Unlocking the Power of Cash Visibility for Treasury Teams

In a financial environment shaped by interest rate volatility, supply chain disruptions and global uncertainty, cash visibility has moved to the top of the treasury agenda. Without a clear, real-time view of cash positions, treasures struggle to optimise liquidity and steer the organisation with confidence. 

Treasurers who have strong visibility are better positioned to shift from reactive reporting to proactive value creation. With timely and accurate insight, treasury becomes a strategic advisor, able to anticipate funding needs, identify liquidity risks early, and generate tangible financial impact for the business.

Although the benefits are clear, many organisations still struggle to achieve meaningful and actionable cash visibility. And there is no one-size-fits all solution, simply because no two treasury environments are the same. Different levels of centralisation, multiple banking relationships , and fragmented IT landscapes make it challenging to create a truly connected view of liquidity.

International companies often work with multiple banks and across regions, each with its own systems, channels and formats.As a result, many, though not all, treasuries still rely on spreadsheets and manual data collection, consuming valuable time and creating unnecessary operational risk. And while end‑of‑day reports used to be sufficient, today’s 24/7 economy demands real‑time information to support instant decision‑making.

Treasury teams increasingly tell us the same thing: they want to spend less time gathering data, and more time analysing it. They want fewer systems and more insight. And they want reporting that is automated, accurate and ready when the business needs it.

One of the most impactful, yet often overlooked, steps toward better visibility is simplifying the underlying account structure. Whether a treasury set-up is centralised or decentralised, mapping accounts, reporting channels and connectivity helps treasurers determine what adds value and where rationalisation can simplify the overall structure.

Closing unnecessary accounts and streamlining structures doesn’t just reduce complexity; it results in reporting that is easier to manage, supports better governance and gives Group Treasury more control. A simpler structure leads to better visibility. And better visibility leads to better decisions.

There is no universal approach. The right solution depends on your organisation’s ambitions, technology readiness and treasury operating model.

Decentralised organisations often begin by improving insight: creating faster access to information, introducing automated data feeds or using ready‑to‑deploy tools that consolidate balances across accounts. Treasuries without a Treasury Management System (TMS) can immediately benefit from integrated overviews, such as those available in ING InsideBusiness, which bring all balances and accounts together in one place.

Centralised treasury organisations typically require a more advanced layer of automation. They need seamless access to funds, real‑time connectivity and standardised processes across the group. Some are accelerating digital transformation through APIs and direct connectivity; others focus on ensuring that their core systems receive timely and accurate data to support forecasting, funding and investment decisions.

 Regardless of maturity level, cash pooling remains one of the most powerful tools for achieving visibility, control and optimisation. It automates liquidity movement, simplifies daily operations and enables treasurers to optimise interest positions with confidence. ING offers domestic, cross‑border, global and multibank pooling structures, supported by instant sweep capabilities, to help corporates manage liquidity in real time across Europe.

Cash visibility is the foundation ofa resilient and forward‑looking treasury function. Whether your goal is to reduce funding costs, increase returns or improve your cash flow forecasting , visibility gives you the insight you need to act with confidence.

No two treasuries take the same journey. Technology, structure and ambition determine the path, but every organisation benefits from a partner who understands complexity and can offer practical, scalable solutions.

With ING’s pan‑European capabilities, deep product expertise and proven track record in supporting complex treasury environments, we help corporates build stronger, more future‑ready treasury operations. Together, we can simplify complexity, strengthen control and ensure your organisation is prepared for what comes next.

Explore European cash pooling solutions

Learn how cash pooling can strengthen visibility, control and liquidity management across Europe.