A brief look at what’s on International Treasurer’s radar screen this week.
There were several topics discussed in this week’s International Treasurer editorial meeting, including a possible profile of Bloomberg’s portfolio analytics function, PORT, as well as a look at what companies can do if and when money market funds move to floating net asset value. Also, a topic that has come up in several NeuGroup meetings over the last several months: talent management.
Bloomberg PORT <GO>.
At a recent NeuGroup TIMPG meeting several members discussed the different solutions available to solve the increased need for portfolio analytics and risk management. Fortunately, more solutions are becoming available that fit corporate treasury budgets. One member cited their use of Bloomberg PORT product, which we will further explore.
MMF Alternatives.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reminded us of an issue we’ve been trying to get to the bottom of in the past several months: where should companies go with their cash if MMFs move to floating net asset value? As many surveys and anecdotal evidence from NeuGroup peer group members suggest, once MMFs move to a floating NAV, it makes finding a safe and convenient place for cash more challenging. We listed some alternatives to consider after the TAG or transaction account guarantee program ended, one of which was a separately managed account. Direct purchases of high quality and liquid securities—either by internal staff or, more realistically, through a separately managed account (SMA) manager can achieve results similar to MMFs, experts say. SMA managers can help treasurers diversify their credit exposures, manage liquidity needs and deliver yield objectives consistent with their risk tolerance.
Talent Management.
Finding and keeping talent is becoming a bigger and bigger challenge. The topic has come up repeatedly in NeuGroup peer groups meetings this spring. One common theme appears to be generational, where the new crop of financial professionals appears to have a more relaxed approach to doing their jobs, learning and gaining experience. Other challenges include better opportunities for growth elsewhere and employees being lured away by higher salaries.
Other topics.
- The continuing debate over dividends vs. buybacks.
- Popularity of emerging market debt.
- A look at FiREapps latest release.