The future of treasury in 2026: A new tech mandate for finance leaders

Core Insights - A significant number of treasury professionals are still using outdated manual systems, with 80% relying on these methods, which presents challenges alongside macroeconomic uncertainty and market volatility [1][2] - Digital cash flow visibility and liquidity management solutions are recognized as transformative, yet adoption remains low due to loyalty to manual processes and funding difficulties [2] - The treasury function is evolving to focus on operational control and financial strategy, with digital capabilities and risk management being crucial for creating strategic value [3] Group 1: Treasury Management Trends - Treasury professionals are advancing in digitization, embedded banking, and automation, with some moving towards agentic AI for various financial processes [4] - Fraud is a growing threat in the treasury and financial services sector, necessitating stronger authentication practices and employee training to combat schemes like social engineering and cyberattacks [5] - Relationship banking continues to influence the delivery of treasury services, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in a dynamic environment [6] Group 2: Strategic Focus for Treasury Teams - To achieve sustainable growth, treasury teams should prioritize continuous learning, invest in advanced technologies, and foster cross-functional partnerships [7] - The opportunity for treasury leaders lies in moving beyond manual routines to enhance strategic finance capabilities [7]