Cash & Liquidity Management
Published  5 MIN READ
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SEPA Migration in Germany: The Keys to Success

by Andrej Ankerst, Head of Cash Management, Germany, BNP Paribas

Historically, ‘cash management’ simply referred to the mundane but important business of ‘payments and collections. However, with the introduction of new technologies and the ever-increasing importance of treasury operations – both of which now play a vital role in improving business performance – the domain has made significant advances. As a result, cash management has moved to the centre of corporate concerns and client focus. Therefore, global banks like BNP Paribas now offer significant solution and technological capabilities.

Looking at the largest economy in Europe – Germany – corporate treasurers are facing similar challenges to those faced by their peers in other parts of the continent: the need to optimise liquidity, to monitor and manage risk, and to maximise operational efficiency. Counterparty risk has become a particular issue since the global financial crisis, as companies seek to ensure that their counterparty banks have the necessary financial strength, geographical reach, product depth and commitment to long-term relationships.

The need for a strong, close and reliable partner

As the reputation of treasurers is highly dependent on defining, implementing and executing standardised, efficient processes, as well as for establishing a global approach to both strategy and operations, they need a highly credible banking partner to support their ongoing efforts. The financial status of BNP Paribas, its ability to fulfil demands like Basel III and its deep expertise in helping clients with challenges like SEPA are crucial for long-term partnerships.

Moreover, alongside the strong commitment of the wider BNP Paribas group, BNP Paribas in Germany has a dedicated Cash Management Team with an on-the-ground presence in six business centres across Germany. The teams ensure local support, cultural synergies and domestic, as well as global, solutions for multinational and Mittelstand clients. The German presence is part of a larger European network consisting of 140 business centres spread across 23 European countries, in which access is granted to every relevant clearing system and in which BNP Paribas operates directly, without any involvement from white-label solutions.