AP and Treasury are no longer silos. CFOs are seeing the two functions merge under one strategic priority: cash control.
What’s driving the change?
- Real-time payment rails and 24/7 liquidity needs
- AI adoption across invoice processing and forecasting
- Pressure to optimise working capital and reduce FX leakage
2026 is the year AP and Treasury must align or risk falling behind.
Why the AP-Treasury Convergence Matters
The line between payables and cash strategy is blurring:
- Payment timing directly impacts liquidity
- Supplier terms influence working capital
- FX and cross-border flows require unified planning
With growing complexity, CFOs need an integrated view of AP data and treasury outcomes.
What the Data Tells Us
- AP automation market to hit $7.95B in 2026
- 65% of treasury teams lack accurate 12-month forecasts
- AI adoption in AP to grow 40% in 2026
- 60% of SEPA transfers were instant by late 2025
Key Trends CFOs Should Track
1. Real-Time Liquidity and Payments
- Treasury needs real-time bank data and cash visibility
- AP must support virtual cards, RTP, dynamic payment terms
- Faster payments = faster decisions
2. AI in Forecasting and Payables
- AP uses AI for duplicate detection and invoice matching
- Treasury uses ML for rolling forecasts and scenario modeling
- AI is maturing, but clean data is the foundation
3. End-to-End Integration
- AP, ERP, and TMS platforms must sync
- Unified dashboards = full cash flow visibility
- Eliminates reconciliation delays and fragmented approvals
4. Global Payments and Compliance
- Multi-currency payments and e-invoicing mandates rising
- AP must track supplier data, currencies, regulations
- Treasury manages FX exposure, cross-border flows
5. Risk, Governance & ESG
- Cyber threats and payment fraud risk increase with automation
- ESG-linked supply chains require AP/Treasury alignment
Stronger controls and audit trails are essential
ROI Benchmarks to Target
The future of finance is connected. In 2026, AP and Treasury are co-pilots in driving liquidity, resilience, and control.
CFOs who invest in integration, automation, and real-time insights will lead the curve.
Book a demo to see how Finofo helps unify AP and Treasury for better cash decisions.
