Reaching out: how treasurers can volunteer, influence and help future professionals

Senior treasurer Nagam Al-Kadhi AffilACT explains why volunteering with the ACT matters, how experience shapes policy discussions and why giving back helps the next generation of corporate treasurers

For Nagam Al-Kadhi AffilACT, deputy treasurer at Canary Wharf Group, getting involved with the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) began with curiosity, initiative and a strong sense of professional responsibility. After years in senior treasury roles, she was keen to give back to a profession that has shaped her career.

Al-Kadhi’s route into volunteering with the ACT was characteristically proactive. Around three years ago, she reached out to the ACT after hearing about a working group focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG), which, at the time, was a major area of change for treasury. “ESG had moved up the treasury agenda at that point. We had green bonds, looking at sustainability-linked facilities and building ESG metrics into our funding strategy, so it was front and centre for everyone,” she explains.

As a result of that initial contact, Al-Kadhi was invited to sit in on meetings of the ACT’s Policy & Technical Advisory Group. While she initially questioned how she could contribute, it quickly became clear that her practical experience was exactly what the group valued. “You quickly realise the conversation is about the nuts and bolts of treasury, liquidity, technology, regulatory frameworks, payments, business risk, recruitment – the sort of decisions we’re making day in, day out at a senior level,” she says.

Real challenges

The discussions reflected the real challenges treasurers face, viewed through different organisational lenses, and that diversity of perspective quickly drew her in. A few months later, she was asked to take on the role of chair.

“I agreed to chair it initially for a year. At that stage in your career, you’ve seen enough cycles, transactions and regulatory change to know where you can add value, and the discussions benefit from that breadth of experience.” She has been part of the group ever since.

Genuine influence

For Al-Kadhi, this goes well beyond theory. “You genuinely get to influence how the profession responds to things, whether that’s regulation, market volatility, digitalisation or ESG. When people around the table have led financings, managed risk through real volatility, and dealt with investors and lenders directly, the conversation is on a different level,” she says.

 You genuinely get to influence how the profession responds to things, whether that’s regulation, market volatility, digitalisation or ESG  

“It reminds you that, while businesses differ, the underlying treasury challenges are often shared, and experience helps you navigate them more effectively.”  That sense of connection is central to why she believes treasurers should volunteer, particularly those with established experience.

“Without that network, I wouldn’t have developed half as quickly earlier in my career – and, later on, it becomes about sharing what you’ve learned: how deals are negotiated, how covenants land in the real world, how bank relationships actually work.

“You can study the theory, but hearing how someone handled a refinancing, a rating discussion or a liquidity squeeze is a different level of learning.”

Outside the profession

Beyond the ACT, Al-Kadhi is also active in other forms of giving back. At Canary Wharf Group, she regularly takes part in community volunteering, including supporting local food banks. She also gives her time informally to support women working remotely around the world. “It’s not formal mentoring – it’s more a peer group, where everyone brings their experience, whether that’s career decisions, navigating leadership or managing remote teams.” It is unpaid, informal and done in her own time, but Al-Kadhi sees it as another way of strengthening the profession and its people.

 It’s not formal mentoring – it’s more a peer group, where everyone brings their experience, whether that’s career decisions, navigating leadership or managing remote teams  

When asked what advice she would give to treasurers unsure how to get involved with the ACT, her answer reflects both openness and professional standards. “Just reach out; professional bodies are open, but they’re looking for people who can bring real-world experience and considered views. You don’t need to be a policy specialist, but you do need practical insight and a willingness to engage constructively. The profession only moves forward if practitioners contribute.”

Responsibility, community and stewardship

For Al-Kadhi, volunteering is not about prestige or obligation; it is about responsibility, community and stewardship. “It’s about giving something back so the next generation of treasury professionals comes into a sector that is stronger, more connected and continuing to grow in influence.”

In a profession that is still often underestimated, she believes participation is how treasurers ensure they are heard and valued. As Al-Kadhi puts it: “If treasurers don’t speak up, decisions get made without our input. Experienced voices around the table are how we make sure the profession is properly understood and represented.”

About the author

Philip Smith is editor of The Treasurer

You may also like