Based on a conversation between John Hunter and Stephen Wilkinson
In today’s volatile trade environment, managing treasury operations across multiple jurisdictions is more complex—and more critical—than ever. For companies operating between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, the stakes are especially high. Supply chains span borders. FX markets shift daily. Regulatory demands vary by region. And yet, many treasurers are still working with fragmented tools and siloed bank relationships.
In a recent episode of Market Points, John Hunter (Managing Director & Head of U.S. Cash Management) and Stephen Wilkinson (Managing Director, Global Co-Head Corporate & MNC Sales) discussed how corporate treasury teams can take a smarter, more unified approach to cross-border operations. Here are the key takeaways.
The Americas Are More Connected Than Ever, But Complexity Persists
With over $1.7 trillion in annual cross-border payments flowing between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, this corridor is central to global commerce. But managing payments and liquidity across these borders can feel like solving three different puzzles—each with its own infrastructure, regulations, and timing constraints. “Clients are dealing with accounts in all three markets, often across three different banks,” noted John. “That lack of integration creates trapped liquidity and delayed visibility.”
Corridor-Based Strategy Unlocks Efficiency
Stephen emphasized that real-time visibility across geographies is now table stakes for modern treasury teams. Whether it's optimizing working capital, navigating FX volatility, or ensuring compliance, companies need to understand where their cash is—and what it’s doing. “You can’t afford to be reactive anymore,” he said. “You need a partner that helps you operate at both the local and pan-regional level.”
A Corridor-Based Strategy Unlocks Efficiency
Instead of managing treasury country by country, many corporates are shifting to regional or corridor-based models. This structure allows them to centralize oversight while still respecting local nuances—from tax obligations to payment rails. Scotiabank’s integrated presence in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico positions it to support this model. With on-the-ground expertise and a growing platform across all three markets, the bank is helping clients connect their operations and unlock new efficiencies.
The Right Banking Partner Can Help Treasury Evolve
The conversation underscored a broader truth: in the right hands, treasury can evolve from a cost centre to a strategic engine for growth. As John put it: “Clients don’t just want a bank that moves money. They want a partner who helps them future-proof their operations—who understands their footprint, their pain points, and their opportunities.” Scotiabank is investing in that kind of partnership—building toward a corridor-first platform that will deliver greater connectivity and clarity across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Take Action: Ask the Right Questions
If your organization is expanding in North America, here are a few questions worth asking:
- Are our treasury operations designed around borders—or business needs?
- Do we have real-time visibility into our liquidity across the region?
- Are we working with a bank that can connect Canada, the U.S., and Mexico seamlessly?
Scotiabank is scaling its U.S. cash management capabilities with purpose – not just through technology, but through thoughtful investment, corridor expertise, and a client-first design. Listen to the full podcast episode to explore these insights in more depth, and explore the strategy behind our approach and how we’re preparing to support cross-border treasury needs across North America.
Want to learn more about our upcoming capabilities? Our team is here to share insights and keep you informed as we continue to invest in this space.
