The South African Treasurer – Strategic Treasury: Embracing Innovation and Preserving Expertise

In today’s fast-paced and intricately connected business landscape, the role of the treasurer has never been more multifaceted or critical. While the fundamental objective remains clear—ensuring a company’s financial stability, liquidity, and resilience—how we achieve this has begun to shift dramatically. As treasury professionals we are constantly navigating the need to remain agile and forward-thinking while staying grounded in the foundational knowledge and experience that have long defined the value we bring to our organisations.

What does it truly mean to be strategic in treasury today? The answer lies in a nuanced balance—embracing innovation and technological change while preserving the expertise and foundational knowledge that have long defined the value we bring. Strategic treasury is proactive, not reactive. It is about anticipating the challenges of tomorrow, not merely responding to the crises of today.

At the Association of Corporate Treasurers of Southern Africa (ACTSA), our mission remains unwavering: to support, connect, and elevate the treasury profession in South Africa. We provide a platform where treasury professionals—whether seasoned CFOs or newly appointed analysts—can engage with emerging trends, share best practices, and shape the future of our discipline together. Our partnerships with academic institutions, global treasury networks and technology providers are enabling us to offer deeper insights and broader access to cutting-edge resources.

Let us recognise the moment we are in: one of transformation, but also one of opportunity. Let us embrace innovation, welcome change, and continually strive for excellence, all while honouring the traditions and expertise that have brought us this far. Strategic treasury is not just about adopting the latest tools, it’s about shaping the future of finance with clarity, purpose and accountability.