<p>Bengaluru: Generative AI and other emerging digital tools are set to reshape the future of finance, according to a new survey by DBS Bank and EY. India is at the forefront of this shift, with the survey showing that 79% of Indian CFO and treasurers view Generative AI and related technologies as the key to modernising treasury operations and driving efficiency at scale.</p><p>The survey report, "New Realities, New Possibilities: A Treasury and Finance leaders’ handbook to seizing growth in a disrupted global economy”, top finance leaders are intensifying their focus on data-driven intelligence, liquidity management, and sustainable finance as they chart a path through global volatility over the next five years.</p><p>With the global finance ecosystem facing challenges such as supply chain reconfiguration and ongoing interest rate volatility, Indian companies are leveraging innovative technology to enhance operational resilience and competitiveness.</p>.Asian Paints aims to quash Indian antitrust probe, saying investigation order mishandled.<p>The survey, which covered 800 senior finance leaders across 14 markets and seven sectors, underscores a marked pivot toward data-driven financial intelligence. Finance executives globally are prioritising tools for data visualisation and security monitoring, enabling sharper risk assessment, more accurate cash flow forecasting, and proactive capital strategies.</p><p>Fast-changing global conditions have also pulled liquidity and foreign exchange (FX) management into the spotlight, leaping from seventh to second place among finance leaders’ five-year priorities. Over half the respondents are exploring innovative solutions, such as integrated payments, blockchain, and the establishment of regional treasury centres, to ensure financial stability amid higher costs and inventory build-ups.</p><p>On the sustainability front, the survey found that 80% of Indian CFOs believe solutions like green bonds and ESG-linked loans will be crucial in supporting green initiatives and meeting compliance standards. Globally, the push for sustainable finance is also evident: 77% of businesses are boosting ESG reporting with digital tools, 64% are forging partnerships within ESG networks, and 63% are increasing their use of sustainable trade finance products.</p><p><strong>The role of banks evolves</strong></p><p>DBS Bank executives highlight how these trends are creating a “new reality” for corporate treasury professionals, who now serve as both strategic enablers and risk managers within their organisations. The bank notes that the increasing complexity brought about by AI, climate change, and geopolitical shifts is making the role of a trusted banking partner more crucial than ever.</p><p>Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Head – Global Transaction Services, SME & Financial Institutional Group, DBS Bank India said, “The new reality is increasingly being defined by uncertainty, and within this context a discernible shift is underway for treasury and finance leaders who are not only strategic enablers for their companies, but also managers of business risk. As the world looks to India to drive future growth, these leaders are assuming enhanced responsibilities.”</p><p>Santanu Mitra, Managing Director & Country Head – Corporate Banking (Large and Midcap), DBS Bank India, added: “The ubiquity of AI, climate change, geopolitical uncertainty and evolving trade complexities are accelerating simultaneously. The treasury function is proactively looking to modernise as they integrate multiple agendas to unlock smarter, more sustainable growth.”</p><p><strong>Building long-term resilience</strong></p><p>As companies worldwide recalibrate their strategies in response to changing global currents, the DBS report suggests that the combination of advanced technology, increased focus on risk management, and sustainable finance will define the finance function for years to come.</p><p>New Realities, New Possibilities is the third iteration of DBS’ ongoing thought leadership series tailored for treasury and finance professionals and builds on the findings of earlier reports. Each report aims to give finance leaders a deeper understanding of the evolving demands on treasury and finance teams and how companies might capture opportunities amid these shifts.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: Generative AI and other emerging digital tools are set to reshape the future of finance, according to a new survey by DBS Bank and EY. India is at the forefront of this shift, with the survey showing that 79% of Indian CFO and treasurers view Generative AI and related technologies as the key to modernising treasury operations and driving efficiency at scale.</p><p>The survey report, "New Realities, New Possibilities: A Treasury and Finance leaders’ handbook to seizing growth in a disrupted global economy”, top finance leaders are intensifying their focus on data-driven intelligence, liquidity management, and sustainable finance as they chart a path through global volatility over the next five years.</p><p>With the global finance ecosystem facing challenges such as supply chain reconfiguration and ongoing interest rate volatility, Indian companies are leveraging innovative technology to enhance operational resilience and competitiveness.</p>.Asian Paints aims to quash Indian antitrust probe, saying investigation order mishandled.<p>The survey, which covered 800 senior finance leaders across 14 markets and seven sectors, underscores a marked pivot toward data-driven financial intelligence. Finance executives globally are prioritising tools for data visualisation and security monitoring, enabling sharper risk assessment, more accurate cash flow forecasting, and proactive capital strategies.</p><p>Fast-changing global conditions have also pulled liquidity and foreign exchange (FX) management into the spotlight, leaping from seventh to second place among finance leaders’ five-year priorities. Over half the respondents are exploring innovative solutions, such as integrated payments, blockchain, and the establishment of regional treasury centres, to ensure financial stability amid higher costs and inventory build-ups.</p><p>On the sustainability front, the survey found that 80% of Indian CFOs believe solutions like green bonds and ESG-linked loans will be crucial in supporting green initiatives and meeting compliance standards. Globally, the push for sustainable finance is also evident: 77% of businesses are boosting ESG reporting with digital tools, 64% are forging partnerships within ESG networks, and 63% are increasing their use of sustainable trade finance products.</p><p><strong>The role of banks evolves</strong></p><p>DBS Bank executives highlight how these trends are creating a “new reality” for corporate treasury professionals, who now serve as both strategic enablers and risk managers within their organisations. The bank notes that the increasing complexity brought about by AI, climate change, and geopolitical shifts is making the role of a trusted banking partner more crucial than ever.</p><p>Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Head – Global Transaction Services, SME & Financial Institutional Group, DBS Bank India said, “The new reality is increasingly being defined by uncertainty, and within this context a discernible shift is underway for treasury and finance leaders who are not only strategic enablers for their companies, but also managers of business risk. As the world looks to India to drive future growth, these leaders are assuming enhanced responsibilities.”</p><p>Santanu Mitra, Managing Director & Country Head – Corporate Banking (Large and Midcap), DBS Bank India, added: “The ubiquity of AI, climate change, geopolitical uncertainty and evolving trade complexities are accelerating simultaneously. The treasury function is proactively looking to modernise as they integrate multiple agendas to unlock smarter, more sustainable growth.”</p><p><strong>Building long-term resilience</strong></p><p>As companies worldwide recalibrate their strategies in response to changing global currents, the DBS report suggests that the combination of advanced technology, increased focus on risk management, and sustainable finance will define the finance function for years to come.</p><p>New Realities, New Possibilities is the third iteration of DBS’ ongoing thought leadership series tailored for treasury and finance professionals and builds on the findings of earlier reports. Each report aims to give finance leaders a deeper understanding of the evolving demands on treasury and finance teams and how companies might capture opportunities amid these shifts.</p>