate liquidity – here we focus on tested solutions.
  • Trade, tariffs and treasury: As we move into an era of higher trade tariffs on imported goods, we are likely to see a rise in reciprocal tariffs on US exports – here we explore the implications for treasury in tax, pricing, FX and trade finance.
  • Rates, ratings and capital structuring: Revolver loans are in focus in the next wave of corporate refinancing as rates remain elevated – although the expected trajectory is downward uncertainty remains. Here treasurers discuss capital structuring scenarios to avoid high rates and rating downgrades in both IG and high yield markets. 
  • Accelerating automation: Robotic process automation (RPAs) has taken root in treasury processes including FX management, AP/AR processing and reconciliation and other cash management processes. Here we evaluate some of the latest iterations of the technology in the AI era and the practical steps to improvement.
  • AI experiments for treasury: We all know that treasurers have, either secretly or openly, been experimenting with AI in treasury processes, from summarising cash reports, generating spreadsheets, or fine tuning FX algorithms and writing python code! Here treasurers share what they have done and learned about AI recently.
12.10pm

Lunch

1.30pm -4.25pm

Conference breaks into two tracks

1.30pm

De-risking tax, compliance and regulation in treasury

With a new US government administration in situ, treasurers and tax and compliance colleagues are reviewing global tax policies. The shift  towards a territorial tax system and lower corporate rate in the US, incentives the repatriation of overseas earnings and dividends. Yet the OECD/G20 global minimum tax agreement, (BEPS), aims to limit profit shifting, increasing global tax burdens for multinational companies. Treasurers now need to  navigate both domestic corporate tax rules and global tax regulation and reassess global tax strategies. Repatriating funds is also subject to foreign exchange controls, where often it is more efficient to reinvest in local currency operations. The continual monitoring of evolving tax regulations, both domestically and internationally, is essential for optimising after-tax profits. Where companies have an extensive network of subsidiaries, compliance in local tax policies and regulations and tax reporting is critical to mitigate tax risks. Here treasurers discuss their approaches to global treasury tax operations, the treasury systems that ensure compliance, and how they adapt to evolving tax regulations.

  • Vidhi Jain

    Global treasurer Qualtrics

    X
  • Julianna Achmatow

    Vice president, global treasury and legal Calibre Scientific

    X
  • Robert Novaria

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
1.30pm

Cash forecasting: riding the AI phenomena

Cash forecasting is being transformed as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics analyse large amounts of financial data to predict cash inflows and outflows, as well as variance analysis on actual flows, all at phenomenal speed and accuracy. Many treasurers, even at leading MNCs, rely on spreadsheets with macros developed over years, with actuals to left and forecast to the right, that pull in data from relevant parts of the business, either in data files or directly from the TMS or ERP. AI can analyse this data, with algorithms that factor in external market fluctuations and historical trends, providing treasurers with granular, detailed forecasts with scenario and variance parameters. AI technologies empower treasurers with strategic insight on direct cash flows and enables more informed decision making on liquidity and working capital requirements and cash management and investments. In this session, treasurers who are harnessing AI in forecasting discuss how the technology has helped and how they envisage AI developing in cash forecasting and cash management applications. 

  • Ellie Nissly

    Executive director, co-head of marketplaces and digital ecosystems, J.P. Morgan

    X
  • Pahal Patangia

    Head of Global Industry Business DevelopmentPayments Nvidia

    X
  • Catherine You

    Group Vice President, ERP Applications Development Oracle

    X
  • Debbie Kaya

    Independent treasury professional

    X
2.15pm

Financing trilogy: loans, bonds and equity - navigating the cost of capital

With trillions of dollars of corporate debt coming to maturity through 2026, treasurers will be relieved to see interest rates taper downwards this year; however the short to medium term rate outlook remains uncertain and refinancing costs remain elevated. Treasurers will grapple with uncertain capital costs with non investment grade companies taking the brunt of rate fluctuations. Whilst banks have been tightening credit criteria and rating agencies have been scrutinising corporate balance sheets with potential downgrades, the debt market is increasingly precarious for treasurers in refinancing, RCFs and restructuring scenarios. For both investment grade companies and high yield issuers, elevated rates are impacting yields in the corporate bond market. With new bond issuances at higher yields, treasurers might opt to issue at shorter maturities with the aim of refinancing again when rates are lower. For treasurers that are seeking equity investment, either in public or private markets, the outlook for stock markets are strong with rising markets, and there is an expected uptick in IPO activity. In private equity, investment in companies is set to increase by 16 percent through 2025, according to reticent market analysis. In this session, treasurers discuss the financing trilogy of loans, bonds and equity, and how they work with CFOs to navigate the uncertain cost of capital in an unpredictable rate environment.

