Interest rate risk is a critical factor impacting banks' profitability, stability, and overall balance sheet health. Although interest rates naturally fluctuate, unexpected shifts can significantly affect a bank's financial position. Therefore, understanding and implementing effective strategies for managing interest rate risk is highly advantageous for treasury professionals.

The landscape of treasury management is rapidly evolving, driven by digital transformation. Technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotic process automation (RPA) are significantly reshaping how banks operate, manage risk, and serve customers. Understanding these changes and adapting proactively is advantageous for treasury professionals and financial institutions alike.

Liquidity risk remains one of the most discussed yet frequently misunderstood risks in banking. Although banks universally recognise its importance, there is often confusion about how liquidity risk translates into real-world scenarios and why prudent liquidity management is beneficial. To clarify, let us delve into realistic examples that illustrate how liquidity risk impacts banks and financial markets.

Capital management is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a cornerstone of banking stability. A failure to maintain adequate capital can lead to financial distress, loss of market confidence, and even systemic collapse. Banks must adopt prudent capital planning, stress testing, and risk management strategies to ensure resilience in the face of economic shocks. Without these measures, the worst-case scenario could become a reality, with dire consequences for the entire financial system.

Managing a bank’s liquidity and capital is often perceived as a complex, technical challenge, but at its core, it is not entirely different from how individuals manage their personal finances. In fact, the way a bank balances liquidity and capital is strikingly similar to how people manage their monthly budget and the equity in their home.

Understanding this analogy can help both banking professionals and broader audiences grasp these fundamental financial principles in a more intuitive way.

Liquidity risk is an ever-present challenge for banks, requiring careful management to ensure institutions remain solvent while maximising profitability. The events of the 2008 financial crisis and more recent banking collapses have reinforced the importance of robust liquidity frameworks, yet the trade-offs between maintaining liquidity buffers and achieving strong financial performance remain a subject of debate. How can banks strike the right balance between liquidity and profitability without compromising stability?

The collapse of a bank is often preceded by a series of warning signs. While regulatory oversight and risk management frameworks are designed to prevent bank failures, history has shown that institutions can still face significant financial distress. Understanding the early indicators of trouble can help depositors, investors, and financial professionals assess potential risks before they escalate into a full-scale banking crisis.

In any industry, there will always be individuals who prioritise perception over truth. The real test is whether you allow their influence to dictate your actions or whether you continue to lead with integrity.

When faced with resistance, take a step back and observe. You will notice that the anger displayed by those who attempt to intimidate is rarely genuine—it is a deliberate tactic designed to create pressure and enforce compliance. Yet, as soon as they realise their approach is ineffective, their frustration dissipates just as quickly as it appeared.

Once you recognise this pattern, it becomes clear that their authority is not rooted in real influence, but in the assumption that others will concede to pressure. Those who resort to such tactics often mistake control for leadership, failing to understand that true influence is built on respect, credibility, and integrity—not coercion.

There is no need to fear those who rely on manufactured authority. Their power exists only when it is given to them. The moment you stop responding to their tactics, their ability to dictate outcomes diminishes.

Success is not measured by avoiding difficult conversations or seeking approval from those who expect unquestioning compliance. It is measured by the trust and respect earned through independent thought and principled leadership. No amount of external pressure will change that.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the banking industry, enabling institutions to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen risk management frameworks, and improve customer experiences. From automating routine tasks to optimising complex financial decisions, AI-driven technologies are becoming integral to modern banking strategies.

Stress testing has long been a cornerstone of regulatory oversight in the financial industry, offering a lens through which to evaluate the resilience of banks during times of economic turbulence. However, the recent lawsuit filed by U.S. bank lobby groups against the Federal Reserve sheds light on the growing tension between regulatory intentions and industry perspectives. The case highlights key issues surrounding transparency, the role of capital buffers, and the broader implications for financial stability.

This article delves into the critical aspects of the case and explores its potential implications for global regulatory practices, drawing comparisons with the approach in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom.

The banking industry is undergoing a profound transformation in 2025, driven by rapid technological advancements, shifting customer expectations, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Staying abreast of these emerging trends is not only beneficial but also increasingly necessary for financial professionals aiming to remain relevant in a competitive environment.

Liquidity risk has been a persistent challenge for financial institutions, but recent banking crises have starkly highlighted its complexities and consequences. From the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) to the turbulence at Credit Suisse, these events underscore the importance of robust liquidity management frameworks and the consequences of neglecting them. This article delves into the lessons learned from these crises and how treasury professionals can adopt more prudent approaches to managing liquidity risk.

The banking industry, particularly within the treasury function, is replete with acronyms. These abbreviations simplify communication but can pose a challenge for professionals new to the field or for those transitioning into treasury-related roles. This article aims to clarify the most commonly used acronyms in bank treasury, offering a foundation for understanding how they are applied in day-to-day operations.

In 2024, several regulatory developments reshaped the landscape of banking and treasury management globally. These regulations, aimed at bolstering financial stability, improving risk management, and fostering transparency, have had significant implications for financial institutions. This article delves into the most impactful regulations introduced during the year, providing detailed insights into their purpose, scope, and practical implications for bank treasury functions.

The financial ecosystem is undergoing a transformative shift, with non-banking financial entities (NBFEs) playing an increasingly prominent role. This trend has profound implications for systemic stability, liquidity risk management, and the regulatory landscape. Understanding the dynamics of this growing influence is essential for financial professionals navigating the complexities of modern banking and asset management.

In today’s complex financial landscape, balance sheet optimisation is an increasingly critical area of focus for banking professionals. A bank’s balance sheet represents the culmination of its financial activities and is a vital tool for maintaining profitability, ensuring liquidity, and managing risk. In this article, we will explore the core components of balance sheet optimisation and the strategic practices that institutions can adopt to enhance their performance.

Through ALM, banks manage crucial areas such as interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and capital adequacy to build a resilient balance sheet. ALM’s role is increasingly important, especially with evolving regulatory frameworks and new economic challenges. This guide addresses common questions about ALM, exploring how financial institutions navigate these complexities with strategic approaches to liquidity management, interest rate sensitivity, and behavioural assumptions. The result is a framework that aligns regulatory compliance with sustainable profitability, ensuring institutions remain robust even under challenging economic conditions.

In the intricate world of banking, the treasury function serves as the heartbeat of financial stability, capital management, and liquidity optimisation. It is a critical component that interacts closely with the broader financial markets, shaping and being shaped by them in a dynamic, symbiotic relationship. Understanding this interplay is essential for treasury professionals, as their decisions can significantly impact a bank's profitability and risk profile. This article delves into the relationship between bank treasury functions and financial markets, exploring how market conditions influence treasury decisions and how treasury actions, in turn, can affect market outcomes.

In today's volatile financial environment, effective bank treasury management is essential for ensuring both stability and growth. My latest article delves into the key strategies that banks employ to manage liquidity, interest rate risk, capital, and foreign exchange risk. By striking a balance between risk and return, banks can navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and position themselves for long-term success.