BY KWAME ASANTE AND HENRY OTAIGBE
Recent discussions with treasury leaders across Nigeria revealed a clear message: artificial intelligence isn’t just automating treasury operations; it’s fundamentally reshaping the function’s strategic value. No longer a back-office guardian of liquidity, the modern treasury is evolving into a driver of enterprise resilience and growth.
How Treasuries Are Using AI
Today’s treasury teams are embracing AI and digital tools such as cloud platforms, APIs, and blockchain to build agile, forward-looking approaches to managing cash and risk. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models are significantly improving forecasting accuracy and working capital efficiency. Natural language processing (NLP) tools extract insights from unstructured data such as regulatory updates or market commentary.
A defining strength of AI is its ability to self-learn, improving performance through continuous exposure to real-world data. This adaptability fosters agility, strengthens risk management, and enhances treasury’s contribution to strategic decision-making.
AI’s flexible nature makes it ideal for environments that demand speed, precision, and
resilience.
The Future of AI in Treasury
AI’s next chapter goes beyond efficiency into transformation. We’re seeing the emergence of AI as a semi-autonomous agent managing global liquidity, adapting hedging strategies, and providing real-time insights.
Conversational AI will soon handle routine queries and workflows. Advanced platforms will combine internal data with external signals to flag emerging risks and guide rapid decisions.
Perhaps most transformative is AI’s ability to break silos. Imagine treasury systems that adjust working capital based on live supply chain data or generate real-time scenario analysis to inform boardroom strategy.
AI is also redefining compliance. NLP tools now monitor regulatory change, recommend policy updates, and automate reporting. These tools enhance audit readiness and reduce operational risk. Crucially, AI enables treasury to step into a strategic advisory role, modelling capital structures, evaluating funding options, and providing real-time insight for M&A and capital allocation decisions.
Pitfalls to Avoid
The same AI systems that empower treasury with real-time insights also raise questions around control. As treasury becomes more automated and data-driven, robust governance frameworks are essential. Without them, even high-performing models can introduce risk.
This is why successful AI adoption requires more than technology, it needs human oversight, thoughtful design, and clear accountability. Off-the-shelf solutions often fall short without customization. Poor data quality, whether inconsistent or outdated, can undermine model accuracy.
Treasury professionals must also be supported with digital upskilling and change management to adopt AI tools with confidence.
Transparency and explainability remain key concerns. Black-box algorithms can jeopardize compliance and stakeholder trust. Treasuries must ensure AI systems are auditable, ethical, and aligned with internal controls and regulatory standards.
To avoid stalled adoption, AI projects must tie to clear business outcomes such as improved forecast accuracy, reduced working capital, or enhanced fraud detection. Without measurable KPIs, initiatives risk becoming siloed pilots that lose executive support.
How Banks Can Help
Banks have a vital role in enabling this transformation. Leading institutions are building API- first platforms that integrate seamlessly with treasury systems, offering real-time visibility across accounts, currencies, and regions. This streamlines payments, reconciliations, and liquidity management, reducing friction and accelerating insight.
For companies with limited in-house capabilities, banks can offer hosted AI solutions including fraud detection, compliance monitoring, digital assistants, and blockchain-enabled trade finance—delivered through scalable, secure platforms.
More importantly, banks can serve as strategic partners offering advisory support, co- developing fintech solutions, and delivering learning opportunities. By recognising the unique maturity and goals of each treasury, banks can tailor modular AI solutions delivered via cloud, on-prem, or hybrid setups to ensure transformation is feasible and sustainable.
Looking Ahead
AI’s integration into treasury is more than a tech upgrade. It’s a strategic evolution.
The real winners will be those who adopt AI with purpose—grounded in business priorities, governed responsibly, and executed with discipline. Success depends not just on choosing the right tools, but on embedding transparency and accountability at every stage.
AI won’t replace treasury professionals—it will amplify their value. With the right guardrails, treasury can evolve into a strategic powerhouse that delivers foresight, agility, and long-term impact.
The technology is ready. The controls are essential. The question is: are you?
About Standard Chartered Bank:
We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 52 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
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For more information or interview opportunities, please contact: Joke Adu
Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited [email protected]
