**Global:** CFOs and treasurers worldwide are fast-tracking digital tools, including GenAI and virtual cards, to enhance procurement, supply chain management, and financial operations amid evolving trade policies and economic pressures impacting both large firms and SMBs.
Amid evolving global trade policies and increasing economic complexity, companies worldwide are accelerating their adoption of digital technologies to enhance procurement, supply chain management, and financial operations. These changes are not only reshaping how businesses operate but also shifting priorities for chief financial officers (CFOs) and treasurers across various sectors.
The interplay of tariffs, geopolitical uncertainties, and regulatory demands has heightened the need for agility and precision in corporate finance and treasury functions. According to a recent PYMNTS Intelligence survey, 80% of technology treasurers believe closer collaboration with finance departments would significantly benefit organisational performance, underscoring a growing trend towards integration and synergy in financial management.
Central to this transformation is the digital revolution. CFOs are increasingly adopting innovative digital payment tools—such as virtual cards and automated payable platforms—to modernise legacy systems, increase operational efficiency, and unlock new revenue opportunities. Digital procurement has become a top priority for boards and executives, not only as a means to streamline processes but also as a strategic lever that enables faster adaptation to market volatility.
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is emerging as a powerful resource among enterprise CFOs. Many are utilising GenAI to gain real-time visibility into spending patterns, automate vendor negotiations, and enhance budgeting processes, enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making in complex environments.
The small and medium-sized business (SMB) sector is experiencing a similar wave of digital innovation, which is critical given the challenges these enterprises face. Instant payment platforms have risen sharply in popularity, facilitating faster cash flows to meet the demands of customers and suppliers in dynamic markets influenced by the gig economy and just-in-time supply chains. In Europe, FinTech firm Froda has recently secured $22 million in funding to expand its embedded finance solutions aimed at closing funding gaps for SMBs across the continent. Meanwhile, in the United States, the acquisition of Ampla by FundThrough represents a key development in invoice factoring services, helping businesses convert receivables into working capital more efficiently.
Nonetheless, financial pressures persist. The Atlanta Federal Reserve notes that smaller firms are generally less able to pass increased costs onto customers compared to larger companies, resulting in tighter margins during periods of inflation or supply disruptions. This economic backdrop highlights the critical role of innovative financing and payment mechanisms in bolstering SMB resilience.
Trade policies have also injected new complexities. Tariffs and shifting geopolitical stances, such as those affecting the U.S. steel market under the so-called “Anaconda Plan” implemented during former President Donald Trump’s administration, are causing significant adjustments among buyers and suppliers. Shep Hickey, CEO of Bryzos, an online steel marketplace, told PYMNTS, “The pain is real. Inventory is being hoarded, prices are rising, and decision-making has shifted from the purchase price to the replacement cost.” This has driven companies to accelerate the adoption of digital procurement tools, including automation and data analytics, to mitigate cost volatility and optimise supplier relations.
Logistics is also evolving with platforms like Freightos Enterprise enabling large shippers to gain unprecedented control over global freight procurement. These tools help businesses compare shipping options, secure cargo space, and manage risks in real time, contributing to smoother supply chain operations in a fluctuating trade environment.
Amid these operational shifts, cybersecurity has become a pivotal concern for businesses and financial institutions alike. The rise in credential-based cyber attacks has encouraged banks to adopt advanced security measures such as smarter authentication, continuous monitoring, and proactive threat detection to protect sensitive financial data and maintain trust in digital ecosystems.
The PYMNTS report highlights a convergence of technological innovation, shifting trade policies, and the tenacity of small businesses as key forces driving transformation in corporate and SMB finance. CFOs and treasurers, equipped with digital tools and strategic insight, are navigating this complex landscape with a focus on agility, transparency, and collaboration.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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