Everyone’s familiar with the saying ‘too much of a good thing’ but when it comes to looking after the lifeblood of an organisation, its cash, is it true? Well no, I don’t happen to think so. The ACT’s recent Smart Cash Management Conference 2018 rather made my point.
Exciting start to #smartcash18 with opening remark from Chair Peter Matza @actupdate pic.twitter.com/VZlib5TELj — Bandhu P. Das (@ibpdas) March 14, 2018
Can you have too many smart people working through a range of workshop problems on international cash management, sharing experiences and offering innovative ideas and solutions? Doubt it.
Can there be too much careful explanation of recent regulatory changes and their challenges for corporate treasurers? Fairly sure there’s nothing wrong with that.
What about exploring and understanding the real impact technology will have on cash, liquidity and business planning? Nope, plenty of mileage to be had there too!
There’s a serious message here of course. Treasurers have moved a long way from the days of cash being what’s in the bank when we get to the office to - a static position if you will – to today’s dynamic environment when it’s the movement of cash (and value) through the entire business cycle that is the heart of business operations. In fact, long term cash forecasting over a time horizon stretching 3 , 5 or more years has as much importance as today and tomorrow. And alongside this dynamism are the new tools of the trade: real-time bank balance information, integrated accounting, risk and treasury systems and direct B2B and B2C information flows.
Bente Salt, FCT, Head of Treasury Rentokil Initial, an ACT member on panel talking about how her organisation manages cash and bank relationships @actupdate #smartcash18 pic.twitter.com/7sqDoWemnr — caroline stockmann (@carolinesSCI) March 14, 2018
There’s no time to sit on our laurels though. The range and depth of new (let alone current) regulatory challenges – GDPR, MiFiD, Basel 3 (and then 4!) - are still chains at treasurers’ feet. The explosion of 3rd party non-bank facilitators in payments, forex and potentially debt markets need to be explored and then there are the big ideas about to land: blockchain, new household brand players in everyday and corporate finance and others. And in case you were wondering, we talked all these through as well!
And where do you meet these smart people? You meet them where they meet us at the ACT.
Other upcoming events
15-16 May, Liverpool, UK
ACT Annual Conference – Stronger influence, smarter innovation
The ACT’s award-winning flagship conference is back in Liverpool on 15-16 May 2018!
Treasurers are increasingly expected to plan for global instability in their organisations, make sense of technological innovation and take a strategic lead in navigating their business through risky disruption. To help you succeed in this challenging marketplace, we are focusing two days of discussion, 100 speakers and over 1,000 attendees on how treasurers can ensure they have stronger influence in their organisation whilst harnessing smarter innovation to add increased value.
Find out more here.
16-17 October, Dubai, UAE
ACT Middle East Annual Summit
Join us at the largest and most popular treasury event in the GCC. Bringing together the region’s leading corporates, you can expect to meet over 500 treasury and finance professionals, hear thought-provoking insights and best practice from over 50 speakers and talk business with over 20 leading product and service providers, all under one roof.
Find out more here.
14 November, London, UK
ACT Treasury Forum
This invitation-only event is the perfect platform for leading treasury professionals to come together – sharing and debating the key issues of the day in an informal and interactive setting.
Find out more here.
14 November, London, UK
ACT Annual Dinner
Taking place in the elegant surroundings of the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel, this event provides you with a fantastic opportunity to network with your peers whilst enjoying a superb three course meal, fine wine and entertainment in one of the most prestigious venues in London.
Find out more here.