“As transaction volumes increase, so do the requirements for the banking solution,” says Susanne Prager, Head of Cash Management at RBI. A simple banking solution can quickly reach its limits, especially with rapid expansion into the CEE region. “But it is not only the volume that increases, but also the complexity, as multiple currencies and banking relationships now must be managed. With innovative solutions like CMIplus, RBI clients can streamline these processes.”

Growth also requires improved liquidity management, wherein the adoption of electronic account management through eBAM or open APIs facilitates a real-time treasury experience, providing a significant advantage. “eBAM (electronic bank account management) is currently the most convenient self-service solution in modern cash management, covering all processes from account opening to account closure. It automates account management processes across the entire lifecycle of a bank account using a standardized message format,” explains Susanne Prager.

“Customer behavior has changed considerably as a result of EU enlargement and the digital transformation,” says the cash management expert. With the inclusion of new markets in the EU, clients are demanding faster, more transparent and compliant cross-border transactions. Technological progress has led to more sophisticated requirements such as instant payments and comprehensive electronic account management. “RBI customers were amongst the first to use the improved SWIFT gpi (Global Payments Innovation) for fast international payments. According to SWIFT, the use of gpi has shortened transaction times by 50%, which significantly benefits the dynamic CEE market.” Regulatory changes such as instant payments (IP) and the transition to ISO 20022 also require enhanced data capabilities, and the integration of advanced technologies. 

The centralized cash management hub CMIplus offers a harmonized customer experience through an easy-to-use user interface and a wide range of modern features for daily corporate payments. “CMIplus also enables the integration of third-party banks and offers a variety of tools to make treasurers' day-to-day business as efficient as possible.” CMIplus focuses primarily on consolidating the cash management services of all RBI network banks in the CEE region. “Within the next two years, our customers will be able to use these local services from the entire network via CMIplus through various digital channels,” the specialist gives an outlook.

“The international payment business for institutional clients is a complex, high-risk market with a strong focus on transaction monitoring,” Susanne Prager points out. “Geopolitical tensions may require more robust measures, which RBI ensures through its comprehensive electronic account & reporting services, filters and post-monitoring tools, e.g. to seamlessly comply with any sanctions. Added to this are nested or downstream payments, which can pose further challenges. New payment specifics such as cryptocurrencies add to the complexity.” 

As a relationship bank with its finger on the pulse, RBI translates emerging trends into advanced products and services that are tailored to the requirements of modern businesses. “Open APIs in cash management, for example, facilitate seamless integration into corporate systems, while eBAM and CMIplus offer optimized, cross-bank electronic account management,” explains Susanne Prager. “The latest ISO20022 migration enables more efficient payment processing and regulatory compliance. Overall, these innovations offer customers greater speed, security and ease in managing complex cash operations.

“RBI's strong presence in the CEE region provides a unique market overview and local expertise that enables us to offer customized services,” says Susanne Prager. “This local expertise enables us to navigate region-specific regulations and provide tailor-made solutions that offer clients a significant operational advantage,” she is convinced. “We are leveraging our presence in the CEE region and positioning ourselves as a CEE clearing hub. Our institutional clients benefit from the most efficient payment routing, access to local (CEE) clearing systems, favorable pricing and multilingual customer support,” she summarizes. “Plus, we offer best in class cut-off times for CEE currencies as well as full transparency and overview of the payment flows.”