How can treasury advisory help consumer businesses thrive?

What are some of the key challenges and opportunities for the consumer sector in today’s economic climate, and how do they impact treasury management?

The consumer sector is facing a perfect storm of challenges: fluctuating demand, competition, rising costs and unpredictable supply chain dynamics. These pressures can expose inefficiencies in cash flow, liquidity and risk management. However, within these challenges lie immense opportunities. Companies that elevate and professionalise their treasury function can unlock hidden value - freeing up working capital, optimising funding strategies, and even creating a competitive edge through better financial agility. Treasury is no longer just about keeping the lights on; it’s about helping businesses thrive.

What trends should consumer companies keep an eye on, particularly from a treasury perspective?

One of the most exciting trends is the digitalisation of treasury operations. Automation and advanced technologies, such as Treasury Management Systems (TMS) are transforming the way we manage and think about cash, liquidity and risk.

Take something as simple yet critical as cash forecasting. By using data-driven tools, treasurers can predict cash flow with greater accuracy, reduce manual errors and make more informed decisions. This isn’t just about efficiency - it’s about enabling smarter, faster and more certain decision-making across the board.

Another aspect is the shift to ISO 20022 standards and real-time payments, which are transforming how treasurers manage cross-border transactions and liquidity. Companies not preparing for this shift are already falling behind, as competitors adopt faster, cheaper and more transparent solutions.

Simply put, if you don’t embrace these advancements today, you risk becoming irrelevant tomorrow.

How can a strong treasury strategy help consumer companies emphasise both growth and stability?

A robust treasury strategy is the backbone of both growth and stability, and without one, businesses will struggle to execute their broader strategies effectively.

• Liquidity optimisation ensures that cash is available precisely when and where it’s needed, avoiding costly borrowing or missed opportunities.
• Risk mitigation strategies, such as hedging against currency fluctuations or interest rate volatility, prevent disruptive financial shocks that can derail operations.
• Capital efficiency allows companies to reinvest savings into innovation, market expansion, or customer experience enhancements, creating a competitive edge.

Treasury also plays a critical role in resolving supply chain challenges, which are a major pain point for the consumer sector. By implementing supply chain financing solutions, businesses can stabilise operations, strengthen supplier relationships and ensure continuity even during disruptions. Those who act now will gain a strategic advantage, while those who delay will continue to struggle with inefficiencies and lost opportunities.

Some leaders resist change, especially in legacy systems. How can they be persuaded that staying the same might be the riskiest decision of all?

They need to be approached with empathy but also realism. Change is never easy, especially for leaders who have seen success with traditional methods. However, they need to be faced with this hard question: Can you afford to let your competitors adapt faster than you do?

The penalties for staying stagnant are real - both financially and reputationally. Companies clinging to legacy systems are often slower to respond to opportunities, less efficient in managing resources and ultimately less attractive to investors and stakeholders.

That said, you cannot push change for change’s sake. Our role, as advisors, is to show leaders how modernisation doesn’t just solve problems - it creates opportunities. And once they see the tangible benefits, the shift feels natural. After all, isn’t it better to lead the way than to follow reluctantly?

Finally, what should consumer companies implement to elevate their treasury management?

If you want to not just survive but thrive in the consumer sector, you need a treasury strategy that’s as agile and innovative as the fast-moving market you’re in. Modernising treasury isn’t a cost - it’s an investment in growth, stability and resilience.

The best part? This journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about small, deliberate steps that lead to big results.

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At Forvis Mazars, we are here to help companies take those steps, unlock their potential and ensure they are not just keeping up - but setting the pace.

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