The ACT Annual Conference is the perfect opportunity to catch up on all those topics that don’t come across your desk every day – use the opportunity to stay up to date with those topics that, whilst not necessarily core, are likely to be raised by the CFO/board. Here are a few suggestions for sessions that address some such topics:
Trade Finance is frequently considered as a niche topic, of limited relevance for many organisations that transact on open accounts or have limited requirements for LoCs, performance guarantees and the like. However, geo-political uncertainty is resulting in a widescale redesign of supply chains, and, to be able to respond with agility to changes proposed elsewhere in the organisation, the treasury team need to be up to date with the latest developments in trade finance – particularly as new suppliers may result in changed practices.
Check out the session: Why it matters to you: developments in trade finance Trade finance is being revolutionised.
Pensions, and in particular what to do if the company pension scheme is running a surplus, is a topic that often flies under the radar until such time that the board or the trustee group ask about the company plans. There have been numerous developments in recent years – and the present UK government is talking of further changes. The Annual Conference is an ideal opportunity to update yourself on the latest thinking about the art of the possible when it comes to handling the pension surplus.
Check out the session: Pension surplus – dead money or source of finance? Or, particularly for those who may not yet in in a position to consider a buy-out, find out about superfunds: More choice, more questions: which option is right for settling your defined benefit pension risk?
Alternate Investment products – reverse repos have been around for a while but have not found traction amongst the corporate community although widely used elsewhere.
Drop into a Silent theatre session and spend 15 minutes to understand the product and decide for yourself if it’s relevant to you.
India – if supply chains are under review, India is almost certain to be considered (and this is in addition to rapid domestic developments making it a market of interest for many corporates.)
Check out the session: Operating in India: what does a treasurer need to consider to get up to speed with the opportunities and the challenges for treasurers if their organisation is working with India.
Commodities are not only relevant for the ‘obvious’ oil majors or food producers. Changes in commodity prices can have an indirect impact on almost any business and it is important to understand where the risk exists and the implications for the business.
Check out the session: Why it matters to you: how you are exposed to commodities even if you don’t think you are?
