FTI Treasury Talks Video Series
Episode 5

FTI Treasury Talks: AI and RPA – Shaping the Future of Corporate Treasury Operations

Published Published
February 20, 2025
Duration Duration
20:01
February 20, 2025 | 20:01 | , , ,
FTI Treasury Talks AI RPA

About this Episode

We are pleased to announce the seventh episode of our new series, FTI Treasury Talks: Conversations with the Experts. Our series aims to provide valuable insights and practical strategies in Treasury Outsourcing, In-House Banking Solutions, and Corporate Services. FTI Treasury Talks aims to provide a platform for treasury professionals to deepen their understanding of critical topics. 

Whether you’re an experienced treasurer or someone new to the field, this episode delves into “AI and RPA: Shaping the Future of Corporate Treasury Operations,” featuring Justin Callaghan, CEO at FTI Treasury, and Shane O’Keeffe, Head of Innovation at FTI Treasury. This session uncovers how AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are transforming treasury operations and paving the way for more efficient, data-driven decision-making. 

With the growing prominence of AI organizations are exploring how these technologies can enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and support strategic decision-making.

While RPA focuses on automating rule-based processes such as reconciliation and cash forecasting, AI goes a step further by analyzing trends and external data, enabling more informed decision-making. Implementing these technologies requires well-structured processes, cultural adaptation, and investment in third-party software. Our experts provide key insights into the benefits and challenges of AI and RPA adoption in treasury operations.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

  • AI vs. RPA
  • RPA in Treasury Operations
  • AI Enhancing RPA
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Cultural Change
  • Strategic Insights with AI
  • Implementation Considerations
  • Future Outlook

As AI and RPA continue to evolve, their role in treasury operations will likely expand, offering new opportunities for automation and strategic decision-making. Stay tuned for more insights from FTI Treasury Talks as we explore the future of corporate finance and technology.

Guest / Speakers

Justin Callaghan

Justin Callaghan

CEO at FTI Treasury
Justin has over 20 years’ experience in international cash management, financial risk management, funding, internal corporate treasury structures and treasury operations.
Shane O’Keeffe

Shane O’Keeffe

Head of Innovation at FTI Treasury
Shane O’Keeffe, Manager of FTI Treasury Back Office, has overall responsibility for end to end confirmation, settlement and reconciliation processes of FTI’s global portfolio of clients.

Key Topics covered

RPA and AI are often grouped together, yet they serve distinct purposes. RPA automates rule-based, repetitive tasks such as reconciliation and cash forecasting, following defined steps without deviation. AI operates on a different level, analysing trends and external data to identify patterns and support more informed decision-making. Recognising where each technology applies is the foundation for any effective treasury automation strategy.

RPA is reshaping day-to-day treasury operations by taking over manual, high-volume processes. Automating routine reconciliation and reporting reduces the time these tasks demand while lowering the risk of human error. The outcome is a leaner, more reliable back office, with treasury resources redirected towards higher-value activity rather than repetitive administration.

AI builds on the foundations RPA provides, moving beyond task execution to interpretation. By drawing on both internal and external data, it strengthens forecasting, risk assessment, and wider treasury strategy. As AI adoption accelerates across the sector, its value lies in improving the quality of decisions, not simply automating the processes behind them.

Adopting AI and RPA extends beyond technology alone. Successful implementation depends on well-structured processes, investment in third-party software, and a cultural shift across the organisation to embed new ways of working. As these technologies mature, their role in treasury is set to expand, making early preparation a strategic priority for finance teams.

Why this matters

Automation is no longer a future consideration for corporate treasury, it is already redefining how the function operates. As transaction volumes grow and reporting requirements become more demanding, manual processes struggle to keep pace, exposing treasury teams to inefficiency and avoidable error. AI and RPA offer a route to greater accuracy, speed, and resilience across core operations.

The distinction between the two technologies matters because each addresses a different challenge. RPA delivers immediate efficiency by automating repetitive, rule-based work, while AI adds a layer of intelligence that supports forecasting, risk management, and strategic planning. Used together, they allow treasury to shift from a largely operational role towards a more analytical, decision-focused one.

For organisations weighing up adoption, the stakes are significant. Those that integrate these tools effectively stand to reduce costs, sharpen decision-making, and respond more quickly to market change. Equally, understanding the practical demands of implementation, from process design to cultural readiness, is essential to realising that value rather than simply investing in technology for its own sake.

About FTI Treasury Talks

Expert conversations on treasury management, risk, technology, and in-house banking — designed for treasury professionals, CFOs, and finance leaders.