Episode 283: Treasury Can Be More than a Support Function with Kurt Smith

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we sit down with Philip Costa Hibberd and Jan-Willem Attevelt from Automation Boutique to explore how Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming treasury and finance teams. From eliminating manual workflows to building scalable automation ecosystems, Philip and Jan-Willem explain how modern tech can unlock efficiency and empower treasury teams to focus on value-driving activities. Whether you're new to automation or considering a rollout in your organization, this is a treasury-forward deep dive worth tuning into.Philip Costa Hibberd is the founder of Automation Boutique and a seasoned automation manager specializing in finance and treasury. Jan-Willem Attevelt is a technical expert in RPA, APIs, and AI, and brings extensive treasury experience to his work. Together, they help global organizations streamline operations through practical, no-nonsense automation strategies.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat RPA is and how it fits into broader treasury automation effortsWhy attended vs unattended bots matter—and where AI fits into the mixPractical use cases: from FX rate retrieval to multi-bank PDF parsingWhy RPA is “macros on steroids”—and what it can do that Excel can’tThe risks of automating broken processes and why simplicity winsEpisode Breakdown &amp; Timestamps&nbsp;[00:00] – Introduction and AFP partnership ($100 off CTP certification) [01:29] – Meet Philip and Jan-Willem from Automation Boutique [03:02] – What is automation in Treasury, and why does it matter [06:02] – What is RPA and how it works in a Treasury context [08:04] – Security, attended vs unattended bots, and credential handling [11:25] – How RPA and AI can work together in automation flows [15:23] – Simple RPA use case: extracting data from PDF confirmations [19:52] – Why RPA isn’t always the best solution – when to say no [24:17] – RPA vs Excel macros: key differences and advantages [30:22] – How bots interact with applications and system UIs [36:05] – Is RPA suitable for small businesses? Cost and scalability [39:40] – Using Excel and Power Query as a starting point for automation [43:48] – Skills needed to start with RPA (free training and tools) [46:53] – How to maintain RPA implementations without deep tech skills [51:19] – Drawbacks of RPA: automating messy processes creates bigger problems [54:41] – Common Treasury RPA use cases: reporting &amp; master data uploads [56:51] – Real success story: automating bank deal confirmation processing [01:09:13] – Future of Treasury: combining RPA with AI for decision-making [01:10:51] – Where to learn more: UiPath, Microsoft, and Automation BoutiqueFollow Philip Costa Hibberd &amp; Jan-Willem AtteveltWebsite: https://www.automationboutique.com/Philip Costa Hibberd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-costa-hibberd/ Jan-Willem Attevelt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attevelt/&nbsp;Follow Corporate Treasury 101:Website: <a...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we explore how corporate treasurers can enhance collaboration with Procurement and Accounts Payable (AP) teams to optimize working capital, reduce the cost of capital, and improve cash flow visibility. Tamir Shafer and Rajiv Ramachandran from Coupa share insights on the interdependencies between Treasury, Procurement, and AP, and how technology platforms can break down silos and streamline these critical financial functions. With growing complexity in supply chains and supplier payment management, treasurers need new strategies and tools to drive efficiency and financial health across the organization.Tamir Shafer, Area Vice President at Coupa and a former Treasury practitioner, offers a unique perspective on how Treasury can better engage with Procurement and AP. Rajiv Ramachandran, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy at Coupa Pay, explains how integrated spend management platforms empower companies to gain early visibility into payments and cash flow forecasts while enabling innovative solutions like dynamic discounting. Together, they unpack how Treasury can become a strategic leader by working closely with these departments.