Commercial Insights and Ideas

Managing liquidity effectively in today’s economic environment is a true balancing act. On the one hand, maximizing returns to earn higher yields is imperative—both for Santander and for our commercial clients. On the other hand, maintaining the flexibility to execute capital expenditures when the time is right is also vital to a company’s growth.

Many companies want to provide an array of card payment options to attract more customers and grow their businesses. But while expanding your company’s payment options offers greater convenience to your clients, it can also put you and your clients at risk of card fraud.

The annual review is a time for both parties to look back and assess the company’s performance versus plan, as well as to look forward and discuss the company’s future plans and initiatives. All of this is critical to ensuring that the bank has the information and understanding necessary to provide the level of support the company requires.

Economic pressures are driving the migration from paper to electronic payments in the business world, as companies look to reduce costs, increase cash flow, and create efficiencies in purchasing and accounts payable.

While T&E cards remain popular for everyday travel expenses, a new payment solution is gaining momentum: Virtual Travel Cards.

Online attacks on companies are on the rise, and business leaders have come to view them as one of the top risks organizations face.

Though introduced decades ago in an era of high interest rates and when float was a valuable commodity, bank lockbox services remain relevant today and continue to provide an array of benefits to companies worldwide.

Treasury departments in businesses today define what it is to be caught in a balancing act. Ken Deveaux, Managing Director and Head of Transaction Banking at Santander Bank, shares his approach to how to optimize working capital now—and how you can strategically take on whatever enters the ring tomorrow.

When conducting business internationally, your company may be exposed to currency risk—even if you buy and sell in U.S. dollars (USD). Generally, operating in USD is driven by the desire to eliminate currency risk and to make transactions more efficient. However, doing so may not prevent your company from explicit or implicit currency risk.

For forward-thinking middle-market companies in the U.S., the allure of going global is an enticing one—and for good reason. However, as with any trip abroad, preparing for the undertaking requires a few things: a curious mind, a realistic game plan, and access to resources that can help you make the most of the journey.

For businesses in the U.S. ready to establish an international presence, Latin America is a natural step forward. David Swoyer, Santander’s expert on facilitating foreign expansion, shares his thoughts on the benefits and challenges that exist in the LATAM market today—and how to prepare your company to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

In the past, asset based lending (ABL) was considered to be the financing method of last resort for distressed companies. However, with new ABL commitments up 14% and total ABL commitments reaching $226.2 billion in the U.S. in 1Q17, ABL has become the financing structure of choice for many high-performing businesses across a wide range of industries.¹

As companies grow, a wider variety of financing opportunities become available to them, including syndicated loans. The big question is: When is it appropriate to access the syndicated loan market?

For middle market companies, growth is not a given; it’s the result of many moving parts working in sync. That includes a product that continually meets customers’ needs. The right financing. The right timing. And, of course, having the right team to support you along the way.

For forward-thinking middle-market companies in the U.S., the allure of going global is an enticing one—and for good reason. However, as with any trip abroad, preparing for the undertaking requires a few things: a curious mind, a realistic game plan, and access to resources that can help you make the most of the journey.

Treasury departments in businesses today define what it is to be caught in a balancing act. Ken Deveaux, Managing Director and Head of Transaction Banking at Santander Bank, shares his approach to how to optimize working capital now—and how you can strategically take on whatever enters the ring tomorrow.

For middle market companies, growth is not a given; it’s the result of many moving parts working in sync. That includes a product that continually meets customers’ needs. The right financing. The right timing. And, of course, having the right team to support you along the way.

The cornerstone of any relationship? Trust. It’s as true in business relationships as it is in personal ones—and though it’s not always an easy road, there are ways to strengthen a bond so that both parties will thrive.

When you’re steering your company toward growth, an expansion abroad is a direction worth heading in. For businesses in the U.S. ready to establish an international presence, Latin America is a natural step forward—particularly given the region’s proximity, population size and impressive GDP growth.