FinTech Interview with Theo Wasserberg, Head of UK&I at Embat
This article is a contribution from our partner, Embat Theo Wasserberg, Head of UK&I at Embat, shares how AI and real-time data are transforming treasury management and shaping the future of finance. Theo Wasserberg, Head of UK&I at Embat Theo Wasserberg is Head of UK and Ireland at Embat. He leads the market strategy, customer partnerships and growth in the UK and Ireland. He has a strong background in enterprise software and spent five years at SAP, where he worked closely with ERP customers on banking and reconciliation solutions. He also led strategy for a leading ERP partner, helping CFOs navigate digital transformation across Europe. He completed his MBA at INSEAD in 2024. Theo, what pivotal moments shaped your journey into fintech and treasury management, and what continues to inspire you in this space?Earlier in my career, I worked with SAP and major implementation partners, delivering finance systems for large enterprises. During that time, I did a piece of work looking at the cost and time required to implement traditional treasury systems. It often took about 15 months and substantial investment to build the required capabilities. Embat can deliver these in a fraction of that time and cost. I realised that mid-market firms were particularly underserved – too large for basic tools, but not large enough for the expensive, complex legacy systems. That gap in the market and the opportunity to genuinely revolutionise treasury management continue to inspire me. During my MBA, I was a founding member of an AI club, where students and businesses would come together to discuss AI’s practical applications across different industries. That experience shaped my conviction that AI is fundamentally a problem-solver, not just a technology trend. Treasury systems are particularly ripe for AI transformation. Today, leading an AI-native business at a time of critical industry transformation feels like the natural culmination of that journey. The first quarter of this century redefined what was possible – driven by the democratisation of access, the rise of automation, and the relentless removal of friction. The next quarter will be shaped by something deeper: data that learns, intelligence that anticipates, and systems that think alongside us. The question isn’t if you need to modernise, it’s how fast. How are current macroeconomic pressures—like rising interest rates and inflation—reshaping the treasury needs of medium and large businesses in the UK?The macroeconomic environment has elevated the role of the treasurer. Rising interest rates, currency fluctuations, and inflation mean that cash management has become critical. Modern treasurers and CFOs are at the centre of the strategy and decision-making process. Delayed data is a risk. Businesses can no longer rely on old systems that only give a snapshot of data once a week and spend hours, if not days, sifting through Excel documents. Embat is helping to revolutionise the move to real-time visibility, management and intelligence. The companies that thrive are those using dynamic data to make faster, more informed decisions about liquidity, hedging, and investment In what ways is Embat’s platform revolutionising how companies centralise cash, accounting, and payments? How do you see this evolving in the next 3-5 years?Traditionally, treasury teams have been drowning in spreadsheets and week-old data, downloading bank statements weekly and reconciling transactions by hand. For a junior team member, that could account for a large portion of their working week. Embat changes that by connecting data in real-time and using AI to automate repetitive work. Instead of looking backwards, finance teams can now see their positions instantly and make strategic decisions proactively. Over the next few years, this will evolve even further with deeper ERP integrations, near-instant reconciliations, and predictive forecasting that make finance operations almost fully automated. Tell us about TellMe, Embat’s AI-powered treasury analyst. How is AI transforming treasury operations and finance teams’ workflows?Traditional reconciliation systems break the moment things get complex. TellMe is transformative. It’s already in use with our customers. It sits at the core of Embat’s platform and layers AI onto real-time data. That combination moves teams from simply recording what’s happened to understanding what’s happening now, and predicting what comes next. For example, in bank reconciliation, traditional systems depend on rigid rules and break easily when faced with non-standard cases. TellMe’s AI recognises patterns, tolerates small variances, and automatically matches payments, even when they don’t fit a standard template. It also forecasts cash flows, identifying trends and seasonality, so teams can plan more effectively. How do emerging regulations like PSD3 and open banking maturity influence treasury operations, and why is real-time cash visibility more crucial than ever?As PSD3 reshapes data-sharing rules, open banking reaches maturity, and real-time payments and intelligence become the norm, the gaps exposed in that Thursday-afternoon scramble – delays, blind spots, and manual workarounds – will only widen. The shift from compliance to capability is accelerating. Instant payments are now table stakes; what differentiates leading finance teams is how clearly and automatically they understand their cash position in real