トレジャリーの優先事項についてのピンポンボールによる投票 - AFP 2023の振り返り

As noted in my recent blog, AFP 2023: Opportunities for Banks to Embrace the Future of Receivables Management, last week was my annual visit to the Association for Financial Professional (AFP) conference in San Diego.

Confirming one of my comments about the overlap of AFP clashing with Money 20/20, there was a clear shift in the make-up of the exhibition floor. In years past, the exhibit hall was dominated by major multinational and regional banks with large exhibition stands as a way to engage clients and prospects. This year, not so much. Yes, the majors were there in force, but many regional US banks (even the larger ones) chose not to exhibit. Instead, they chose to meet their clients in different ways – either through hospitality suites, and/or evening events. PNC notably did all three by exhibiting, having separate meeting room suites, and hosting an open-air block party in heart of the Gaslamp District!

Despite missing some banks, the exhibition floor space was still well-filled – especially by fintech vendors, large and small. The technology creativity certainly seemed higher than in previous years and points to the abundance of options that corporates (and banks) have to meet their solution needs.

I’ve written extensively about the value of data and analytics, and the types of new solutions and capabilities (such as forecasting and working capital insights) that can be developed when banks consider data as an essential, foundational element of products and services. Apologies to Strategic Treasurer for my photography, but this quite brilliant feature on their exhibition booth speaks volumes. Attendees had the opportunity to vote on their most pressing treasury challenges by dropping a ping pong ball into a tube. Note the headings above each tube. The picture speaks 1,000 words.

I also had the opportunity to meet with a group of corporate practitioners (~25) whose companies have multibank relationships and bank with at least one major global transaction bank. The companies ranged from the business banking segment right up to large multinationals, and all expect a sophisticated treasury experience from each of their banks – both online, mobile, and through unattended file and API channels. To a large extent their priorities confirmed the ping pong poll, but also some additional topical insights.

• APIs – relatively low adoption (~10%) from this mixed group, but interest in learning more about the API value proposition and use cases. Banks and fintechs/ERP/TMS vendors still have work to do here.
• Self-service servicing – is seen as a differentiator. Banks that embed servicing in their digital channels experience generate more client value.
• ISO 20022 – as noted multiple times by Celent, corporate awareness is concerningly low. The “data dividend” of richer ISO XML transaction data still seems elusive.

As always, the event was a great opportunity to meet clients, gain insights, and share our research. Hope to see you there next time – or set up an inquiry with us via your account manager or via our Contact form.