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe roles Procurement and AP play and their impact on Treasury operationsHow Treasury, Procurement, and AP interconnect to manage supplier contracts, payments, and liquidity riskWays data analytics and technology platforms like Coupa improve spend visibility and cash flow forecastingPractical insights on dynamic discounting and working capital optimization across the supply chainTips for breaking down organizational silos and fostering cross-department collaboration for financial transformationEpisode Breakdown &amp; Timestamps&nbsp;[00:00] – Introduction and $100 AFP Certification Discount [00:37] – Meet Tamir Shafer and Rajiv Ramachandran from Coupa [02:17] – What Does a Procurement Department Typically Do? [06:11] – Supplier Contracts, Risk, and Treasury’s Role [08:54] – Understanding the Accounts Payable Process [13:17] – Optimizing Working Capital through Dynamic Discounting [20:01] – Simplifying Payment and Financing with Technology [25:27] – Integration Challenges and Supplier Onboarding [30:10] – Interdependencies Between Procurement, AP, and Treasury [37:03] – How Coupa Enables Collaboration Through Unified Platform [42:54] – Learning Across Departments and Breaking Silos [48:00] – Why Coupa Linked Procurement, AP, and Treasury [56:00] – Final Advice: Treasurers as Superheroes and Change Agents [58:00] – Closing and How to Learn More About Coupa and Our GuestsFollow Our Guests:Tamir ShaferLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamir-shafer-0722434/&nbsp;Website: https://www.coupa.com/&nbsp;Coupa (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/coupa-software/&nbsp;Rajiv RamachandranLinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajiv-ramachandran-7a60b91/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we dive into how corporate treasurers can better manage their short-term investments and gain clearer visibility over their cash using money market funds and digital investment portals with Sebastian Ramos and Zachary Brown from Institutional Cash Distributors (ICD). With rising interest rates and tighter scrutiny around liquidity, treasury teams are looking for tools that make it easier to invest wisely and manage risk. This episode explores how these funds work, why they’re becoming more popular, and how technology can help treasurers make faster, smarter decisions.Sebastian Ramos and Zachary Brown from ICD join us to explain it all. Sebastian, who leads global trading and product strategy, walks us through the basics of money market funds and how they’re structured, the benefits they offer, and how they compare to other investment options. Zach, who oversees product development, introduces ICD’s new Portfolio Analytics tool. It’s built to help treasurers pull data from different sources and see their exposure in real time, so they can act quickly when markets shift. Together, they break down how treasury teams can reduce risk and stay in control.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow money market funds work and why they’re ideal for liquidity and diversificationWhy independent investment portals offer advantages over bank platformsHow to simplify the complexity of short-term investing with daily digital executionWhat ICD’s new Portfolio Analytics tool does and how it supports better risk managementHow AI and machine learning are transforming treasury reporting and data integrationEpisode Breakdown &amp; Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction and $100 AFP Certification Discount[01:12] – Meet Sebastian Ramos and Zachary Brown from ICD[02:41] – What Are Money Market Funds and How They Work[06:33] – MMFs vs. Bank Deposits: Credit, Liquidity, and Diversification[11:12] – MMFs in a Rising Rate Environment[18:12] – Regional Differences: U.S. vs Europe MMF Regulations[25:18] – How Treasurers Access and Trade MMFs[26:58] – Investment Portals Explained and ICD’s Independent Platform[39:53] – Launching ICD Portfolio Analytics: Problem, Solution, and Use Case[43:47] – Exposure Tracking, Counterparty Risk, and Predictive Scenarios[48:29] – Data Integrations, File Challenges, and Use of AI[59:36] – How Portfolio Analytics Connects with TMS and Bank Systems[01:04:26] – Final Thoughts: Why Treasury Needs Real-Time Data ToolsFollow Our Guests:Sebastian RamosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-ramos-4299247/&nbsp;Website: https://icdportal.com/&nbsp;Zachary BrownLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-brown1984/&nbsp;Website: https://icdportal.com/&nbsp;Follow Corporate Treasury 101:Website: <a...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we explore how treasury teams can improve their operations by focusing on practical steps in cash forecasting, in-house banking, and treasury reporting. Our guest, Alexander Fleischmann, Market Development Executive at Nomentia, shares examples from companies like Lufthansa, GLS Logistics, and Eaton Corporation to explain how treasury departments can solve real challenges using the right tools and strategies. From building cash visibility to managing internal bank structures, the episode highlights the importance of agility and structured planning in a changing financial landscape.Alexander brings over 15 years of experience helping companies improve their treasury operations. He explains how to start small, make quick wins, and build scalable solutions over time. We discuss why forecasting remains a top priority, how historical data plays a key role in accurate planning, and what makes reporting more useful and accessible to teams. Whether you’re new to treasury systems or looking to optimize your existing setup, this episode offers practical advice and real examples from leading organizations.