How Treasury Teams Automate Too Late and Rely on Spreadsheets Despite AI Growth with Tracey Knight

In this episode of Treasury Leaders, host Jan-Willem Attevelt, Co-founder of Automation Boutique, talks with Tracey Knight, Principal at Real Treasury, about the evolution of corporate treasury, the growing role of technology and AI, and how treasury teams can make smarter decisions through automation. Tracey reflects on her 30-year treasury career, from manually collecting bank balances by phone to helping organisations navigate modern treasury technology. She shares practical insights on when companies should invest in treasury systems, the balance between buying and building technology, and how AI is changing forecasting, cash visibility, and treasury operations. The conversation also explores treasury technology selection, the rise of new treasury platforms, stablecoins, differences between US and European treasury practices, and the skills treasury professionals need to succeed in an increasingly digital future. Whether you're a treasury practitioner evaluating technology, a finance leader considering automation, or someone starting a career in treasury, this episode offers valuable perspectives on where treasury is today and where it's heading next. What You'll Learn in This Episode • When Treasury Technology Delivers the Greatest Value How growing complexity, multiple bank relationships, and expanding operations create the need for treasury automation. • The Practical Role of AI in Treasury How AI is helping treasury teams improve forecasting, analyse large volumes of data, and automate routine tasks. • How to Evaluate Treasury Systems Effectively Why companies should focus on business requirements, scripted demos, and real-world use cases when selecting technology. • The Buy vs Build Debate in Treasury Technology The benefits and risks of building treasury tools internally versus investing in established treasury platforms. • Preparing Treasury for the Future How treasury professionals can stay relevant by embracing innovation, understanding the wider business, and focusing on strategic value creation. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] – Introduction [00:04:46] – How Technology Has Transformed Treasury Operations [00:13:21] – Knowing When to Invest in Treasury Automation [00:19:47] – AI, Forecasting, and the Future of Treasury Technology [00:28:11] – Buy vs Build: Choosing the Right Treasury Solution [00:40:10] – Selecting the Right Treasury Management System [01:05:41] – Stablecoins, Innovation, and the Future of Corporate Treasury [01:10:00] – Skills, Leadership, and Advice for the Next Generation of Treasurers Follow Our Guest Tracey Knight: LinkedIn:   / traceyfergusonknight   Real Treasury:   / realtreasury   Follow Treasury Leaders: Website: https://corporate-treasury-101.com/ LinkedIn:   / treasury-leaders   Follow Our Hosts: Hussam Ali on LinkedIn:   / hussam-r-ali   Guillaume Jouvencel on LinkedIn:   / guillaume-jouvencel   Jan-Willem Attevelt on LinkedIn:   / attevelt   Philip Costa Hibberd on LinkedIn:   / philip-costa-hibberd   GHA Marketing Website: https://ghapodcast.com/ Automation Boutique Website: https://automationboutique.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get $100 off any AFP product, including their CTP Exam Prep Platform, using our discount code! Find this and More on our partner's page https://corporate-treasury-101.com/pa...