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AI's Impact on Treasury Teams

The latest insights from the 2026 AFP Treasury Benchmarking Survey highlight the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) within corporate treasury departments. Conducted by the Association for Financial Professionals and sponsored by PNC Bank, this survey sheds light on how these departments are adjusting to the evolving financial landscape while managing traditional responsibilities like liquidity and cash forecasting.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey, which sampled the opinions of 425 treasury practitioners, provides a wealth of information about current priorities and challenges faced by treasury teams. Here are some critical takeaways:

1. Rising Importance of AI

AI and automation initiatives have climbed the ladder of priorities for treasury departments. Approximately 30% of respondents placed AI among the top five priorities, placing it alongside vital areas like cash management and liquidity planning.

2. Challenges with Cash Forecasting

Despite the focus on AI, cash forecasting remains the foremost priority and challenge for treasury professionals. The survey revealed that 49% of respondents still view cash and liquidity forecasting as their most significant hurdle, signifying the complexities involved in accurate financial planning.

3. The Skills Gap in Treasury Leadership

As treasury teams adapt to support technology transformation, the survey identified a notable gap in leadership capabilities, especially in future planning. While 90% of respondents emphasized the importance of vision and forward-thinking in treasury roles, only 61% rated senior treasury professionals as effective in these areas, reflecting a 29 percentage-point gap.

4. Essential Skills for Treasury Professionals

Treasury professionals still heavily rely on soft skills alongside their technical abilities. Skills such as communication (78%), collaboration (75%), and strategic thinking (75%) play a crucial role in daily operations, underscoring the holistic approach needed in modern treasury management.

5. Governance and Knowledge Gaps

The survey pointed out notable gaps in policy effectiveness towards AI. While traditional policy areas received high effectiveness scores—4.4 out of 5 for cash management—AI-related policies only managed a dismal 2.9 out of 5. Furthermore, just 34% of respondents felt confident in their AI knowledge, despite 50% recognizing its importance.

Implications for Treasury Departments

The findings underscore the increasing pressure on treasury teams to blend traditional financial responsibilities with evolving technology expectations. The focus on AI and automation is not merely a trend; it is becoming integral to gaining competitive advantage in today's financial environment. However, organizations must recognize that merely investing in technology will not suffice. They need to enhance governance structures, foster leadership development, and build workforce capabilities that align with these new responsibilities.

Conclusion

As treasury departments navigate this changing terrain, it’s essential for them to equip themselves with the right skills and frameworks to successfully merge technology with financial stewardship. The future for treasury roles will not just be defined by technology but by their ability to synthesize technical knowledge with effective governance and strong leadership.

The insights from the 2026 AFP Treasury Benchmarking Survey serve as a cornerstone for understanding these shifts, setting up a roadmap for treasury professionals as they prepare for a complex yet promising future.