PodChats for FutureCFO: The shape of treasury in 2026.

The corporate treasury function in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Hong Kong is navigating a complex landscape defined by monetary policy divergence, rapid technological adoption, and evolving regulatory demands. The role is transforming from an operational cost-centre to a strategic value-driver, focusing on resilience, efficiency, and strategic advisory. Key issues for 2026 will be mastering data analytics for decision-making, managing currency volatility in a multi-polar world, and integrating sustainability into the core of treasury operations.In this PodChats for FutureCFO, we are joined by Pulat Yunusmetov, director, Zanders Singapore.1.       What is the function of treasury?2.       What do you mean by a proactive treasury? 3.       Since you brought up the topic of the pandemic. What did you experienced or see during the pandemic that triggered this desire to transform treasury to a proactive function?4.       The pandemic may be over, but we continue to experience economic volatility in the form of the wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, socio-political turbulence in many parts of the world, as well as more pronounced natural calamities in Asia. How have these events impacted corporate treasury?5.       In 2025, do you think treasury is still an interesting career to pursue?6.       You have built your career around the treasury function. How would you describe your journey over the years? Drawing from your own experience, what are the career prospects for treasury roles in the years to come?7.       What skills do I need to have to be good at a treasury role?8.       In the last couple of years, we’ve noticed an increased curiosity and interest around artificial intelligence as applied to the finance function. In what ways will AI, and its variants – GenAI, agentic AI, AI agents – impact the treasury function and profession?9.       In 2026, what will be the biggest challenge or challenges facing the treasury function?10.   What is the business of Zanders Singapore?