Multiple tools, multiple countries: Why high connectivity is a game changer for group treasurers

“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. “It is not only the volume that increases, but also the complexity, as now multiple currencies and banking relationships must be managed. With innovative solutions like our new cash management platform CMIplus, RBI clients can easily streamline these processes.” 

Growth also requires improved liquidity management, wherein the adoption of electronic account management through eBAM (electronic bank account management) or open APIs facilitate a real-time treasury experience, providing a significant advantage. “eBAM 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 significantly, which clearly 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. “Our customers are now able to use various local services from the entire network via CMIplus through different digital channels,” the specialist says.

“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 digital currencies 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. “For instance, Open APIs in cash management facilitate seamless integration into corporate systems,” explains Susanne Prager. “The latest ISO 20022 migration enables more efficient payment processing while ensuring regulatory compliance. Overall, these innovations offer customers greater speed, improved 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 allows 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 an overview of the payment flows.”