  • Braden Moll

    Senior assistant treasurer Ryder System, Inc.

    X
  • James Masters

    Head of trade / working capital sales and origination Mizuho Americas

    X
  • Robert Novaria

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
2.15pm

Liquidity and working capital management: intelligent tools to manage uncertainty

Elevated interest rates have intensified focus on working capital management tools for corporate treasurers. Optimising inventory and receivables has become critical, as the cost of capital to finance assets increases. Yet the recent trend for treasurers to extend credit terms with suppliers (DPO) and  negotiate shorter payment terms (DSO) with customers to accelerate the cash conversion cycle and generate working capital, may be easing as inflation and interest rates begin to fall. The outlook for inflation however remains uncertain, as Trump’s tariffs of ten percent on all imports take effect on pricing, with the possibility of further rate rises. Amid this uncertainty treasurers are increasingly adopting advanced cash analytics to identify the optimal working capital balance, to ensure the business has access to cash and liquidity where needed. In this session, treasurers explore the arsenal of liquidity management tools available, that offer real-time visibility into cash positions, whilst streamlining automated payments, collections, and reconciliations. The panel will also consider how AI can predict cash shortfalls and surpluses, and make data-driven decisions,  to maintain optimal liquidity to navigate inflation and rate uncertainty.

  • Ara Hamamjian

    Treasurer, executive director BioMarin Pharmaceuticals

    X
  • Jeremy Reedus

    Vice President and Global Treasurer Varel Energy Solutions

    X
  • Dan Blumen

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
  • Bruce Edlund

    Group director, assistant treasurer Cloud Software Group

    X
3.00pm

Networking break

3.00pm -3.40pm

Networking break

3.40pm

Acquisitions and disposals: managing treasury front lines

As the economic cycle turns, as rates decline and the cost of capital falls, companies might look to borrow or dip into cash reserves to fund acquisitions of suppliers or competitors. Corporate M&A activity in 2024/5 is forecast to rise by 20 percent and private equity activity by 16 percent in recent analysis, and we have seen M&A deals in the tech sector recently. In acquisitions, the corporate treasurer can play an essential role in analysing the potential cash flow impacts of the deal, as well as helping structure the financing for the acquisition through loans or bonds or utilising existing cash reserves. Treasurers who have recently been through the acquisition process speak of long days overseeing the integration and alignment of cash management processes and banking systems, as well as teams and operations. In this session, treasurers from the front line detail the challenges both pre and post acquisition, in terms of people and processes, and the key changes in liquidity and working capital management as new businesses come onstream into the treasury workflow and risk dashboard. 

  • Arijit Dasgupta

    VP, Treasurer Bridgestone Americas

    X
  • Cathy Fields

    VP, treasurer Hitachi Digital LLC

    X
  • Dan Blumen

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
  • Rajat Prakash

    Senior finance executive

    X
3.40pm

FX automation in practice: delivering accuracy and efficiency in treasury processes

FX automation in corporate treasury is delivering significant benefits in efficiency, risk and error reduction, as well as time saved in manual processing, whilst real-time, automated exchange rate data ensures accuracy and speed of execution. Systems can provide a centralised view of FX exposures, and connect directly with banks and platforms to provide real time information. For treasurers that hedge exposures, pre-defined hedging policies can be programmed around specific currencies, to ensure FX risk compliance. Automated systems can also be integrated with cash management, accounting, and ERP systems to ensure interoperability and visibility across finance teams. In this session we discuss the implementation of FX automation in practice, the benefits and challenges in operating automated systems, and also how AI might improve FX automation processes as systems evolve.

  • Usha Desai

    Senior treasury analyst Palo Alto Networks

    X
  • Nita Baindur

    Associate VP. Assistant Treasurer Agilent Technologies Inc.

