More and more, multinational corporations are going to be
relying on their bank partners to come up with these kinds
of holistic and durable solutions and systems. “But in an
environment where banks are under continued pressure,
where access to credit is tight and regulation continues to
change, it is challenging for banks to commit to investing
in innovation,” said Anita Prasad, General Manager of
Treasury Capital Management at Microsoft. “More than
anything else, companies are going to want to partner
with banks that truly listen to them and offer them unique
solutions for their particular needs.”
“The corporates also need to step up and build a solid
foundation by having in-depth discussions with the banks.
The creativity and innovation can only be unlocked if both
sides are willing to step up,” Prasad said, “So really, it’s
the collaboration aspect in the true sense of the word that
will work for us.”
“All too often, banks make the mistake of approaching
companies with standard, one-size-fits-all types of
solutions,” agreed Don Anderson, Vice President of
Corporate Treasury at MetLife.
“My advice to the banks would be that while you may
approach us with the cookie cutter product, be conscious
of how you need to tailor or modify that to solve
problems,” Anderson said. “If we both stay on that and
focus on what’s the real problem that needs to be solved,
and not just try to push a generic solution, I think we can
both get more creative and innovative.”
“The most important trait that global companies are
looking for in their banking partner is flexibility,” said
Mike Giakoumatos, Senior Manager, Treasury, at Tyco
International. “If banks are not flexible and able to work
alongside their clients’ changing needs, then tackling
challenges both present and longer-term becomes
more difficult.”
“Greater flexibility on the part of banks also leads to
greater cooperation with the companies, and this, can
SPECIAL SPONSORED SEC TION TO TREASURY & RISK
help in a variety of ways, particularly as companies
continue their global expansion,” said Sweeney.
“Many countries are not up to global standards in terms
of the sophistication of financial products and regulation,”
Sweeney said. “Bankers have the unique ability to have a
relationship with the regulator and with various corporates,
so that if you are behind us, you can help us raise the bar
globally with respect to best practices.”
Since Deutsche Bank is a global institution, its
representatives are well positioned to gain regulatory
knowledge and insight in variety of countries as well as
the understanding of how these changing rules can affect
a corporate’s business activities. In fact, the Bank recently
established a new advisory team in the Americas, Trade &
Cash Solutions, to assist clients in finding the appropriate
Next Generation Treasury Solutions for them both in the
Americas and in other regions.
“These solutions take into account a range of factors,
not only the latest regulations but also technological
innovation and corporate priorities,” says Patrick
Rittendale, Head of Trade and Cash Solutions,
Americas, Global Transaction Banking, Deutsche Bank.
“Collaborating with Deutsche Bank means having access
to a partner that can offer leading products and services
across the board, allowing Treasurers to access the
information they need in a format that suits them best.”
“Since the 2008 financial crisis, Deutsche Bank has
invested more money in our core transaction banking
products and services than ever before to provide the
strongest platform for corporates as they move toward
next generation solutions,” added Moinian. “Our global,
innovative and consultative approach provides the
bedrock necessary for the future.”
Shahrokh Moinian,
Deutsche Bank
Mike Giakoumatos,
Tyco International
Don Anderson, MetLife
Maureen Callahan, Moderator
Anita Prasad, Microsoft
Manish Gulati, General Motors
Patrick Rittendale,
Deutsche Bank
Dennis Sweeney, General Electric
David Shaw, Thomson Reuters
