DBS Bank India, in collaboration with EY-Parthenon, today released its Treasury and Finance Leaders’ Handbook – India edition, offering deep insights into how Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Treasurers are navigating new realities and unlocking growth opportunities in a disrupted global economy.
The report draws from a comprehensive global survey of over 800 Treasury and Finance leaders across 14 markets, including India, alongside a follow-up pulse survey. Findings reveal that despite persistent global challenges such as foreign exchange volatility, supply chain disruptions, and shifting trade dynamics, India’s finance leaders are capitalising on robust domestic demand, government-led capital expenditure, and proactive monetary policy to strengthen financial resilience.
Key Highlights from the India Report:
- Economic Outlook: CFOs and Treasurers in India remain optimistic, supported by effective inflation management and strong domestic consumption, even as global commodity price fluctuations continue.
- Strategic Priorities: Digital transformation, liquidity optimisation, and financial agility rank among the top priorities for Indian firms, aligning with India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
- Strategic Effectiveness: DBS’s Strategic Effectiveness Indicator (SEI) shows India’s treasury leaders self-assess as strategically effective ~68% of the time, above the global average of 64%.
- Sectoral Focus: Priorities vary across sectors, with automotive and technology players focusing on sustainability, while consumer product firms emphasise capital cost optimisation.
- Emerging Technologies: Growing adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) is enabling CFOs and Treasurers to strengthen forecasting, reduce manual processes, and enhance decision-making.
- Green Finance: Indian businesses are increasingly turning to green bonds, ESG-linked loans, and sustainable trade finance to support their ESG goals and secure cost-efficient capital.
Commenting on the findings, Santanu Mitra, Managing Director & Country Head – Corporate Banking (Large and Midcap), DBS Bank India, said: “The convergence of macro trends including AI, climate change, and shifting trade dynamics has made modernisation of the treasury function an imperative. DBS goes beyond banking to offer tailored solutions, backed by Asian connectivity and digitalisation, to help clients remain competitive amidst rapid change.”
Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director & Head – Global Transaction Services, SME & Financial Institutional Group, DBS Bank India, added: “Treasury leaders are stepping up to support business diversification, linked capital allocation, and ESG-aligned supply chains. As a trusted partner, DBS is glad to offer guidance on decision-making and risk mitigation during one of the largest global trade re-alignments.”
The report underscores that while challenges remain—from FX volatility to evolving sustainability imperatives—India’s Treasury and Finance leaders are well-positioned to seize new growth opportunities through innovation, resilience, and collaboration.
