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2025 Treasury and Cash Management Awards: Recognizing Excellence in a Transforming Sector

In the ever-evolving world of finance, Global Finance has unveiled its picks for the 2025 World’s Best Treasury & Cash Management Systems and Services Awards. This prestigious program forms part of the annual World’s Best Treasury & Cash Management Providers awards, marking its 25th edition. A comprehensive report encompassing all aspects of this year's survey will be featured in both print and digital formats in the July/August 2025 issue as well as on GFMag.com. The evaluation process was intricate, involving submissions from various financial institutions alongside insights from industry experts, corporate leaders, technology specialists, and independent researchers. Criteria ranged from profitability and market coverage to customer support, competitive pricing, product innovation, and the ability of organizations to stand out in their core services.

As highlighted by Joseph Giarraputo, founder and editorial director of Global Finance, the treasury and cash management domain is undergoing rapid transformation due to advancements in digital technologies and increasing demands for enhanced visibility. Modern corporations are actively seeking platforms that integrate automation and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, while financial entities respond with innovative solutions aimed at boosting efficiency and transparency. These developments underscore the importance of recognizing top performers in an increasingly complex landscape.

The selection process incorporated multiple layers of assessment. Banks and service providers submitted detailed entries which were then evaluated against numerous qualitative and quantitative factors. Industry analysts provided additional perspectives, ensuring a holistic view of each contender's strengths and weaknesses. Corporate executives weighed in on the practical applications and benefits derived from these systems, while technology experts assessed the cutting-edge features incorporated into the offerings. Independent research further validated the findings, contributing to the credibility of the final selections.

On September 30, during the Sibos conference held at the Melia Frankfurt Hotel, Global Finance will host its annual Transaction Banking Awards Ceremony. This event celebrates the achievements of those recognized in the sector, providing a platform for networking and sharing insights among global financial leaders. Winning organizations will receive prior notification regarding ceremony details, allowing them to prepare accordingly.

Global Finance, established in 1987, boasts a readership spanning 193 countries and territories, reaching senior decision-makers within multinational corporations and financial institutions. Its website, GFMag.com, serves as a repository of insightful analyses shaped by decades of expertise in international financial markets. Headquartered in New York with a global presence, Global Finance continues to champion excellence through its regular selection of top performers across the banking and financial services sectors. The recognition bestowed by these awards holds significant weight within the global financial community, signifying a benchmark of quality and innovation.

Revolutionizing Finance with AI: Key Insights from the Gartner CFO Conference

This year's Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference was a vibrant showcase of sessions and hands-on demonstrations by providers in finance and operations. The focus was on growth strategies, cost management tools, and the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence in finance. Conversations at the event highlighted three crucial aspects for finance leaders to consider when embarking on their journey with AI agents.

The first step involves automating high-impact processes to build momentum and deliver measurable value. Secondly, establishing a Center of Innovation can upskill teams and foster experimentation. Lastly, collaboration with IT is essential to define human-agent operating models that scale effectively.

Starting with High-Impact Automation

AI-powered finance doesn't necessitate an entire overhaul but can begin with targeted steps that yield immediate results. Focus on areas ripe for automation, such as financial close, account reconciliation, and supplier communications, which offer significant benefits using prebuilt solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365.

For instance, the Supplier Communications Agent can manage vendor emails and supply chain disruptions automatically. Beyond existing prebuilt options, Microsoft empowers professionals to craft custom agents for ERP processes. These agents can assist in updating tax strategies or providing real-time audits, significantly reducing manual data retrieval time while enhancing decision-making through instant insights.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

To ensure successful AI adoption, it's vital to establish a Center of Innovation where teams can explore, test, and scale use cases securely. This hub facilitates experimentation, governance, and best practices, aligning AI initiatives with business goals. By creating low-risk environments for testing, teams can experiment freely, fostering curiosity and continuous improvement.

Microsoft’s own journey exemplifies this approach, with structures in place to support AI adoption. Additionally, collaboration with IT is pivotal in defining how humans and AI will collaborate effectively. Defining clear roles ensures that repetitive tasks are handled by AI, allowing humans to focus on strategic decisions. Early collaboration with IT on security and permissions is critical for implementation success, ensuring sensitive financial data remains protected while driving optimal outcomes.

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Treasury Secretary's Defense of Tax and Trade Policies

A nearly five-hour hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee saw Treasury Secretary Scott Bessin defending the administration’s tax and trade policies. He emphasized that the deal with China aimed at a specific goal but acknowledged the broader negotiation process would be prolonged. Bessin labeled China as an unreliable partner and warned them to honor their commitments. Regarding the 90-day pause ending on July 9th, he indicated that trading partners negotiating in good faith might see the deadline extended for further talks.

Bessin also defended the tax bill, asserting that failing to pass it could lead to significant tax hikes and job losses. Democrats challenged him, arguing the bill might increase the deficit. The secretary faced criticism from various quarters, including Elon Musk's public disapproval. Despite these challenges, Bessin expressed his intention to remain in his current position until 2029 and justified section 899 of the House tax bill, clarifying its purpose was fiscal rather than retaliatory. After testifying in the House, Bessin proceeded to the Senate for another session.

Trade Policies and International Relations

The Treasury Secretary's testimony focused on the complexities surrounding the recent deal with China. Bessin highlighted the need for a long-term negotiation strategy, emphasizing that while the immediate agreement addressed a particular issue, broader discussions would continue. His remarks underscored the importance of holding China accountable for their commitments. Furthermore, he outlined a clear distinction between cooperative trading partners and those deemed unreliable, suggesting that only sincere negotiators would benefit from deadline extensions.

In a detailed exploration of international trade dynamics, Scott Bessin articulated the administration's stance towards China, portraying them as an inconsistent ally in economic matters. This perspective was crucial in shaping the ongoing dialogue regarding trade agreements. By advocating for stringent accountability measures, Bessin reinforced the necessity of maintaining robust negotiations. The 90-day pause provided a buffer period for evaluating the progress of these negotiations, ensuring that only genuinely committed partners would receive additional time for discussions. This approach demonstrated a strategic shift in handling international trade relations, prioritizing trustworthiness and reciprocity over hasty resolutions.

Tax Legislation and Domestic Concerns

Beyond international trade, Bessin vigorously supported the proposed tax legislation, countering claims of potential adverse impacts. He argued that rejecting the bill could result in unprecedented tax increases and widespread unemployment. In response to Democratic concerns about escalating deficits, Bessin maintained that the bill's financial implications were misunderstood. His defense extended to addressing criticisms from influential figures like Elon Musk, demonstrating resilience against external pressures.

Delving deeper into domestic fiscal policy, the Treasury Secretary meticulously dissected the tax bill's provisions, aiming to clarify misconceptions. Bessin contended that the proposed legislation was a cornerstone for economic stability, preventing severe financial repercussions. His interaction with lawmakers revealed a steadfast commitment to the bill's principles, despite mounting opposition. Notably, Bessin's justification of section 899 exemplified the administration's intent to safeguard US interests without resorting to punitive measures. By emphasizing the fiscal nature of the bill, he sought to allay fears of retaliatory actions against foreign entities. As the day's proceedings concluded, Bessin's comprehensive testimony underscored the intricate balance required in managing both international and domestic economic priorities. His subsequent appearance before the Senate promised further insights into these critical issues.

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