    X
  • Jeff Horowitz

    Senior advisor Treasury Sources Group

    X
4.30pm

Treasury Circles: Creating the AI powered treasury: practical steps forward

Delegates debate the topic in the treasury circle: a networking session where delegates share experiences with other delegates, in a moderated discussion environment – take the opportunity to catch up with conference participants, ask questions on the topics and sessions you heard throughout the conference and discuss the theme of the conference on the AI powered treasury with your treasury colleagues and peers.

5.15pm

Networking reception

8.55am

Welcome address

9.00am

Risks and rewards in the AI race

With the AI race gathering pace, multinational corporations and their finance and treasury teams are developing internal policies to harness AI’s potential and mitigate potential risks. As the new US administration launches Stargate to accelerate AI research and development and fund the data centres that feed AI models, corporations are focussing on how to develop their internal data systems to embed evolving AI technologies. As the nascent AI regulatory environment takes shape, with the US seeking to limit the availability of US made AI microprocessors in China, US corporations are seeking to de-risk their AI technology stacks and cybersecure ecosystems for AI development. With the rise of AI algorithms in business processes, finance professionals are developing strategies to securely manage data across internal operations. In this session leading experts in AI policy, security and regulation map out the rapid rise of AI, and the risks to corporations and their finance and treasury professionals, strategies to mitigate data risks and benefit from the power and potential of AI.

  • Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo

    Fellow The Brookings Institution, Center for Technology Innovation (CTI), Governance Studies

    X
  • Sadie St Lawrence

    CEO and founder Human Machine Collaboration Institute

    X
  • Henry Tricks

    US technology editor The Economist Group

    X
9.45am

Treasurers have become remarkably adept at navigating uncertainty in recent years, from the pandemic and subsequent demand shocks and inflation spikes to the current credit and rates cycle.  Many have developed forecasting systems to ensure cash flow amidst increasing market uncertainty and intensifying risks, providing greater visibility over cash positions, and better liquidity and working capital management. Yet unpredictable market events, such as new tariffs or taxes that might impact trade and change markets, present uncertain scenarios that require a reevaluation of risks in treasury.  In addition to market disruption, treasurers are also moving into an era of technological change as artificial intelligence begins to shape and transform business. While still experimental for many treasurers, AI is both a disruptor and enabler, with the potential to help manage treasury risks through improved cash forecasting, automated hedging in FX and commodities, and enhanced quality and quantity of data in treasury decision making and reporting. In this session, we focus on how treasurers can navigate new uncertainties in the context of fast-moving markets and technologies, and the role that bank partners can play in consulting, advising, and collaborating with treasury to develop strategic and technical solutions to identify and mitigate emerging risks to cash, liquidity, and working capital as markets change.

  • Christian Brand

    VP, Trade finance origination, Mizuho Americas  

    X
  • Kush Teotia

    Global Product Head of Payment Rails Platforms, and GM, Real-Time Payments J.P. Morgan

    X
  • Robert Novaria

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
  • Amy Goldstein

    Managing Director International Cash Management & Liquidity Advisory BNP Paribas

    X
10.30am

Networking Break

11.10am -3.30pm

Conference breaks into two tracks

11.10am

Real-time liquidity: the art of the practical and possible on a global scale, 24/7

Our treasury practitioners will look at the potential to manage visibility, control and access to cash and investments in real-time and on a global basis. We will discuss treasury applications of real time technologies today (the practical), and how functionality will evolve into the future as future as real-time data and automation becomes ubiquitous (the possible) in the age of AI. The panel will consider, current practical applications of real-time solutions, including different API formats, real-time payment use cases, as well as how treasury, working together with banking partners and external suppliers, will adapt to a 24/7 real time environment. Finally we will consider how real time data, together with emerging AI applications, enhances forecasting and liquidity management to improve visibility and controls in treasury.

11.10am

The model treasury team and the role of AI

Treasurers are curious to know how other treasurers build treasury teams. Curious about the composition of the team, the size, their skill sets, diversity, education and experience as well as the location, organisation, activities and functions of the team across the treasury. Whilst every company is different and there is no one size fits all solution, treasurers wonder what the optimal corporate treasury looks like in practice. Conversations about how much financial versus technological expertise is required in teams today are frequently heard. Striking the right balance between financial fluency and technological know-how is seen as ideal, as traditional skills in cash analysis and risk are paired with the need to analyse data, manage automated treasury systems, and deliver data into treasury reports on cash and liquidity. Conversations are also heard on the need for teams to embrace diversity, as a team with varied backgrounds and experiences enables new thinking and solutions for treasury strategy and operations. More recently conversations about how AI will impact treasury teams now and in the future are increasingly heard, with excitement about the opportunities AI brings and concerns about treasury jobs and how teams will change. In this session, treasurers discuss the ‘model’ treasury team and the potential impact of AI.  

