Singapore 2017
Once again the ACT was delighted to be invited to lead the Corporate Treasury workshop at this year’s GTR Trade and Treasury week in Singapore, the world’s largest event bringing these two disciplines together.
Our venue was the extraordinary expo and convention centre that is the Marina Bay Sands - the three-legged hotel with the infinity pool on top, complete these days with a Singapore bumboat experience in the shopping ‘streets’!
Delegates were offered not just the ACT on treasury but workshops, plenary sessions and discussion groups on all things trade and trade finance.
And the state of play in Asian business?
Well, your correspondent detected some cautious optimism despite geo-political tensions.
TPP may prosper despite the US withdrawal, fintech is delivering in consumer banking and logistics management and even blockchain is almost (but not quite) at the starting gates.
Asian capital markets are slowly developing – although they lack true depth – and 2017 has seen record debt capital markets issuance by corporates across Asia.
And what of corporate treasury?
The ACT’s in-depth global survey of leading treasurers, now titled The Business of Treasury – was very well received and its message of the increasing strategic importance of treasury and treasurers was fully endorsed by conference delegates. Our workshop discussion on career development and talent emphasised the need for individuals to both grasp their own opportunities but also to work with their employers to create and structure treasury and finance career paths. Treasurers need to have clarity of purpose and belief in themselves!
In addition to our conference presence the ACT raised its flag at a fledgling Regional Group meeting to help bring together around 120 members and students based in Singapore. Over the next few months, there may even be an opportunity to widen the overall corporate treasury community in Singapore. Here’s hoping!
I’ll be back in Asia, this time Hong Kong, on 27 September at the Asia Treasury Leaders’ Forum 2017. Lots of room for all to come along so if you have friends or colleagues in Hong Kong in finance or business, please book now as it’s free for ACT members and folks from non-financial corporates!
See you there!
