Standard Chartered explores emerging treasury trends at annual leadership forum

In his opening remarks at the forum themed “The Blueprint for Tomorrow", Sylvester Kinuthia, head of Transaction Banking at Standard Chartered Vietnam, highlighted the event as part of a global series that fosters greater insights into the future of treasury management and the ongoing digital evolution.

“Standard Chartered is pleased to host this annual event for the second consecutive year after last year’s great success. This forum provides a platform for industry thought leaders and experts to navigate the evolving landscape, where digital solutions are reshaping the future of treasury management and by exchanging ideas, we develop solutions that better serve our clients in managing their business in this constantly evolving environment,” he said.

A keynote address by Ankur Kanwar, head of Transaction Banking & Cash Management for Standard Chartered Singapore and ASEAN, focused on innovative solutions aimed at addressing the rising foreign direct investment (FDI) and M&A activity in Vietnam.

“Escrow accounts can be a valuable tool in M&A deals and other high-value transactions, holding funds securely until all conditions of the transaction are met. Standard Chartered Bank Escrow solution is a one-stop customized solution with access to global capabilities combined with structuring expertise,” he said.

“As indispensable tools for secure, efficient, and compliant transactions, Escrow solution will not only cater to the immediate needs of businesses but also foster long-term growth by building trust and enhancing the overall transactional environment in Vietnam,” he added.

The forum also featured roundtable discussions held with clients across multiple industries on new treasury trends, including AI applications in treasury, cybersecurity threats, and the growing use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in a bid to streamline business processes and further enhance client experience.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Standard Chartered introduced its Sustainable Account in Vietnam. The Sustainable Account represents an innovative way in which to align a company’s sustainability agenda and treasury needs through its ability to have both the flexibility of an operating account, retaining access to daily cash for intraday liquidity requirements, and the ability to use short-term surplus cash to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Standard Chartered therefore aims to become the market leader in sustainable finance in Vietnam as it works to provide Sustainable Financing solutions to companies under the Bank's Green, Social and Transition themes, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management, sustainable infrastructure, climate change adaption, health care, education, and others.