Executive Interview: Hazeltree Head of Services on Best Practices for Modern Treasury Management

Treasury management has undergone a fundamental transformation over the last decade. What was once viewed primarily as a reporting or back-office function is now increasingly recognized as a strategic capability—one that directly impacts liquidity, risk management, operational efficiency, and ultimately investment performance.

In this executive interview, Patrice Krajka, who leads Services and Client Engagement at Hazeltree, shares what he’s seeing across the market as investment management firms adopt treasury technology in a more deliberate, time-bound, and value-driven way. From governance and implementation best practices to the evolving role of treasury teams, Patrice outlines what separates tactical deployments from truly strategic treasury transformations.

Q&A

You’ve spent over two decades in fintech and recently joined Hazeltree to lead Services and Client Engagement. How has that experience shaped how you view treasury technology today?

Treasury technology for alternative investment managers has progressively evolved from a basic reporting function into a critical strategic tool. Today, the ability to open accounts quickly, move cash and assets efficiently, and forecast liquidity with confidence is essential. As firms pursue increasingly niche strategies, strong liquidity management and cash forecasting capabilities are no longer optional—having a purpose-built treasury management system in place is now a prerequisite for meeting modern business requirements.

What major trends are you seeing in how firms prioritize treasury and liquidity capabilities?

Treasury and liquidity are moving decisively from the back office into a strategic value function. As a result, access to treasury data is expanding well beyond traditional treasury or operations teams. We now see a broad range of business users leveraging the treasury platform to address specific needs—whether that’s collateral management, capital calls, or credit facilities. What was once the exclusive domain of a single role has become a shared operational and strategic resource across the organization.

Are private markets firms approaching treasury solution adoption differently than hedge funds or public markets firms?

Yes—private markets present unique challenges due to complex legal entity structures and capital flows. These firms often require a high degree of customization to support how cash and assets move through layered entities. Capital must be funneled efficiently while accounting for tax considerations, regulatory jurisdictions, and distinct liquidity needs. Treasury systems in private markets must be flexible enough to accommodate that complexity without introducing operational friction.

From a governance perspective, what are the critical success factors for a successful treasury implementation?

Alignment is paramount. As more users rely on treasury platforms, firms need clear governance around ownership, workflows, and outcomes. We consistently see three pillars drive successful implementations: time to value, effective training, and strong user adoption. Without those, even the most powerful technology will fall short of its potential.

What common pitfalls do you see during early implementation phases—and how do leading firms avoid them?

The most common mistake is trying to do too much, too fast. Implementing enterprise-grade SaaS with multiple integration points is inherently complex. Requirements evolve, and timelines need to remain flexible. The firms that succeed take a phased approach, establish clear milestones, and require formal sign-off at each stage before moving forward. That discipline is what ensures long-term success.

How do best-in-class firms measure success after implementation?

Initial success is often measured through improved transparency, visibility, and operational efficiency. Beyond that, user engagement becomes a critical indicator. How frequently are users logging in? Are they requesting enhancements? Do they view the platform as a core enabler of their daily work? When treasury technology becomes indispensable to how teams operate, that’s when firms know they’ve unlocked real value.

Treasury solutions today extend far beyond cash. How are firms integrating liquidity, credit, margin, and collateral into a cohesive function?

Traditional corporate treasury systems are designed to manage cash and payments—essentially to “play defense.” Hazeltree, by contrast, is built specifically for alternative investors who view treasury as a strategic asset. These firms expect treasury to help maximize returns, not just manage risk. Much of Hazeltree’s product roadmap is shaped by forward-thinking clients who demand advanced tools to support that mindset.

Can you share an example of how optimizing treasury processes has materially impacted outcomes?

We recently spoke with a client who shared that Hazeltree’s treasury technology generated several million dollars in incremental P&L over the course of a year, enabling them to return hundreds of additional basis points to investors. At the same time, their cash reconciliation process was reduced from hours to minutes. That combination—meaningful financial impact alongside dramatic operational efficiency—is exactly what modern treasury transformation should deliver.

Treasury transformation is no longer about deploying software—it’s about enabling better decision-making, faster execution, and measurable performance improvements across the firm. The most successful organizations approach treasury implementation with clear governance, realistic timelines, and a focus on adoption from day one.

Ready to turn treasury into a strategic performance engine?
Learn how Hazeltree helps investment managers implement treasury technology in a structured, time-bound way that delivers measurable results. .