Treasury Storyteller

Epizodes

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  The Innovation Gap: Shiny Tech vs Useful Tools 11.09.2026 27min

  Treasury is awash with shiny tech. There's almost too much to choose from. And it's hard to know what earns its place in the stack and what can be set aside for now (or filed permanently in the rubbish bin).In this episode, Eleanor Hill sits down with Chris Jameson, Head of Product Management, GPS EMEA and Head of Global Trade and Supply Chain Finance at Bank of America, to sort the useful from the merely exciting.They cover AI agents, instant payments, stablecoins, ISO 20022, virtual accounts, verification, FX and cybersecurity – but the conversation keeps coming back to the same tension: technology is moving faster than governance, infrastructure and corporate appetite.Chris explains why AI may be overestimated in the short term but underestimated in the long term, why stablecoins still look niche for many large corporates, and why an always-on payments world is about far more than faster rails. They also get into the less 'shiny' areas that may matter just as much: receivables, payment transparency, onboarding, richer data and getting the basics to work properly.After all, innovation is only useful when treasury can put it to proper use!
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  After the Deal: The Operational Reality of Structured Finance 12.05.2026 24min

  In this episode of Treasury Storyteller, Eleanor sits down with treasury and structured finance specialist Andrew Stewart from DK Axiom to explore what really happens after a structured finance deal closes – when the excitement fades and the operational reality begins.Drawing on experience across treasury, securitisation, specialist lending and advisory work, Andrew explains why structured finance is never a “set-and-forget” exercise. From data quality issues and reporting pressures to governance challenges, key-person dependencies and investor scrutiny, he reveals the hidden operational machinery that keeps complex funding structures running successfully over the long term.This episode covers the subtle warning signs that structures are coming under strain, why treasury teams must become deeply embedded across the wider business, and how poor controls or overlooked processes can create major downstream problems months or even years later.Andrew also shares real-world stories from the front line of structured finance – including uncovering mortgage deals written on beer mats in Ireland!A practical and candid discussion for treasury professionals, CFOs and anyone involved in funding, securitisation or operational risk.
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  The ESG Pendulum: Where Does Treasury Stand Now? 19.03.2026 29min

  In this episode of the Treasury Storyteller Podcast, we take a deep dive into the current state of ESG within the treasury community. Is sustainability still gaining momentum, or has the enthusiasm of the past few years started to plateau?Eleanor explores this question with two expert voices from the treasury world: Nigel Owen, Head of Corporate Origination at TreasurySpring, and Martin Hoad, a long-time treasury professional with experience across corporates, consulting, and treasury technology. The discussion is prompted by TreasurySpring’s latest Treasury Sustainability Impact Survey, now in its fourth year, which provides a fresh snapshot of how treasurers are approaching ESG (get your copy here: https://treasuryspring.com/sustainability-impact-report-2025?utm_source=Treasury+Storyteller&utm_medium=email%2Fsocial&utm_campaign=SIC+report+25)Topics covered include:• How sustainability is influencing areas such as cash investment, supply chain finance, and funding strategies• The persistent barriers holding treasurers back, including lack of knowledge, product availability, and reporting complexity• The challenge of setting meaningful sustainability KPIs without falling into greenwashing• Why education, transparency, and standardised ESG ratings could be key to broader adoptionThe conversation also looks ahead to what it will take for ESG to become fully embedded in treasury practices –from better tools and products to stronger collaboration between treasury teams, banks, and sustainability functions.If you want a clear, practical look at where ESG stands in treasury today – and where it might be heading next – this episode is for you.
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  Invention Rather Than Innovation: Treasury Creativity with Tanya Kohen 18.02.2026 32min