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy cash flow forecasting remains a top priority for treasurers and CFOsHow Lufthansa rebuilt its forecasting system in just 6 working days during the pandemicWhy starting small helps with treasury transformationWhat an in-house bank is and how it saves on intercompany payment costsHow GLS Logistics started implementing in-house banking from the ground upHow Eaton Corporation manages bank accounts and user permissions with clear dashboardsWhat a data cube is and how it supports treasury reportingThe importance of using the tools you already know, like Excel and Power BIWhy having the right data matters more than new technology hypeEpisode Breakdown &amp; Timestamps&nbsp;[00:00] – Introduction and AFP partnership ($100 off CTP certification) [01:35] – Meet Alexander Fleischmann and an overview of today’s discussion [02:52] – Why liquidity and forecasting matter more than ever [05:26] – Lufthansa case: how they changed their forecast model in six days [09:19] – Importance of being flexible in difficult times [11:10] – How Nomentia supports team development and talent retention [15:37] – When and how forecasting tools can be used properly [20:50] – In-house banks: what they are and how they reduce costs [25:46] – GLS Logistics: building internal systems step by step [30:17] – Benefits of using separate tools for different needs [33:53] – How to plan and prioritize treasury transformation [37:16] – What is Microsoft Azure, and why does Nomentia use it [42:03] – Moving away from pie charts and improving reporting [44:40] – Eaton Corporation: reporting and permission workflows [49:56] – Using Excel and Power BI without being an expert [53:16] – How to use reporting tools for forecasting and exposure tracking [56:36] – Why some companies start with reporting and later move to full solutions [58:54] – Final thoughts and advice from Alexander [1:00:15] – Where to learn more about NomentiaFollow our guest Alexander Fleischmann:LinkedIn: <a...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of corporate fraud and explore how businesses can protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Our guest, Baptiste Collot, Co-Founder and CEO of Trustpair, shares actionable insights on how treasury and finance teams can move beyond traditional manual controls and adopt modern solutions to safeguard corporate payments. We explore the explosion of sophisticated fraud schemes, the dangers of deepfakes, and why companies must rethink their fraud prevention strategies to protect enterprise value. From understanding the new cyber era of fraud to implementing real-time vendor validation and efficient risk management practices, this episode is packed with critical advice for any treasury professional looking to stay ahead of modern fraud trends.Baptiste Collot draws from extensive experience leading one of the world's top fraud prevention SaaS platforms to explain how companies can rebuild trust in their payment processes. He breaks down the key risks facing treasury today, how cybercrime has gone global, and why thorough information verification at every step of the procure-to-pay process is crucial. We also discuss real-world fraud examples, the rise of highly convincing phishing attacks, how to build a strong business case for fraud prevention tools, and why integrating these solutions into ERP and treasury systems is essential for future-proofing your organization.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow AI and streamlined processes have supercharged fraud attacks in 2024Why fraudsters target vendors and exploit email chains, and how to stop themWhat deepfake fraud looks like in the corporate worldHow to create a multi-layered fraud prevention frameworkReal-world cases of fraud detection using Trustpair's technologyWhy internal training alone isn’t enough to fight cyber-enabled fraudHow to make a strong business case for fraud prevention to your CFO and boardEpisode Breakdown &amp; Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction &amp; AFP Partnership ($100 Off CTP Certification)[01:40] – Meet Baptiste Collot and Introduction to Fraud Trends[03:13] – How AI Has Fueled the Explosion of Fraud[05:17] – Why Defense Mechanisms Are Still Lagging Behind[07:19] – The Globalization of Fraud: No Borders Anymore[10:20] – Regional Differences in Fraud Tactics[12:13] – Common Fraud Schemes Explained (Vendor Impersonation, Deepfakes, etc.)