Press Release: MEA Treasury Priorities Report

Why It Matters

The findings signal a reshaping of treasury strategy in a volatile MEA market, prompting firms to consolidate functions, tighten liquidity controls, and invest in advanced technology to stay competitive.

Key Takeaways

• Over 900 treasury leaders surveyed across 25+ MEA countries.
• Cash visibility and forecasting top priority amid regional volatility.
• UAE emerges as primary hub for treasury centralization.
• FX risk remains chief factor shaping capital and funding decisions.
• AI and real‑time treasury expected to transform operations soon.

Pulse Analysis

Citi’s latest Treasury Priorities for Multinational Corporations in the Middle East and Africa draws on responses from more than 900 senior finance executives across 25 countries. The data reveal that cash visibility and forecasting accuracy have become non‑negotiable capabilities as firms grapple with heightened geopolitical tension, currency swings, and uneven economic recovery. In an environment where liquidity can be disrupted overnight, treasurers are demanding tighter controls, real‑time reporting, and scenario‑based planning tools to safeguard working capital.

The survey also highlights a decisive shift toward regional centralization, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as the preferred hub. Companies cite the UAE’s stable regulatory framework, sophisticated banking ecosystem, and strategic connectivity to Africa and the Gulf as catalysts for consolidating treasury functions. This migration is prompting a wave of cross‑border cash pooling, shared services platforms, and talent concentration, which in turn raises the bar for local banks to provide integrated cash‑management solutions and compliance support.

Looking ahead, technology adoption is set to accelerate. While many respondents remain cautious, a majority anticipate moving to ‘real‑time treasury’ platforms that leverage artificial intelligence for predictive cash flow modeling and automated FX hedging. Early pilots in AI‑driven risk analytics are already delivering cost savings, and vendors are racing to embed blockchain‑based settlement and digital‑currency capabilities. For multinational corporations, these advances promise not only operational efficiency but also a stronger defensive posture against future market shocks.