  • Easton Dickson

    EVP, global treasurer Bain & Co

    X
  • Garima Thakur

    Global treasurer and risk leader Creative Artists Agency

    X
  • Tim Muindi

    VP, treasurer ServiceNow

    X
  • Dan Blumen

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
11.55am

API, TMS and ERP: next generation integrations

Talk to treasurers about TMS systems and you will soon discover that many feel that there is something missing. Either it doesn’t connect to some legacy accounting system, or the cash forecasting module is outdated, or it only reads data from the ERP in specific file formats. Some treasurers comment that they use less than half of the TMS features available, or that they use separate software for FX automation or other functions. Yet treasurers are keen to hear from other treasurers on TMS implementation projects, to share experiences and insights on running TMS systems at optimal levels. In parallel, treasurer’s experiences of application programming interfaces  are generally positive, in that they enable ERP connected efficient treasury systems. The challenge for treasurers is to create interoperable and integrated connectivity between the ERP and the TMS using APIs. Smart treasurers are leveraging APIs to seamlessly connect disparate legacy treasury management systems with ERPs linked to banking partners and fintech solution providers, enabling real-time data exchange between applications and automating workflows. As APIs move towards aggregation and standardisation across the banking sector, next generation APIs will become AI enabled and automate cash management, forecasting, payments, risk operations and other complex treasury tasks. Treasurers in this season discuss the challenges in embedding and linking APIs to TMS and ERP systems and the benefits of doing so now.  

  • Deepa Palamuttam

    Sr Director, treasury technology PayPal

    X
  • Tami Nguyen

    Treasury consultant

    X
  • Robert Novaria

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
11.55am

AI innovation for treasury in practice: World bank case study

In the fast moving world of AI innovation can come from anywhere, and for treasurers, very valuable and insightful examples of AI implementation in processes can make significant productivity and efficiency gains. Even beyond the West Coast, in Washington, successful new applications of AI in treasury cash management can be found in this illuminating case study from the World Bank. At the centre of a large cash management operation, the bank collects data from bond terms which feed into cash projections and forecasts. Yet data from sources can be inaccurate, leading to incorrect forecasts. To solve this challenge, the treasury developed an AI tool using Microsoft’s Azure Cognitive Studio to read bond final terms directly from issuers, which verifies data accuracy, and identifies discrepancies in different types of securities. Implementing AI has significantly reduced data analysis time, from hours to minutes and improved data accuracy, saving costly errors, where discrepancies on multi-million deposits can cost thousands daily. This AI solution, whilst unique to the bank, is an example of how AI technologies can improve data quality, reduce errors and help eliminate risks, whilst improving process efficiency, accuracy and reducing costs in treasury, cash and asset management operations.

  • Sonia Amaya

    Treasury asset & liability operations The World Bank Treasury

    X
  • Jeff Horowitz

    Senior advisor Treasury Sources Group

    X
12.40pm

Lunch

12.40pm

Lunch

2.00pm

Case study: Insuring against risks in treasury: unique approaches to common challenges

Risks in treasury and the general business are everywhere yet the cost of insuring against risks can be high, prohibitive or not available, depending on the business, markets and risk scenarios. Where value at risk, or operational risks can not be covered at optimal premiums, or hedged through usual markets, innovative and sometimes radical approaches are required. In this case study we hear how NVA, with limited options for medical malpractice insurance, led the treasurer to set up a captive insurance company and self-insurance model to manage and mitigate business risks. Whilst the model is unique, the treasurer shares his solutions to common insurance challenges in treasury and identifies the key areas of collaboration for treasurers and risk officers to ensure that the business can strategically mitigate difficult-to-insure financial, operational and market risks.

