Why Treasury Needs People Who Use AI, Not People Who Fear It

Luke Maclean, Senior Global Treasury Director at CBRE, joins this episode to explore why the future of treasury belongs to people who use AI, not people who fear it.

From automating repetitive work to leading global teams with trust, curiosity, and clarity, Luke shares how treasury professionals can stay valuable in a fast-changing world.

In this episode Mike is joined by Luke Maclean, Senior Global Treasury Director at CBRE.

Luke leads a global treasury function across multiple regions, with teams in Singapore, London, Latin America, and North America. His role covers regional treasury teams, FX, back office, systems, trade finance, and wider treasury operations.

Luke shares his perspective on what modern treasury leadership really requires, from understanding the operational “plumbing” of treasury to building trust across global teams and business functions.

A major focus of the conversation is AI. Luke explains why AI is not the value itself, but a tool that helps treasury teams unlock something far more valuable: their time. He shares how his team is using AI tools such as Claude to automate repetitive tasks, improve reporting, support cash forecasting, and give people more space to focus on strategic work.

The episode also covers leadership, hiring, culture, project management, systems transformation, and why treasury remains, above all else, a people business.

Topics discussed:

• Why AI is a tool for treasury, not a replacement for judgement.
• Why team time is the real value AI helps unlock.
• How automation can support better cash forecasting and reporting.
• How to lead global treasury teams across different regions and cultures.
• How leaders can step back without losing control.
• Why treasury professionals need to understand the operational “plumbing.”
• The hidden value of back office experience.
• How clear communication helps build consensus in complex organisations.
• How project management skills support treasury transformation.
• Why treasury is built on relationships, trust, and credibility.

You can connect with Luke Maclean on LinkedIn.

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