Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation top priorities for Indian corporate treasuries: EY

Indian corporate treasuries are accelerating investment in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive their next phase of transformation, according to the EY India Corporate Treasury Survey 2025. Nearly half of the 85 treasury leaders surveyed ranked automation of treasury and banking operations as their top investment priority, while 82% identified AI as critical to future strategy. AI adoption is moving from pilot projects to real-world use, with cash forecasting emerging as the leading application. Other areas gaining traction include foreign exchange (9%), trade finance (8%), and working capital optimization (6%). Partner, Consulting Services, EY India, Mr. Hemal Shah said treasury teams must automate without losing control, manage risk while enabling growth, and deliver predictive, real-time insights for strategic decision making.

The survey highlighted a growing need to combine financial expertise with digital fluency. About 49% of respondents reported an equal 50:50 split between functional and technology roles, while 35% preferred a 70:30 balance favouring financial expertise. Hybrid and modular models are becoming common, with 35% outsourcing technology maintenance, 25% outsourcing back-office accounting, and 11% outsourcing front-office dealing operations. However, more than 70% of treasury teams still rely on spreadsheets, and two-thirds face weak reporting and dashboarding capabilities. Skilling gaps remain, with 52% of leaders stressing technical skills and 50% emphasising domain expertise, yet many organisations lack structured training. EY projects that by 2030, treasuries will operate as digitally native control towers, using real-time data and intelligent systems to anticipate risks, guide capital allocation, and strengthen organisational resilience.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.