Orchard Finance is an advisory firm specialized in finance and treasury. The firm offers an array of services, supporting treasury departments to add value for the underlying business. We interviewed Esther Goemans-Verkleij (Partner Corporate Treasury) and Ariane Hoksbergen (Senior manager, Treasury Technology) from Orchard Finance, to find out more about Digital Treasury Innovation and the important role of fintechs in this segment.
Established in 2003, Orchard Finance is based in Maarsen, The Netherlands, and focuses on the corporate market within the Benelux area while seeking to expand into other countries in the coming year. The firm also has a subsidiary, Carnegie Consult, and two joint ventures named Bank Brokers and The Treasury Engineers.
What does Orchard Finance do?
Orchard Finance offers consultancy services, project management, interim management and support for treasury departments within corporations and large institutions. With a core team of over thirty experienced consultants coming from treasury management & control, corporate finance and banking backgrounds, and a larger network of associates, the firm provides integrated solutions for their customers’ needs. The independency of Orchard Finance is a key element for their consultancy.
The firm cooperates with treasury management system (TMS) providers, banks, fintechs and affiliated specialists such as legal counsels. Projects include treasury policy and organization, cash flow forecast, TMS selection and implementation, finance and hedging policy, bank finance and more.
Changing landscape
As corporations strive to become more agile and incumbent banks are trying to cope with legacy systems and complex regulations, new solution providers have an important impact. Regarding treasury, processes rely heavily on data analysis and connectivity between stakeholders and systems. Facing legacy systems and compliance challenges on the one hand, and constantly evolving technologies, business models and methodologies on the other, treasury departments must keep up. Not surprisingly, treasurers are keen to learn how digital treasury innovations can enhance and impact their business.
Orchard Finance is convinced that new technologies will radically change treasury processes in the near future. In close cooperation with their clients, the organisation delivers customized insights regarding expected changes by combining in-depth treasury knowledge with deep understanding of new technologies and relevant solution providers.
The case for fintech
Despite the fact that various initiatives have been implemented, many treasury challenges remain unsolved and worth further exploration. This leaves a significant space for fintechs to increase their presence in the treasury solution market. Orchard Finance sees potential for fintech start-ups that are willing to grow in the treasury market, especially with regards to payments, identity management, cash flow forecasting, foreign exchange transaction processing and risk mitigation, and optimizing connectivity processes.
The application of blockchain, AI, machine learning technologies and the use of APIs are key in propelling the treasury market forward. Fintechs can benefit from the experience, network and advice of Orchard Finance while providing much needed innovative treasury solutions.
For more information please contact Ariane Hoksbergen at:
ariane@orchardfinance.com or +31 (0)346 29 07 40