[16:54] – How Deepfakes Are Being Used to Commit Fraud[21:46] – How Trustpair Automates Vendor and Bank Account Validation[32:00] – ChatGPT and AI Tools: New Weapons for Fraudsters[36:09] – The Domino Effect: How Fraud Damages Beyond Money[48:16] – Building a Business Case for Fraud Prevention[51:40] – Real-World Examples: How Trustpair Helped Clients Prevent Fraud[56:33] – Final Thoughts &amp; How to Connect with BaptisteFollow our guest Baptiste Collot:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcollot/&nbsp;Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustpair/&nbsp;Follow Corporate Treasury 101:Website: <a href="https://corporate-treasury-101.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we dive into the evolving role of corporate treasury and explore how it can shift from a traditional cost center to a strategic business partner. Our guest, Kurt Smith, Director at Marengo Capital and Vice President of the Australian Corporate Treasury Association, shares actionable insights on how treasury teams can move beyond operational functions and start driving enterprise value. We explore how treasurers can help define risk appetite, optimize capital allocation, and influence key business decisions. From understanding the strategic importance of metrics like ROIC and WACC to navigating internal relationships and regulatory discussions, this episode is packed with practical advice for any treasury professional looking to elevate their impact.Kurt Smith draws from decades of experience in fund management, derivatives trading, and treasury consulting to explain how corporate finance teams can move upstream in the value chain. He breaks down what it means to be a strategic treasurer, how to optimize working capital through better cash conversion cycles, and why financial acumen should be embedded across treasury teams. We also discuss the state of treasury in Australia, how ACTA supports professionals through networking and education, and how treasurers can embrace AI to free up time for higher-value work.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to reposition treasury from a cost center to a value-adding business partnerThe importance of aligning treasury with enterprise risk appetite and capital allocationWhy understanding ROIC and WACC is critical for measuring impactHow to improve working capital through smarter cash conversion and internal advocacyReal-world examples of building treasury influence through operational and regulatory engagementHow ACTA is raising the bar for treasury professionals in AustraliaWhere AI fits into the future of strategic treasuryEpisode Breakdown &amp; Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction &amp; AFP Partnership ($100 Off CTP Certification)[01:00] – Kurt Smith’s Background and Role at ACTA[03:03] – What Treasury Departments Typically Focus On[04:39] – Core Treasury Functions: Cash, Risk, and Funding[06:15] – From Cost Center to Value Creation Unit[09:12] – Defining and Influencing Risk Appetite[13:36] – Operational vs. Strategic Treasury[17:28] – KPIs that Matter: ROIC, WACC, and Enterprise Risk[20:59] – Turning Treasury into a Profit Center[26:00] – Strategic Cash Flow Management &amp; Internal Advocacy[30:37] – Case Study: Streamlining Insurance with Tech[34:51] – Cash Conversion Cycle and Working Capital Optimization[41:50] – Creating a Competitive Internal Market for Capital[46:00] – Real-Time Cost of Capital: Why Treasury Should Own It[55:00] – Treasury in Australia: Opportunities &amp; Challenges[01:03:00] – ACTA’s Role in Supporting Treasury Professionals[01:10:00] – AI, Digital Tools &amp; the Future of Strategic Treasury[01:24:48] – Final Thoughts &amp; How to Connect with KurtFollow our guest Kurt Smith:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-smith-phd-97053515/&nbsp;Website: <a href="https://www.marengocapital.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we dive into the complex but essential world of commodity risk management with Olivier Kaczmarek, Partner at O2 Finance and a seasoned treasury consultant. We discuss how companies can identify, assess, and mitigate their exposure to commodity price fluctuations through both strategic planning and operational tools. From forecasting exposure and selecting the right systems to aligning strategy across procurement and finance, this episode sheds light on how corporates can proactively manage commodity volatility. We also discuss real-world examples like how Ryanair saved €1.4 billion through effective fuel hedging and why financial derivatives should be your last line of defense, not the first. Whether you're exposed to gas, metals, or oil, this discussion offers a clear roadmap for building a solid hedging framework that goes far beyond the treasury desk.Olivier Kaczmarek shares his proven approach for helping multinational companies mitigate commodity exposure. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Olivier explains how to identify implicit versus explicit risk, the importance of aligning your hedging strategy with market behavior, and what KPIs you should be tracking to measure success. From system implementation to pitching the project to the CFO, this episode is full of strategic and practical insights for modern treasury teams.