time. PSD3 enhances API standards, improves fraud data-sharing, and strengthens liability frameworks, all of which drive a need for greater transparency and control. Finance teams must now connect directly to their banks and ERPs in real-time, removing the lag between transaction and insight. Finance teams don’t just need to move money fast; they need to understand and steer their cash position in real-time, directly from their ERP. That means no delays in reconciliation, no black boxes, and no legacy drag. With AI automating routine tasks, how do you envision the role of finance professionals changing in strategy and decision-making?AI removes the time-consuming operational burden – tasks like matching transactions or compiling reports – so teams can concentrate on future cash flows, funding models, and scenario planning. This shift also allows finance to respond in real-time to changes in the market. In short, automation liberates people from process, so they can become true strategic partners to the business. Scenario modelling, risk management, and horizon scanning are areas where the benefits will become more apparent with AI. I don’t have to spend hours or days doing…
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How Bitcoin treasuries are transforming corporate finance
This article is written by Fortris Spreadsheets shaped the 1980s, ERP systems defined the 2000s, and today, digital assets are transforming corporate finance. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have quickly moved into the heart of treasury operations, setting a new standard for companies that want to stay ahead. The shift isn’t only about holding a new asset. It’s about how treasurers approach liquidity, risk and global payments. Well-run bitcoin treasuries can strengthen the balance sheet, open new payment rails, and give finance teams more flexibility in a volatile economy. So how can your treasury team handle the complexities of Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins without adding extra risk or work? What is a corporate crypto treasury? Put simply, a corporate crypto treasury solution brings your work on managing cash and investments into the world of digital assets. Alongside dollars, euros and other fiat currencies, treasurers now manage Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins like USDT and USDC. That means new responsibilities: A well managed crypto treasury gives your company more flexibility, smoother cross-border payments, and faster reconciliation. How to choose a crypto treasury solution A strong treasury in digital assets takes more than just buying Bitcoin. The systems and processes behind the scenes shape how efficiently your treasury runs, and can often make the difference between smooth operations and constant headaches. Here are the features you should be looking for: Multi-Currency Support Most companies don’t stick to one asset. A modern crypto treasury has to manage Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins, with the ability to move between them seamlessly. Look for tools that allow your team to manage multiple cryptocurrencies in one place to avoid adding complexity to your workflow. Security and Compliance Digital assets must be stored securely, whether custodial or self-custody. At the same time, finance teams also need audit trails and clear reporting. Choose a solid treasury solution that provides strong digital asset custody, and combines strict access controls with records that are easy to export. Security can’t be optional, but it also shouldn’t make day-to-day tasks harder. Automated Sweeps and Consolidation In crypto treasury, deposits arrive at multiple wallet addresses to keep your funds secure. Without automation, treasurers waste hours tracking and reconciling deposits. Automated sweeps move your funds from individual addresses into a main wallet, reducing unnecessary risk whilst keeping transaction fees (known as gas fees in the digital asset space) low. Reporting and Analytics Data only helps if it’s clear. Dashboards that track inflows, outflows and key performance indicators give treasurers confidence in their decisions. Audit-ready reports make compliance and executive conversations much easier. Integration with Payments and Accounting Treasury doesn’t sit in isolation. It connects to payables, receivables, payroll and sometimes even customer payments. The best crypto treasury solutions integrate with accounting and payments so digital assets can be part of everyday operations, not just reserves on a balance sheet. How Bitcoin treasuries are changing corporate finance It is no longer curiosity alone driving forward-thinking treasurers towards crypto treasuries. Real, material, tangible benefits have transitioned from the hypothetical to the proven: For many treasury teams, adding crypto is about gaining flexibility and creating more options when navigating an unpredictable economy. The treasuries that manage digital assets effectively are the ones giving their finance teams the clearest view and most control. Also Read Join our Treasury Community Treasury Masterminds is a community of professionals working in treasury management or those interested in learning more about various topics related to treasury management, including cash management, foreign exchange management, and payments. To register and connect with Treasury professionals, click [HERE] or fill out the form below. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.