One Step at a Time as Central Banks Plot Reduction of Restrictive Rates

Welcome to the latest edition of Liquidity Link Live, your exclusive market analysis provided by Northern Trust Asset Management, one of the world’s largest cash managers. Tune in each month to discover the very latest insights on the UK, Eurozone and US markets. This edition was recorded on the 7th November 2024.

Eleanor Hill (TMI) is joined by Ole Matthiessen (Deutsche Bank) to discuss the issues that are top of mind for corporate treasurers in the Asia Pacific region, and which macroeconomic factors are at play. They delve into how supply chains are shifting and how the approach of multinational corporations to managing these effectively has evolved. Also, they discuss how customer needs are changing and how business models are being transformed.

Jane Cooper (TMI) is joined by Bhriguraj Singh and Florence Tan (HSBC) to examine how the macro environment has affected global trade and why companies need to bolster their supply chains. They also discuss how business models have changed, as well as how trade digitisation is progressing, and solutions are evolving. And, despite the major news events that have the potential to disrupt trade, Singh and Tan elaborate on the fundamentals that always remain.

Recently, Amit Baraskar (Thomas Cook India) joined Tom Alford (TMI) in Copenhagen to discuss how India is positioning itself as an innovative powerhouse in today's digital landscape. In this podcast, Amit provides insight into India’s tech-driven society, examining the key factors propelling its rapid digital transformation. In addition, he explores the thriving fintech ecosystem, which has garnered strong support and investment, and discusses how treasury professionals are increasingly involved in this space.

ION Treasury's Jacqui Drew sits down with Tom Alford (TMI) to uncover how corporate treasuries can effectively calculate and leverage ROI in their TMS evaluations. Jacqui considers whether treasuries are typically expected to provide an ROI metric during the assessment phase, explores ways to calculate ROI based on company-specific goals, and identifies key criteria for tracking success throughout a TMS' lifecycle. She also provides valuable advice on optimising ROI for treasurers, ensuring both impactful buying decisions and long-term vendor relationships.

Michael Smith (Winterflood Securities), Bryn Jones (Rathbones Group), and Sarah Boyce (ACT) join TMI to discuss the UK’s most significant debt capital market reforms in a generation.  They explore the impact of the new UK Listing Rules and POATRs framework, the growing inclusion of retail investors, and what these changes mean for issuers and investors alike. Our panelists also debate the consequential benefits and challenges of these reforms for UK debt markets.

Fiona Horsewill (HSBC), Vivek Ramachandran (HSBC) and Manish Kohli (HSBC) discuss how global trends are impacting the future of securities services, global trade, and cross-border payments. They cover the major trends in the current landscape, including how global trade flows are shifting, the progress of trade digitalisation and what can be done to increase the pace of adoption. Also, they delve into the wave of changes that is impact the payments infrastructure, including the migration to ISO 20022 and how payments are adapting to new business models. Finally, they look to the future with the new technologies that are taking hold, such as digital assets and tokenisation.

Jane Cooper (TMI) is joined by Manoj Dugar and Mark Evans (HSBC) to discuss how global payment trends are evolving and how financial institutions and corporates are adapting. They delve into why the current payment trends are important, and why it is necessary for organisations to adapt to the latest technological advancements. They also cover the challenges that institutions face with payments, and where their priorities lie. Also, they discuss the current developments with international payments and whether the world is truly ready for real-time cross-border transactions. And finally, they elaborate on the progress that is being made with ISO 20022 and the different approaches that financial institutions and corporates have been taking to realise the full benefits of the new standard.

Matthew Davies (Bank of America) joins TMI's Tom Alford to explore the latest developments emerging from the ever-changing payments landscape that treasurers should be conscious of. Matthew highlights the benefits of tools like BofA’s Virtual Payables Direct for both buyers and sellers, and examines the potential impact of the upcoming EU instant payments regulation. Lastly, our guest considers how treasury departments are adapting to the rapid pace of technological change.

Tom Alford (TMI) welcomes Christof Hofmann (Deutsche Bank) to the TreasuryCast hotseat for a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of treasury. Our panel explores today’s key concerns and opportunities, the evolving role of treasury operations, and the relevance of centralisation amidst advancements in automation and cash visibility. They also discuss the impact of regulation, including ISO 20022, and the growing importance of real-time treasury.