What signs do you see of the growing status or importance of cash management across our region?
From a regulatory standpoint, we are seeing the emergence of initiatives such as the Central Bank of the UAE’s cash management framework which includes tools for managing liquidity, domestic market operations and regulatory measures championing financial stability.
On the technology front, traditional banking is giving way to technologies such as mobile banking, real-time transaction monitoring and cloud-based systems, enabling businesses—especially SMEs—to operate smarter and more efficiently
Looking at the market, based on rising demand and ongoing investments, the Middle East and Africa cash management system market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 14% through 2030 with the UAE expected to lead the surge.
All these show that as regulatory innovation, technological advances and robust market growth converge, the UAE and the wider region are not just keeping pace—they are setting the new standard for cash management excellence.
Is the continued non-oil growth of key regional economies putting a greater focus on liquidity management?
Regionwide momentum across non-oil sectors including tourism, technology, finance and renewable energy has made cash flows a lot more unpredictable. So having strong liquidity management is more important than ever for keeping business running smoothly and making smart investment choices.
As these industries develop, things get more challenging: there are more varied payment terms and the markets move quickly, which means companies really need effective ways to manage their cash. Plus, these sectors are especially sensitive to changes in the global economy.
By putting solid liquidity management in place, businesses can build financial cushions to help weather economic downturns. On top of that, showing strong liquidity practices can make companies more appealing to lenders and investors interested in supply chain finance, since it signals stability and reliability.
How has the modernisation of regional financial infrastructure influenced the cash management services of banks?
Modern cash management technology is significantly changing the way banks and businesses in the region handle their finances. With the rise of digital banking channels and smarter backend systems, there is way less manual work involved now—everything just runs smoother. For example, customers can see exactly where their cash stands in real time, often within minutes. This immediate access makes it a lot easier to make decisions and plan ahead.
Online banking tools also mean that companies can send payments and keep an eye on incoming cash whenever and wherever they need to—no more waiting around. Plus, banks are stepping up their game with advanced analytics and detailed reports, so corporate clients can make smarter, data-driven choices.
Automation is playing a big role too. By cutting down on manual processes, banks are saving on operational costs, and the good news is, those savings are often passed on to clients as lower cash management fees.
All in all, digital technologies are making cash management faster, clearer and more client friendly. With real-time insights, automated processes and new payment solutions, businesses are finding it easier than ever to manage their cash, save money and make strong financial decisions.
Now that the Swift ISO20022 deadline has passed, what will be, or already have been the effects of this standardisation on regional cash management?
ISO 20022 is making a significant impact for banks and businesses when it comes to managing cash. Now that it is in place, banks can include much more detailed and organised payment information with every transaction. What does this mean for customers? Instead of trying to make sense of vague or incomplete payment details, businesses can now easily track where their money is, understand payment statuses and get a much clearer picture of their cash flows. This kind of transparency is a game changer for financial planning and day-to-day operations.
Another major benefit is how ISO 20022 is breaking down barriers between banks around the world. Since everyone is using the same language for payment messages, cross-border transactions are smoother, faster and less likely to run into errors or delays. Businesses operating in multiple markets or dealing with international partners will find it much easier to keep tabs on their payments and manage working capital.
For countries like the UAE, adopting ISO 20022 is not just about keeping up with the latest technology—it is also a strategic move. Aligning with global standards attracts international investors and reinforces an economy like the UAE’s reputation as a forward-thinking financial center. This increased transparency and efficiency helps build trust with foreign partners and can encourage more business and investment to flow into the region.
Can current cash management and treasury technology allow liquidity to be optimised rather than just managed?
Modern cash management and treasury technologies empower organisations to actively optimise liquidity instead of merely managing it. By leveraging real-time data, intelligent analytics and integrated bank-corporate platforms, treasury teams can make smarter, faster decisions, minimise costs and better prepare for future financial scenarios. This marks a significant shift from traditional, reactive liquidity management to a more strategic and value-driven approach.
Have global economic and geo-political circumstances spurred banks into developing more flexible or creative working capital solutions?
Yes, global economic and geopolitical circumstances have indeed prompted banks to develop more flexible and creative working capital solutions. As inflation, rising interest rates and tighter credit conditions have made external financing more expensive, and as geopolitical shifts and trade tensions have increased risks to cash flows and trade operations, banks are responding by offering innovative solutions that help businesses remain resilient and agile.
These solutions often leverage real-time data, advanced analytics and integrated digital platforms, enabling companies to better anticipate and manage disruptions such as delayed payments, currency fluctuations or supply chain issues. By providing tailored liquidity management tools and more responsive financing options, banks are supporting businesses in navigating today’s unpredictable environment and optimising their working capital more strategically.
Are transaction services fees becoming a more noticed contributor to regional banking revenues?
Yes, transaction services fees are increasingly being recognised as a significant contributor to regional banking revenues. In the UAE, for example, banks have reported a notable double-digit rise in non-interest income driven primarily by fee-based activities. The non-interest income of one of our major local banking partners accounted for 32% of its operating income in 2024 compared to 22% in 2020, with commission revenue alone rising 22% year-on-year. This growth is largely due to expanded offerings in areas such as trade finance, digital banking, wealth management and transaction banking, alongside increased usage of credit and debit cards.
As digital and corporate banking services continue to advance and trade volumes increase, transaction services fees are expected to play an even greater role in boosting regional banking revenues.
