This week’s International Treasurer editorial meeting brought forth a number of topics, among them a look at treasury service provider IT2’s release of version 8.0 of its treasury management system; also a related deeper dive into TMS trends. Finally, a recent news item regarding surging debt issuance by US corporates in Europe got us thinking about what is driving this trend beyond companies looking to finance their European operations.
IT2 v8
This week IT2 announced an upgrade to its treasury management system (TMS), which now boasts a new interface for greater efficiencies and ease-of work. The new version, 8.0 Reimagine Treasury, is also more compatible with multiple operating systems thanks to new display, which means it can more easily be used across different desktops, tablets and mobile phones allowing users to switch devices seamlessly.
TMS trends
IT2’s new release makes it well positioned for greater penetration into a difficult and constantly changing market. Perhaps complicating this state are reports that some investors in the industry – i.e., private equity – are starting to head toward more lucrative areas of corporate finance, and in some cases possibly abandoning previous projects. This is important as more and more companies in The NeuGroup universe embark on big TMS implementations or makeovers; they will want to see who will remain in the market for the long haul and what products will continue to be supported. We’ll take a look at the industry players and see where they stand and what lies ahead. Will only the big guns remain or will there be a shakeout or consolidation?
Europe investment
A recent article in the Financial Times reveals that US companies “have issued more debt in euros this summer than in the previous two-and-a half years combined as they seek to take advantage of the red-hot European corporate bond market.” The question is why? Is it a natural hedge against a weakening currency? Or is it a vote of confidence that things will turn out okay in the eurozone? That Mario Draghi, the vociferous European Central Bank head who seems to be willing the euro forward, will succeed?