Manish Kohli, Head of Global Payments Solutions at HSBC, has noted that corporate treasurers are facing unprecedented pressures in today’s high-interest-rate environment, shifting from their traditional role as cash custodians to becoming strategic drivers of business growth through greater collaboration.
Kohli highlighted the intensified pressure on treasurers to optimize cash management in an era of elevated capital risks, comparable only to wartime scenarios. “Treasurers are operating in an environment where the risk to capital and cash is higher than we have typically seen,” Kohli said, emphasizing the opportunity cost of idle cash. “They increasingly face questions about whether their cash is working hard enough, driving adoption of structured programs around sophisticated cash pooling.”
This shift comes as businesses grapple with margin compression from global tariffs, pushing treasurers to seek financial efficiencies. Kohli noted that clients are compelled to implement strategies that maximize returns on cash reserves while mitigating risks, with HSBC’s Global Payments Solutions facilitating these efforts through advanced tools and analytics.
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The treasurer’s role is also evolving to embrace cutting-edge technology. Kohli observed a growing interest in real-time data and predictive analytics, enabling treasurers to make informed, strategic decisions. “It’s refreshing to see treasurers becoming more interested in new and evolving forms of payments, approaching the task with a more profound risk lens,” he said.
Kohli underscored a global shift in treasury operations, with treasurers moving away from regional focus to a holistic, company-wide perspective. “They are seeking aggregate positions across entire companies rather than regional clusters,” he explained. This global approach prioritizes comprehensive cash visibility, optimal positioning without excessive counterparty or country risk, and the development of automated tools to enhance cash availability and reduce operational risks.
“These are conversations I would not have expected treasurers to be involved in even four or five years ago,” Kohli remarked, reflecting on the rapid evolution of the role. As businesses face complex economic challenges, HSBC’s Global Payments Solutions is positioned to support treasurers in driving efficiency and resilience through innovative financial strategies.