2.00pm

Big & small: scalable treasury

Case studies: Big and small: scalable treasury

Treasurers moving from large companies to smaller companies often express delight at the prospect of creating and building treasury from the ground up after having spent years untangling unwieldy legacy treasury systems in multinational companies. Small companies can provide valuable experience too for treasurers moving into larger companies, where systems need to be simplified in the drive to automate tasks and streamline processes. Small companies often have the agility to experiment with treasury tools and innovative solutions, such as AI and APIs, that larger companies, cautious of process disruption, might be slower to adopt. Managing large treasury operations across multiple jurisdictions is de facto, an exercise in risk management to ensure the preservation of cash and capital. Yet there is a sentiment amongst treasurers that all treasury, both large and small, needs to be transformed into fast, efficient, automated, data driven processes that are scalable across the business as the company grows and evolves into markets. In this session, treasurers from both large and small companies share experiences of building treasury systems, their approach to investment in  treasury transformation, innovation and AI solutions, and discuss what scalable treasury means in practice.

  • Ilkim Saracel

    Assistant treasurer Nextracker

    X
  • Arijit Dasgupta

    VP, Treasurer Bridgestone Americas

    X
  • Dan Blumen

    Partner Treasury Alliance Group

    X
2.45pm

Data analytics and visualisation: leveraging strategic value

Data analytics now forms a significant chunk of treasury activity as data lakes flow around ERP and TMS systems, feeding into cash analysis and forecasting, liquidity and working capital management and banking systems. Such data forms the integral element of all treasury reporting, and treasury managers are involved in the creation of visual dashboards, charts, graphs and reports on many aspects of treasury activity. Data visualisation tools translate complex treasury data into information of strategic relevance to internal treasury stakeholders, finance colleagues and business partners, enabling better data-driven decision making. Benefits include more accurate cash forecasting, enabling treasurers to proactively manage cash forecasts and identify liquidity requirements. Here treasurers highlight the process of data analytics and managing data lakes, the technical challenges around data integration with ERP and TMS systems, and the power of automated data visualisation tools for strategic reporting to management and treasury stakeholders.

  • Sunnie Ho

    Head of global cash operations Atlassian

    X
  • Vidhi Jain

    Global treasurer Qualtrics

    X
  • Jeff Horowitz

    Senior advisor Treasury Sources Group

    X
2.45pm

Leading treasury through rapid growth: efficiency and preparedness

Walking into a lead treasury role in a fast growth post IPO company is both challenging and exhilarating. Leading treasury through CrowdStrike’s rapid growth from less than 900 million in cash in 2020 to over 4 billion today, Priti Kartik shares her insights on the journey to success in this fireside chat. Moving from basic treasury with minimal cash visibility and manual processing in the covid period, to next level treasury, automating systems with API technology to improve visibility, account management and forecasting capabilities, was just the first step. Developing a skilled treasury team, creating policies, processes and controls, and segregating functions for optimal treasury performance was critical in moving to the next phase in managing treasury risks. As the business scaled up with acquisitions, risk management controls became a critical focus for the treasury.  Diversifying banking partners, monitoring counterparty risks, and navigating regulatory compliance and tax controls, as well as managing ratings all formed a strategic risk oversight to take treasury forward as the business rapidly expanded and accelerated forward. These robust cash and liquidity risk management strategies enabled the treasury to successfully navigate the collapse of SVB bank and the financial uncertainty that followed in 2023, switching immediately to other bank partners and liquidity providers, whilst maintaining stable cash positions. Resilience too through the technical event which strengthened audit controls across the business. As the business moves on towards a 10 billion company this decade, the treasury is now well positioned to grow, adapt to change and navigate risks and achieve greater success.

3.30pm

Networking break

4.00pm

The Future of Money and Payments

In its exploration of the future of money and payments, this session focuses on technology, business applications, and public policy. Money and payments have long been dominated by physical cash and bank-railed payments. Conventional payment approaches are being disrupted by fast payment systems, e-money services, distributed ledger technology, and central bank digital currencies.  The US Administration and Congress are suddenly open to blockchain-based cryptocurrencies. While Europe is developing a digital euro, a US CBDC is completely off the table. Stablecoin payment service providers will offer new compliant privacy-preserving alternatives, for which the first significant real-economy business use cases are cross-border payments and smart-contract trade of tokenized securities.  Policy concerns include financial inclusion, disruption of banking, privacy, anti-money laundering, global dollarization, and financial stability.

4.45pm

Summary & Close