How AI and Automation Drive Financial Visibility and Agility in Uncertain Times

How AI and automation can unlock visibility in uncertain economic times

In an unpredictable economic environment, finance leaders need clear, timely insights to make smart decisions. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) have become essential tools for improving financial visibility and speeding up decision-making processes. New data from Pleo highlights the impact of AI and automation on treasury management, based on responses from 3,250 financial decision-makers across seven European countries, including the UK, France, Spain, and Germany.

The report, titled “Buried Treasury: Uncovering the Secret to Financial Stability,” shows that companies using AI extensively in their treasury functions see a 30% increase in visibility into cash flow and finances compared to those with limited AI adoption.

The Growing Importance of Automation

As economic pressures increase, companies must make faster, more agile decisions. AI and automation help finance teams reduce manual workload and streamline operations. Yet, Pleo’s research found that 51% of finance teams are still bogged down by manual tasks, limiting their ability to focus on strategic priorities.

Marianne Lake, CEO of JPMorgan’s consumer and community banking division, emphasized the value of strong treasury management in uncertain markets: “When utilized properly, treasury management accelerates growth, mitigates risks, and unlocks opportunities.” Her perspective reflects a wider consensus in the finance sector on the need for better financial oversight.

The Role of Treasury in Financial Strategy

As businesses grow, their financial operations become more complex, making treasury management even more critical. The report reveals that 75% of respondents believe the importance of the treasury function has increased alongside organizational growth. However, many companies still rely on outdated systems that hamper efficient financial management.

Businesses that use AI extensively rate their treasury functions as “very effective” at a rate of 57%, compared to only 20% among those using AI occasionally. This gap underscores the value of integrating AI and automation into treasury operations, especially as financial decisions need to be made more quickly and with greater accuracy.

Amit Kahana, Head of Credit, Treasury, and Cash Management at Pleo, highlighted the urgency for finance leaders to adopt these technologies: “The current turbulent economic climate means that finance leaders must have even greater visibility over the treasury function. Deploying the right technology and automation will help businesses become agile, which is imperative given that 75% of companies also say that financial decisions must be made faster than ever before.”

New Features for Seamless Cash Flow Management

In response to this need, Pleo has introduced a new feature called “Transfer Rules,” developed with Yapily, an open banking API provider. This functionality automates cash transfers between connected bank accounts, Pleo accounts, and sub-accounts.

With Transfer Rules, organizations can set up automatic transfers based on specific thresholds or schedules, ensuring accounts maintain sufficient balances for operational needs. This automation frees finance teams from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities while maintaining smooth cash flow.

AI and Automation: A Strategic Imperative

Integrating AI and automation into finance and treasury is no longer optional—it is essential. Automating routine work and gaining real-time financial insights give companies a vital edge in today’s fast-moving environment.

The report clearly shows that businesses investing in AI and automation manage their finances more effectively and are better positioned to respond to changing economic conditions. With the right tools, finance teams can shift from simply maintaining financial stability to actively driving growth and strategic initiatives.

For finance professionals interested in expanding their skills in AI and automation, exploring targeted training can provide practical knowledge to apply these technologies effectively. Check out Complete AI Training’s automation courses for relevant resources.