What corporates expect from their banks

In today’s complex and fast-changing business environment, corporate treasurers and finance teams are under mounting pressure. From managing immediate liquidity needs to ensuring long-term financial resilience, they must balance risk, efficiency, and growth.

So, what do they expect from their banking partners?

In short: Strategic partnership, not product push. They want intelligent insights, innovation, and support—delivered with speed, security and reliability.

This is what it means in practice:

Corporates aren’t looking for the next product pitch—they want informed, tailored advice. 

Banks must demonstrate a deep understanding of their clients’ business model, operating environment, and sector dynamics. They expect forward-looking guidance on liquidity, funding, and risk—supported by advanced data analytics and intelligent insights. 

True value begins with banks genuinely understanding their customers and the key personas they interact with. Revenue follows.

• 74% of global treasurers are either expanding or actively using AI with a specific focus on machine learning and predictive analysis[1]

Real-time visibility is no longer optional. 

Treasury teams need robust forecasting models that integrate ERP, banking, and market data—enabling them to respond quickly to supply chain disruptions, policy changes, or shifts in supplier terms. 

Effective liquidity management and working capital optimisation are critical levers for stability and growth.

• Cash and liquidity risk management continues to be the top priority for treasurers globally[2]
• 70% of treasurers globally say that real-time treasury data has become critical to improving the treasury function[3]

Digital transformation is more than innovation—it’s about resilience, control, and security. 

Corporates expect secure platforms that automate core functions, from accounts payable and receivable to reconciliation and reporting. Predictive analytics, risk modelling, and cybersecurity are now central to all operations. 

Corporates demand that their banks invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure. The cost of a breach is not only financial, but reputational. In a digital-first world, security is paramount.

• $4.9M - global average cost of a data breach in 2024; the highest total ever and a 10% YoY increase[4]

Trust demands transparency. 

Corporates routinely compare their banks on rates, FX spreads, fees, and returns. Banks must clearly articulate their value proposition and be ready to engage in open, data-backed conversations about pricing and performance and the value they bring.

• 80% of corporates struggle with visibility into global bank fees[5]

Treasurers value proactive engagement: regular dialogue, timely insights, and a forward-thinking approach to identifying risks and unlocking opportunities. 

The best relationships are collaborative, with banks acting as strategic extensions of the corporates’ teams—focused on resilience, growth, and long-term success.

• Only 16% of treasury roles are purely transactional[6]

Banks that continue to push products in isolation (whether commercial cards or otherwise) will struggle to remain relevant. Those that evolve into trusted advisors—bringing strategic insights, digital innovation, and true partnership—will set themselves apart.

To find out more about modern treasury management and how it is evolving to meet changing business needs, global economic pressures and technological innovation, read the Modern Treasury report from our Commercial and Alternative Payments Practice, exclusively on Mastercard Business Intelligence, Market Trends.