War tests Sweden’s economic resilience
by Ben Poole
Sweden’s economy is set for a temporary slowdown, but low inflation, rising household incomes, public investment and a cautious Riksbank offer hope.
Operational Risk Management
Background
The basic purpose of the corporate treasury department is to ensure that there is sufficient cash available for the company to operate, and that interest rate and foreign exchange risks are…
Read more
Payment delays and geopolitics test exporters
by Ben Poole
While war in the Middle East added another shock to the global economy, 75% of firms still expect positive export growth this year.
Payments fraud tightens its grip as AI adoption stalls
by Ben Poole
Fraud attempts or attacks hit more than three-quarters (76%) of US organisations in 2025.
Middle East shock hits global growth and prices
by Ben Poole
Global business activity lost momentum sharply in March as the war in the Middle East rattled demand, confidence, supply chains and pricing.
Australia slowdown signals tougher operating environment for corporates
by Ben Poole
Australia’s economy is set to slow sharply over the next year as inflation climbs again, unemployment rises and interest rates stay higher for longer.
Global PMIs flash warning as war drives inflation spike and stalls growth
by Ben Poole
A surge in inflation and a clear loss of growth momentum has begun to filter through the global economy.
War clouds improving global business outlook as supply chains rebound
by Ben Poole
Firms entered 2026 with improving confidence and strengthening manufacturing demand, but war in the Middle East now threatens supply chains.
88% of corporates hedge FX as volatility hits profits
by Ben Poole
Firms are adjusting hedge ratios, extending hedge tenors and investing in automation to navigate currency volatility.
Firmer output meets cautious hiring in January PMIs
by Ben Poole
Global economic activity shows a modest but broad-based improvement at the start of 2026.
Corporates turn to AI as tax risk enters a more volatile era
by Ben Poole
Corporates are integrating AI into the core of tax risk management as the list of potential disputes grows.
EY upgrades UK growth forecast to 1.5% for 2025
by Ben Poole
EY has upgraded its forecast for UK GDP growth in 2025 from 1% to 1.5% after economy showed greater momentum than expected.
Cost pressures mount as UK CFOs retreat from investment
by Ben Poole
UK finance leaders are entering Q4 in a cautious mood, with cost expectations rising sharply and profit forecasts falling to multi-year lows.
Growth holds but confidence slips in September’s flash PMI data
by Ben Poole
Across the Eurozone, UK, and US, services have largely propped up activity, while manufacturing shows renewed fragility.
Global economic growth at 14-month high in August
by Ben Poole
The rate of global economic expansion accelerated for the fourth month in a row in August, with output rising at the quickest pace since June 2024.
Tariffs drive surge in FX hedging as North American firms feel the pinch
by Ben Poole
Currency volatility has hit profitability or competitiveness for nearly 70% of North American companies in global markets, according to MillTech.
Treasury teams double down on cash, risk and AI amid mounting volatility
by Ben Poole
Global headwinds are forcing finance teams to focus on real-time insights, risk resilience and operational agility.
Flickers of resilience emerge in global PMI data despite patchy progress
by Ben Poole
Global business activity showed faint signs of recovery in June, with the eurozone, UK and US all reporting growth.
Global trade disruption forces UK CEOs to re-evaluate investment strategies
by Ben Poole
UK CEOs are adjusting their strategic investment plans as geopolitical, macroeconomic and trade uncertainties continue to disrupt global markets.
Growth slows and inflation builds as global PMIs diverge
by Ben Poole
Business activity across the UK, Eurozone and US showed diverging trajectories in May.
Tariffs trigger sharpest drop in global manufacturing demand
by Ben Poole
Global manufacturers cut purchases at the fastest pace this year in April.
Tech vs turbulence: how finance leaders are rewriting the playbook
by Ben Poole
Finance leaders are tightening their grip on cash while doubling down on technology investments.
Trade under fire: firms scramble to counter tariff risks
by Ben Poole
While more than 80% of firms are actively managing tariff risk, the majority believe trade barriers are here to stay.
Payment fraud remains pervasive globally as sophistication increases
by Ben Poole
Corporate payments fraud remains a costly and persistent threat with wide-reaching financial consequences.
UK CFOs turn defensive as geopolitical risks and cost pressures mount
by Ben Poole
Finance leaders at the UK’s largest businesses have entered 2025 with a markedly defensive outlook.