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe four types of commodity risks: direct vs. indirect, explicit vs. implicitHow to forecast commodity exposure based on sales and production dataWhy financial hedging comes last in a complete risk management strategyReal-life examples of how companies like Ryanair use commodity hedgingCommon tools used in commodity risk management (SAP, FIS, Orchestrade)How to align strategy between procurement, finance, and treasuryBuilding internal awareness and pitching risk projects to the C-suiteKPI strategies to evaluate risk performance and decision-makingEpisode Breakdown &amp; Timestamps&nbsp;[00:00] Introduction and AFP Partnership (Get $100 Off CTP Certification) [01:22] Why commodity risk is often overlooked in treasury [02:51] Forecasting energy, input, and production exposure [05:18] Using supplier price strategies and arbitrage [06:21] Understanding direct vs. indirect, explicit vs. implicit risk [10:57] How pricing strategies protect brands from volatility [13:06] Ryanair's €1.4B gain from fuel hedging [14:16] Strategic hedging vs. following the competition [15:24] Tools and software used for commodity risk [17:09] Hedging vs. operational decisions: which comes first [19:14] Building your strategy from the ground up [21:52] When financial derivatives are the right move [24:30] Operational ideas: integration, re-engineering, 3R model [26:36] KPIs, the monkey benchmark, and measuring value [28:12] Pitching a risk project to the CFO [30:27] Who should own commodity risk management[31:31] Where to learn more about O2 Finance and OlivierFollow our guest, Olivier Kaczmarek:Website: https://www.o2finance.be/&nbsp;LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-kaczmarek-5200602/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we dive into the world of commodity risk management with Olivier Kaczmarek, Partner at O2 Finance and a seasoned treasury consultant. With over 20 years of experience advising multinational companies on treasury systems and risk strategies, Olivier helps us break down where commodity risk arises, why it’s often overlooked, and how companies can manage it more effectively.Olivier Kaczmarek shares insights from real client work across manufacturing and energy sectors, explaining how natural hedging, pricing alignment, and internal coordination can mitigate risk, often more effectively than derivatives. His clear, practical approach offers a fresh perspective on making commodity risk a formal part of corporate treasury strategy.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat commodity price risk really means in a corporate settingHow commodity exposure arises across procurement, production, and salesWhy most treasurers overlook commodity risk, and why that needs to changeThe role of natural hedges and pricing contracts in mitigating riskWhy analyzing contracts and internal pricing mechanisms is more powerful than you thinkEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction &amp; AFP Certification Promo[01:29] – Why Commodity Risk Management Matters More Than Ever[03:02] – What Is Commodity Risk? The Focus on Price Volatility[04:00] – Procurement, Production &amp; Sales: How Exposure Spreads[06:25] – Natural Hedges and the Myth of “Just Passing on Costs”[08:30] – Treasurers vs. Buyers: Who Owns the Risk?[12:54] – Common At-Risk Commodities and Vulnerable Industries[14:56] – Identifying and Analyzing Exposure: The Toughest Part[16:59] – Real Case: Naturally Hedged Without Knowing It[19:00] – No Market, No Problem? Proxy Hedges and Pricing Sync[20:39] – Aligning Sales and Procurement to Manage Risk InternallyFollow our guest, Olivier Kaczmarek:Website: https://www.o2finance.be/&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-kaczmarek-5200602/&nbsp;Follow Corporate Treasury 101:Website: https://corporate-treasury-101.com/&nbsp;LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/86645197/admin/dashboard/&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow Hussam &amp; Guillaume:Hussam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-ali-6bb69186/&nbsp;Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-jouvencel/&nbsp;Gha Marketing Website: https://ghapodcast.com/&nbsp;#CorporateTreasury #InterestRates #Derivatives #CrossCurrencySwaps #FXRisk #DebtStructuring #CapitalMarkets...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we discuss the intricacies of operating a treasury function in China, one of the most highly regulated and misunderstood markets in the world. Damian Glendinning, former Group Treasurer of Lenovo and founder of Complex Countries, helps us unpack the challenges of treasury management in China, from regulatory ambiguity to the unique roles of Alipay and WeChat Pay. We cover how foreign companies can navigate this distinct financial landscape, including legal workarounds like entrustment loans, limitations around cross-border flows, and the impact of China’s evolving global strategy.Damian shares insights from decades of hands-on experience, having led treasury operations in China during his time at IBM and Lenovo. He offers a nuanced, practical perspective on how treasurers can operate effectively in a market where the rules are complex and constantly changing.