The treasury profession is entering a new era – one powered by artificial intelligence (AI). But while the promise of AI is exciting, success in treasury isn’t about deploying new technology overnight. It’s about laying the right foundation. Unlocking the true value of AI in treasury requires three things: trust, culture, and action. Read on to learn how treasury and finance leaders can prepare.
Trust Is the Cornerstone of AI Adoption
In finance, trust isn’t optional. Treasury professionals are stewards of an organization’s cash, risk, and reputation. So, when AI enters the equation, confidence in its capabilities is critical.
To adopt AI responsibly and effectively, finance leaders must:
- Protect data privacy and security – Financial data is highly sensitive. AI must be held to the highest standards.
- Ensure explainability and transparency – Black-box algorithms don’t work in a highly regulated environment.
- Prevent bias and ensure fairness – AI must be monitored to avoid unintended or discriminatory outcomes.
- Deliver reliable output – A single error can erode trust across the organization.
AI can’t help treasury and finance leaders make better decisions if no one trusts the results. That’s why trust is the foundation upon which all AI-driven transformation is built.
A Cultural Shift Is Required
Many treasury teams think AI transformation starts with technology. It really starts with people. AI success requires a shift in how teams work, communicate, and upskill. Treasury must be prepared to:
- Pitch a strategic AI vision – Secure executive alignment by tying AI initiatives to business goals.
- Lead change management – Communicate the purpose and value of AI clearly to earn team buy-in.
- Upskill finance professionals – Invest in training so treasury staff can collaborate confidently with AI systems.
- Collaborate with IT – Leverage technical expertise and data infrastructure to accelerate adoption.
AI won’t thrive in a vacuum. It needs a culture that’s ready to change, experiment, and evolve.
Next Steps for Treasury Teams
Once trust is established and the culture is primed, it’s time to act. Treasury and finance leaders don’t need to implement everything at once – but they do need a clear path forward.
Here are four key moves:
- Accelerate digital adoption – Upgrade outdated processes with automated payment and reconciliation tools.
- Expand the scope of treasury – Integrate accounts receivable and reporting functions for more holistic cash visibility.
- Identify automation opportunities – Focus on areas like cash forecasting, working capital, and hedging where AI can drive real efficiency.
- Embrace intelligent technology – Use AI not just to save time, but to surface insights, manage risk, and enable faster, more confident decisions.
Final Thought: AI Is a Strategic Imperative
AI is a strategic tool that can help treasury teams become more efficient, more accurate, and more valuable to their business. But success with AI tools won’t come from technology alone.
It will come from building trust, shifting culture, and acting.
If you’re ready to lead the transformation, now’s the time to start.
Follow the Cash Management Leadership Institute for more insights into how treasury and finance leaders can navigate change, embrace innovation, and drive smarter decisions.
