Recognizing Innovation: Finalists for AFP 2025 Pinnacle Awards Announced

Finalists for the AFP 2025 Pinnacle Awards Announced

The anticipation surrounding the AFP 2025 Pinnacle Awards is palpable as American Airlines, Stanford University, and The World Bank have been chosen as finalists. These prestigious awards, sponsored by Truist for the second consecutive year, celebrate excellence and innovation in treasury and finance. Established by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) in 1997, the Pinnacle Awards highlight the achievements of professionals whose solutions enhance organizational effectiveness.

Selection Process

A dedicated panel of seasoned treasury and finance experts meticulously evaluated the finalists’ submissions. Their decision-making was centered around identifying solutions that not only improve operational efficiencies but also demonstrate forward-thinking in treasury and finance practices. This year, voters now have the opportunity to select a Grand Prize winner, whose name will be revealed during the upcoming AFP 2025 conference. To make this announcement even more impactful, Truist will donate $10,000 to a charity selected by the winner.

Innovations by the Finalists

American Airlines

American Airlines has forged a partnership with GTreasury to develop a groundbreaking Collateral Management System. This sophisticated platform centralizes treasury operations and enhances debt portfolio management across the organization. Notably, the system integrates various components such as cash management, FX management, and fleet management, thereby increasing automation from 50% to an impressive 90%. The culmination of this innovation results in an astounding 99% visibility of global cash flows and a freeing of up to 20% of the treasury team’s time to invest in higher value projects. This initiative not only sets a new standard for treasury management but also serves as an exemplary case for similar organizations operating in complex environments.

Stanford University

Stanford University’s introduction of UniRev© has transformed payment processes for over 300 campus merchants. This secure, scalable, and cost-effective platform redefines transaction handling by integrating automation and compliance, ultimately unifying merchant services across departments. UniRev has already achieved more than $1.3 million in annual savings while reinforcing confidence in central finance operations. Additionally, UniRev is not merely a transactional tool but a Center of Excellence that aligns perfectly with the university’s branding and backend systems, showcasing the model’s potential for replication in other universities and nonprofit organizations.

The World Bank

The World Bank has led the charge in developing FundsChain, a pioneering blockchain solution designed to digitize and track financial contributions made to developing countries. By eliminating traditional manual reporting methods, this digital tool significantly enhances transparency and accountability, ensuring that vital funds reach their intended recipients. FundsChain has made a tangible impact, assisting in typhoon recovery efforts in Manila, empowering over 95,000 youth in Kenya through education, and providing support to over 750,000 households in Bangladesh. As The World Bank looks to expand this initiative globally, it sets a new precedent for transparency in public financial management.

Looking Forward

The AFP 2025 conference stands as a crucial event for financial professionals seeking to share insights and best practices. Participants can benefit by registering by September 19, realizing a saving of $274 on their registration fee. Joe Hodanich, Senior Director of Digital Strategy & Content, is the point of contact for press inquiries regarding the event.

In conclusion, the AFP Pinnacle Awards not only honor individual innovations but also collectively inspire the financial community toward greater achievements. The commitment shown by American Airlines, Stanford University, and The World Bank embodies the cutting-edge trends in treasury and finance, promoting a future where efficiency, effectiveness, and ethical practices flourish.