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow China’s banking sector transitioned from state-run distribution to commercial bankingWhy are regulations in China often interpreted and enforced in flexible waysHow companies navigate cash pooling with tools like entrustment loansThe rise of tech giants like Alipay and WeChat Pay in filling banking gapsWhat treasurers need to know about China’s efforts to reduce reliance on USD and SWIFTEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction &amp; AFP Certification Promo [01:50] – Why China Is a Focus for Corporate Treasurers [03:19] – Misconceptions About China’s Culture and Structure [15:31] – Evolution of the Banking System: State to Commercial [20:56] – WeChat Pay, Alipay &amp; Financial Innovation [28:02] – Foreign Companies and Banking Limitations [33:41] – Entrustment Loans &amp; Cash Pooling Workarounds [46:02] – Cross-Border Lending and Capital Flows [49:58] – Renminbi, SWIFT, and De-Dollarization Strategies [56:26] – The Bigger Picture: Global Integration vs. IsolationFollow Damian Glendinning &amp; Complex Countries: Website: https://www.complexcountries.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-glendinning-089b44b/&nbsp;Follow Corporate Treasury 101:Website: https://corporate-treasury-101.com/&nbsp;LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/86645197/admin/dashboard/&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow Hussam &amp; Guillaume:Hussam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-ali-6bb69186/&nbsp;Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-jouvencel/&nbsp;Gha Marketing Website: https://ghapodcast.com/&nbsp;#CorporateTreasury #InterestRates #Derivatives #CrossCurrencySwaps #FXRisk #DebtStructuring #CapitalMarkets...

In this episode of Corporate Treasury 101, we speak with Amol Dhargalkar, Managing Partner and Chairman at Chatham Financial, to explore how today’s volatile interest rate environment is impacting treasury teams, capital markets, and debt structuring strategies. Amol unpacks practical strategies for funding, risk management, and hedging, along with a Treasury 101 breakdown of derivatives and cross-currency swaps. If you're looking for clear, strategic guidance on navigating financial risk, this is a must-listen episode.Amol Dhargalkar leads Chatham Financial’s corporate advisory practice and brings over two decades of experience in helping multinationals and global institutions build resilient capital structures. Under his leadership, Chatham combines advisory expertise with advanced technology, supporting clients with solutions across derivatives, capital markets, and risk management.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the current macroeconomic environment is seen as a "Goldilocks" economy, and why many treasurers disagreeHow companies can manage funding in a high-rate environment through diversification and capital structure planningThe growing role of cross-currency swaps and interest rate derivatives in risk mitigationWhy simpler FX hedging strategies often outperform complex options in volatile marketsThe evolution of debt structuring, private capital markets, and the impact on both investment-grade and high-yield issuersEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps&nbsp;&nbsp;[00:00] - Introduction &amp; CTP Certification Promo [01:24] - Economic Outlook: The "Goldilocks" Scenario Explained [04:34] - What High-Interest Rates Mean for Treasurers [08:29] - Structuring for Resilience: Diversification &amp; Laddering [10:35] - Investment Grade vs. High Yield Funding Tactics [14:15] - Cash Investment Strategies in a High-Yield World [16:50] - How Rates Impact Debt Structuring &amp; Hedging [27:06] - The LIBOR Transition &amp; Derivatives Market Evolution [39:13] - FX Risk Management: Keeping It Simple [46:53] - AI, Data, and the Future of Treasury Risk Tools [49:03] - Chatham Financial’s Global Advisory Mission [56:38] - Final Thoughts on Long-Term Planning &amp; ResilienceFollow Amol Dhargalkar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amol-dhargalkar/&nbsp;Website: https://www.chathamfinancial.com/&nbsp;Follow Corporate Treasury 101:Website: https://corporate-treasury-101.com/&nbsp;LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/86645197/admin/dashboard/&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow Hussam &amp; Guillaume:Hussam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-ali-6bb69186/&nbsp;Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-jouvencel/&nbsp;Gha Marketing Website: <a href="https://ghapodcast.com/"...