BNP Paribas

This discussion explored the complexities of cash pooling in China, a topic that frequently arises in treasury conversations. While the goal was to clarify the regulatory landscape and operational requirements, the findings reinforced the reality that rules remain open to interpretation and can vary significantly depending on the bank and regulatory body involved.

Peers examined the key distinctions between domestic and cross-border pooling, the regulatory approvals required, and the different approaches banks offer. The discussion also touched on challenges related to tax considerations, currency exposure, and the evolving stance of authorities on approvals and compliance.

Rather than a single, definitive framework, the session highlighted the diversity of experiences and strategies companies use to navigate cash pooling in China. For treasurers managing liquidity across borders, this report provides critical insights into practical considerations, regulatory nuances, and emerging trends. The full version offers further details on bank-specific practices, tax implications, and risk management approaches.

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Commentary

Geopolitical risk, or simply political risk, is a major challenge for treasurers. We had all become used to viewing Iran, North Korea and Myanmar as off limits, and handling issues in Venezuela and Argentina. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine and escalating trade tensions between the US, the EU and China have made the world a more dangerous place.

This call was scheduled at the request of one member, who was looking for ways to measure political risk, or at least get external indicators they can use to convince management to tread carefully. More on that below. But we quickly moved to discussing what to do, once you have identified the risk. After all, if management wants to do business in a risky country, treasury has to make it happen. 

Generally, peers participated in senior level discussions on strategy and objectives, but felt their main contribution was through managing the balance sheet:

• Cash repatriation: the main way treasurers can reduce immediate risk is by repatriating restricted and trapped cash. This often involves a cost: withholding tax in the case of dividends, or creating accounting losses on currency conversion. Tax departments and CFOs have to be persuaded this is the right thing to do. Several participants regularly circulate the amount of trapped cash by country to the business, and even the board of directors: this helps change attitudes.
• Change the business model: this is more difficult, but it can involve moving to invoicing in hard currency to reduce FX risk, or moving to selling through remarketers. One participant has moved from a single manufacturing location in China to multiple production sites in different regions. This was partly due to COVID disruptions and supply chain concerns, but it also addresses the potential exposure due to increasing tensions with China. 
• Change the funding structure: in some markets, participants have moved from funding via intercompany loans from offshore locations to onshore external borrowing. This reduces the net exposure – provided the company is willing to walk away from the local debt in a crisis. In turn, that raises a series of issues – but at least, it gives more options. It is often more expensive.
• Manage the accounting exposure: some

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Commentary

What do companies really think about climate change? What are they really doing?

This call on ESG was lively and gave us some valuable insights. I strongly recommend reading the detailed report. 

Two years ago, when we last discussed this, the main takeaways were:

• Treasurers were interested in green bonds and financing, but very wary of the lack of clear standards
• Treasury has a role to play, for example in selecting banks with good green credentials – but this needs to be part of an enterprise wide approach, which was often lacking.
• The “E” part of the equation tends to receive more focus than the “S” and “G”.

This time, the discussion was very different. The reporting issues and the need for standards has received a lot of media attention recently – but our participants have mostly moved on. Interest in these products has waned: one participant said that, if investors consider the company to be green, the bonds will be priced accordingly, while another found it too hard to prove that the proceeds were being used in a green way. Green investments generally presented many issues, including tracking environmental credentials, and the need for unacceptably long tenors.

Instead, a picture emerged where:

• All the companies represented have a real commitment to improving sustainability
• Treasurers are finding it easier to collaborate with other functions for reporting, as ESG goals are becoming more central to corporate strategies. Though one participant finds the US focuses more on “S” and “G” than Europe. 
• From an “E” perspective, European banks were seen as being more proactive than their US counterparts with BNP Paribas, Scandinavian and Dutch banks name checked as thought leaders.
• Many companies are using VPPAs (Virtual Power Purchase Agreements) to help improve their carbon footprint. This tool, also known in the US as a REC