  What does it really mean to invent in treasury – and how is that different from simply innovating?In this episode of Treasury Storyteller, Eleanor Hill is joined by Tanya Kohen, Global Head of Finance Practice at Wave Access, to explore the mindset shift from incremental improvement to true invention. Drawing on more than 20 years of treasury experience across industries and geographies, Tanya shares how scaling fast-growing organisations shaped her thinking about technology, process design and structural problem-solving.Together, they unpack the difference between innovation and invention, the role of AI and agentic tools in execution rather than hype, and why the next wave of progress in treasury will come from cross-functional collaboration. From building an in-house supply chain finance platform to rethinking how teams approach everyday bottlenecks, this is a conversation about curiosity, courage and cultivating “invention mode” inside the finance function.If you’re wondering how to move your team beyond efficiency and into possibility, this episode is for you.
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  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Navigating Risk in a Volatile World 06.02.2026 24min

  In this episode of the Treasury Storyteller Podcast, Eleanor welcomes back Chris King, co-founder of Dukes & King, for a wide-ranging (and sometimes hilarious) conversation on what’s really shaping corporate treasury and risk management as we move through 2026.Picking up from their last discussion (which famously/infamously veered from FX into rave music), Eleanor and Chris explore how the global landscape has shifted – politically, economically, and operationally – and what that means for CFOs, treasurers, and risk managers trying to stay ahead with limited time and resources.Using The Good, the Bad and the Ugly as a framing device, Chris unpacks key macro themes including geopolitical instability, US policy risk, compressed credit spreads, subdued volatility, and the challenges hidden beneath seemingly familiar risks like FX and interest rates. The discussion also dives into digital transformation, AI, transparency of data, and why traditional hedging approaches may still work — but only if they’re flexible enough to adapt.Along the way, there are nods to Green Day, Maslow, Arsenal, fractional resourcing, the Global FX Code, and why sleeping well at night might be one of the most underrated risk metrics of all. What more could you want?
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  Stepping into the Spotlight: Owning Your Treasury Story with Mike Richards 24.07.2025 49min

  You’ve heard the phrase “just doing my job” – but what if that job is saving your company millions, streamlining global bank structures, or single-handedly holding together the entire liquidity strategy with nothing more than caffeine and spreadsheets?In this special episode of Treasury Storyteller, Eleanor is joined by the one and only Mike Richards – CEO of The Treasury Recruitment Company, host of the Treasury Career Corner podcast, and, whether he admits it or not, the Godfather of Treasury Recruiting!Together, they dive into the overlooked art of personal storytelling in treasury, why so many treasurers shy away from the spotlight and how to sharpen your personal narrative.This episode is packed with Mike's trademark punchy insights, practical tips, and a lot of heart. Listen in to hear:Why treasurers often struggle with self-promotion – and how to fix itThe one question Mike always asks hiring managers (and you should too)How small weekly reflections can transform your personal brandWhy practice doesn’t make perfect… it makes you betterWhat CFOs really want when they’re hiringThe one podcast question Mike wishes he’d asked (and why)And if you’ve been sitting on your own story, wondering whether anyone really wants to hear it…we do! Drop us a line :)
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  Don't Panic! Rethinking Cashflow Priorities with Jessica Oku 27.06.2025 22min

  BOOK LAUNCH SPECIAL EPISODEWhen cash is tight, most businesses default to cost-cutting, without strategy.. But as a treasurer, CFO, and author, Jessica Oku, explains, this kind of panic is rarely helpful.In this episode, Jessica introduces The Cashflow Prioritization Matrix – a new book and practical framework for evaluating spend based on urgency and impact.She also shares some war stories from business missteps, and we chat about ways to help finance leaders make clearer, faster choices under pressure.We also cover;How to build a cash-first mindset across the organisation (and why storytelling matters)The danger of treating EBITDA like cashHow traditional forecasting leaves decision-makers guessingAnd what Jessica’s learned from working with everyone from multinationals to scrappy startupsWhether you're leading a treasury team, running a finance function, or just trying to get more value from your cash, this episode is full of practical ideas.
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  Real-Time or Right Time? Matthew Davies on Digital Treasury, Talent, and Transformation 25.06.2025 31min

