2 TMI | THE SOUTHAFRICANTREASURER NEXT GENERATIONTREASURY ‘Real-time connectivity’ is the buzzword of the next generation of treasurers. But is it evolving fast enough? We need explanations of how technology and payment infrastructures must be agile because real-time treasury means speed and precision. A technology platform that manages bank formats and connectivity is among the most important tools for a treasurer to effectively manage a company’s liquidity, and to optimise cash and control risk , in order to be able to make quick decisions. We all wish for more time in the day, especially when working on multiple projects and platforms. Treasurers must adapt to the world of API technology in order to remove the barriers, reduce multiple platforms and deliver more flexibility, agility and give the treasurer greater control. South Africa has had to weather several volatile events the past fewmonths. These include the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, shortages of key commodities, loadshedding and the recent floods in KwaZulu Natal. So it’s safe to say that South African treasurers are a resilient lot. It is important to note what every treasurer’s toolbox should include in order to stay on top of this ever-changing world and be able to tackle market swings. Sustainable finance continues to expand, and treasurers increasingly have a role to play in this area, to create tangible and sustained outcomes that drive value and growth, whilst strengthening our environment and communities. There are the relatively new concepts in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) which is fast developing around the world with its impact now starting to be felt in South It is with great pleasure that I introduce the 2022 issue of The South African Treasurer, which focuses on the ‘Next Generation Treasury’. Themodern treasurer lives in a connected world, having to deal with real-timemarket information and often having tomake immediate decisions. The new generation of treasury is a strategic adviser, closely integrated with the organisation’s other business units. Technology has been an enabler, supporting the new environment in which treasuries now operate. Africa. The VCM is a decentralised market in which the private sector voluntarily buys and sells carbon credits that represent certified removals or reductions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the atmosphere. This newmarket is extremely important and will start to take centre stage more and more. Living in a connected world as we do, one absolute that can’t be ignored is change. The pandemic proved that humans can and do adapt to change, but it is how we embrace it that is a prerequisite for a resilient treasury. One of these articles which provides a great read is on risk management and how we need to understand the good and the bad and be able to act against unwanted risk. One of the core purposes of our Association is to facilitate the exchange of information beneficial to the management of corporate treasury operations, as well as those in allied financial disciplines. We were pleased to continue to provide a platform for the development of the treasury profession in South Africa. This magazine, published in association with Treasury Management International, forms one of a wide and varied spectrum of events organised by ACTSA on issues pertinent to treasurers, with a primary aim to educate, inform and grow our profession and its profile within our companies. I would like to thank all our contributors most sincerely. Thank you also to the board members who voluntarily offer their time to spearhead the Association and to the ACTSA team for their continued contribution in making our organisation both active and relevant. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition. n From theChair By Jolandi Marais, ACTSA Chair
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