Pune: A new DBS Bank report, New Realities, New Possibilities, reveals that Indian CFOs are prioritizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital intelligence, and sustainable finance to enhance treasury operations and safeguard long-term business growth.
The global survey, conducted across 14 markets and seven sectors, included 800 finance leaders, with 80 respondents from India.
The survey findings show that nearly 79% of Indian CFOs and corporate treasurers believe Generative AI and AI-powered tools will play a vital role in risk mitigation and smarter treasury operations.
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With businesses navigating interest rate volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, and supply chain reconfigurations, data-driven financial intelligence has become a top priority. Finance leaders are increasingly adopting data visualization and security monitoring tools to improve forecasting, strengthen decision-making, and anticipate potential threats.
Indian CFOs Prioritise AI-Driven Treasury Transformation
More than two-thirds of Indian businesses are focusing on capital cost optimization as a key strategy to strengthen financial structures, support expansion, and improve financial agility.
Liquidity and foreign exchange (FX) management has emerged as the second-highest priority for Indian CFOs, underlining their focus on financial resilience and long-term stability. Banks are playing a pivotal role in helping companies optimize capital mix, identify refinancing opportunities, and reduce funding costs.
Indian CFOs Driving Green Finance Adoption
The survey highlights that 80% of Indian businesses see sustainable trade finance instruments such as green bonds and ESG-linked loans as essential to driving green initiatives and meeting compliance requirements.
India’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) debt market reached approximately USD 56 billion in cumulative Green, Social, and Sustainability (GSS) issuances by the end of 2024, underscoring the strong appetite for ESG-linked financing.
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Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head – Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking – Financial Institutions and SMEs, DBS Bank India, noted that treasury and finance leaders are becoming strategic enablers and risk managers in an environment marked by uncertainty. He emphasized that trusted banking partners like DBS are critical in supporting companies through capital allocation, diversification, and resilient supply chain development.
Santanu Mitra, Managing Director & Country Head – Corporate Banking (Large and Midcap), DBS Bank India, added that treasury functions are modernizing to integrate AI adoption, sustainability, and global trade complexities. He highlighted DBS’ role in providing advisory support and advanced digital solutions tailored for clients navigating today’s macroeconomic challenges.
Strategic Effectiveness of Indian CFOs
Using the Strategic Effectiveness Indicator (SEI), developed by DBS with EY, the survey assessed CFO and treasurer effectiveness across seven areas including treasury operations, capital optimization, liquidity, FX management, green finance, and supply chain resilience.
Globally, finance leaders rated themselves strategically effective 64% of the time, while Indian CFOs scored higher at 68%, reflecting stronger alignment with long-term financial resilience goals.
The New Realities, New Possibilities report marks the third edition of DBS’ thought leadership series for treasury and finance professionals, offering insights into evolving treasury demands and opportunities in a rapidly changing global economy.
The full report is available at: go.dbs.com/NewRealitiesReport