  In this jam-packed episode of The Treasury Storyteller, I sit down with Matthew Davies – Head of Global Payments Solutions EMEA and Global Co-Head of Corporate Sales, GPS at Bank of America – for a chat about the forces reshaping corporate treasury.From his 27 years in transaction banking to the latest on ISO 20022, instant payments, and real-time treasury, Matthew brings a big-picture view that’s sorely needed in these times of relentless change. And, of course, we have a good laugh along the way as well!We explore:Why strong fundamentals (and people!) still matter in a tech-obsessed treasury worldHow to strategically navigate the 'build vs buy' tech conundrumWhat ISO 20022 really means for corporates (it’s not just a bank issue)The myth of real-time treasury – and why on-time can often be the true targetHow leading companies are future-proofing talent with data, tech, and people skillsWhy treasury isn’t 'just a job'. It’s a career with global reach, strategic impact, and a true sense of communityPlus, we preview some hot topics likely to dominate the agenda at this year’s Sibos in Frankfurt – from the future of cross-border payments and transactional FX to embedded finance.🎧 Listen now and get ready for what’s next in treasury.
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  Risk, Resilience, and Rebuilding: Inside Lockton’s Treasury Evolution 29.05.2025 34min

  How do you turn a once-manual, back-office accounting setup into a proactive, globally aligned treasury function built for real value creation? In this episode, Eleanor sits down with Andrew Monkhouse, International CFO at Lockton, to unpack exactly how he's achieved that.We dive into:Andrew’s career path from chartered accountant to CFOThe post-COVID wake-up call that exposed weak spots in cash and FX processesBuilding a six-person treasury team from scratchHow automation, a bespoke FX framework, and daily cash dashboards changed the gameThe power of uncommonly independent thinking (and why Lockton leans into it)Why governance isn’t boring....it’s your secret weaponUpskilling, vendor support, and why slow-and-steady transformation wins every timeWhether you’re a seasoned treasury professional or just wondering what a good finance transformation looks like in the real world, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and a few trademark laughs!
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  Cut the Cr*p! James Kelly Separates AI Fact from Fiction 23.02.2025 35min

  What do ice cream sales, shark attacks, and AI in treasury have in common? More than you might think, according to this week's podcast guest. In this eye-opening episode, James Kelly, founder of Your Treasury and former corporate treasurer at Pearson, helps us separate AI fact from fiction.James shares his personal journey from AI sceptic to advocate, recounting the moment he realised AI could compress weeks of Excel work into minutes. He also offers a refreshingly honest take on where AI truly adds value in treasury operations – and where it is being oversold.From debunking myths about data readiness to questioning the wisdom of AI-powered fraud detection for most corporate treasuries, James explains why focusing on everyday automation might be more valuable than chasing headline-grabbing AI applications.Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or still wondering where to start, this episode offers clear guidance on building a practical, transparent approach to AI implementation that actually delivers value.
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  Rave Beats, Animal Spirits and Treasury Risks: Chris King's Playbook for 2025 27.01.2025 35min

  What do 808 State’s rave anthems and Keynes' animal spirits have in common with treasury risk in 2025? In this thought-provoking episode, our favourite risk management expert, Chris King of Dukes & King, answers this question and more! He also draws surprising parallels between past and present, as he unpacks the critical challenges facing CFOs and treasurers right now. From US market dynamics to the spectre of global tariffs, environmental risks, and demographic shifts, King offers fresh insights for finance professionals navigating uncertain times. Join us to discover why his practical ‘three Cs’ framework – collaboration, communication, and complexity management – might just be the key to treasury success in 2025.
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  Treasury Tales: The Accidental Adventures of Ben Poole and Eleanor Hill 21.01.2025 24min

  What do strange dinners in Liverpool, a stint at Sibos TV, and a sleepy English town called Sandwich have in common? Treasury, of course! In this episode, Eleanor Hill sits down with Ben Poole – treasury journalist, accidental industry veteran, and her editorial partner-in-crime for over a decade of conferences and career twists.Ben spills on his unlikely journey from construction supply magazines to the treasury big leagues, shares the secrets of surviving a decade-plus in the industry, and reveals the real highlights (and it’s not always about the writing).From the evolving role of treasurers to AI hype and the future of cashflow forecasting, this chat dives into treasury tech, supply chain finance, ESG, and the underrated joy of meeting genuinely nice people in the field 🧡Tune in for laughs, insights, and a human take on all things treasury ✨