For the past three years September has been the time for the ACT to take the temperature of corporate treasury in Asia, specifically Singapore and Hong Kong. Your correspondent will again be presenting a treasury workshop at the GTR Trade and Treasury event in Singapore followed by the Asia Treasury Leaders’ Forum in Hong Kong.
China will likely dominate the trade event with the ‘Belt and Road’ strategy continuing to take shape, although some commentators are suggesting a lessening of regional enthusiasm. There is as wide a range as ever of opinions on the Chinese economy, its political control and international influence. The impact of President Trump and his trade rhetoric alongside North Korean détente and Iranian sanctions is another puzzler for treasurers, bankers and governments alike. Other regional issues include currency depreciation, sustainability in supply chains and agribusiness and governance and social issues in corporate development. And add to the mix the impact of technology (with the rise of fintechs), changing demographics and the rise of middle class consumers.
From a treasurer’s perspective all these issues need to be taken on board alongside more specific treasury concerns. Key areas that will be debated include the strength (or not) of corporate debt and capital markets, the lack of payment options, integration and consistency in many bank payments platforms and ow has the risk environment changed both from a corporate and banking perspective?
What we mustn’t lose sight of though is the human dimension. As treasurers have developed their roles to be strategic partners in their organisations, the capability to analyse, review and explain how all these factors might impact on corporate health and growth is becoming the key driver for successful treasury careers.
The complexity of the modern business world needs interpreting and treasurers are best placed for it. Hearing from bankers, treasurers, advisers and others offers us the chance to learn new skills and approaches to dealing with that challenge. The fact that treasurers are operating in such a complex environment makes this a crucial time to explore where their priorities and challenges currently lie ACT is thrilled to have the opportunity to hear and discuss these issues with our colleagues in Asia.
If you are interested in joining us, the ACT’s flagship conference for the Asia-Pacific region, Asia Treasury Leaders' Forum is running on 19 September in Hong Kong. Come along and meet over 200 forward-thinking treasury professionals. You can view the programme and register your place here.
We are also running a strategic female leadership workshop on 20 September in Hong Kong. Organised together with White & Case, this meeting is tailored for women to discuss developing leadership and communication skills in order to unlock future career opportunities. The workshop is free to attend and will start at 12pm. Click here to register your place.
