Celent has released a new report titled Following the Money: External Forces Affecting Global Transaction Flows. This report is the fourth in a series of reports commissioned by HSBC and was written by Susan Feinberg, senior analyst in Celent’s Banking practice. The report examines the external forces affecting cross-border payments and why establishing short- and long-term strategies for managing payment risk are essential.

In order to effectively manage the critical flow of funds and information across borders, each treasury organisation must acquire, through in-house or external advisors, an understanding of cross-border payment systems, banking and tax regulations in the countries involved, business practices and expectations of trading partners, as well as a keen awareness of the risks involved when transacting in particularly unpredictable geographies.

Five primary external forces currently impact the cross-border payments landscape:

• Economic instability.
• Geopolitical conditions.
• Industry initiatives.
• Technology.
• Demographic trends.

“In 2016, we have the potential to experience more change in the cross-border payment landscape than in the previous two decades,” says Feinberg. “We believe that corporate treasurers must continuously engage with internal stakeholders who are involved in supply chain management and global market analysis to manage short-term risks, and seek strategic banking partners who can offer guidance on local and regional regulations, payment practices, and existing and emerging payment methods.”