On March 25, 2025, Munich hosted the SCF Corporate Event Germany, a gathering where leaders, innovators, and industry experts converged to brainstorm about the future of Supply Chain Finance. With sessions spanning from real-world case studies to interactive discussions on digital transformation, the conference provided a comprehensive view of how sustainability and technological innovation are revolutionizing Supply Chain Finance (SCF).

The day began with a coffee networking session. Luca Gelsomino and Rea Bosco Vaz, serving as co-hosts, opened the conference by underscoring the dual goals of modernizing traditional financing and embedding sustainability into supply chain operations. Early on, it became evident that a key theme would be the critical role of payment mechanisms, not merely as a financial transaction but as a strategic tool to foster supplier relationships and streamline operations.

Nidec ASI and Orbian: A Case Study in Payment Transformation

Roberto Pieretti’s session on behalf of Nidec ASI S.p.A. provided a striking example of how payment processes can drive operational excellence. Nidec, a major Japanese multinational known for its motors, batteries, and advanced electronic components, had long relied on traditional reverse factoring. The company decided to shift its strategy by partnering with the Italian firm Orbian.

The transformation was radical: while reverse factoring had previously been the go-to, the new model centered on immediate payment processing through Orbian’s platform. This meant that invoices were not only visible to both buyers and suppliers but were also processed for payment almost instantaneously, a feature that proved especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises and international partners in Türkiye and India. By streamlining invoice visibility and payment uploads, the new system improved cash flow, stabilized working capital, and maintained a robust structure for managing over two hundred suppliers across diverse regions. 

REWE Group: Integrating ESG with Early Payment

Matthias Cork from REWE Group expanded the discussion by displaying how early payment platforms can be retooled to support sustainability goals. REWE, which operates an extensive network of over 390 retail outlets, faced unprecedented challenges due to the global disruptions that impacted the supply chain. To counter these, REWE overhauled its early payment program to not only improve liquidity but also to incentivize sustainable practices.

Key operational details emerged: the revamped platform was designed with multibank capabilities, blending both bank funds and proprietary capital to facilitate quicker supplier payments. It also integrated easy KYC solutions to manage the large number of suppliers efficiently. By incorporating tools such as ESG ratings and aligning with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) , the program offered margin discounts to suppliers who met sustainability benchmarks. This mechanism not only bolstered supplier trust but also ensured that the supply chain’s carbon footprint was actively reduced—a strategy that REWE continuously reviews and refines.

Digital Innovation: Solutions for Regulatory Transparency

One of the most forward-thinking segments of the day was the discussion led jointly by Michael Henke and Matthias Cork on leveraging digital technology in SCF. Here, the focus was on enhancing transparency through blockchain technology and innovative solutions like ForestGuard to comply with new regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and empower deep- tier suppliers. The session also touched on the inherent challenges of digital transformation. Bureaucratic hurdles, the need for standardization across multiple tiers of suppliers, and the risk of over-regulation were all highlighted. The speakers examined the potential for artificial intelligence to aid in supplier selection and risk assessment. However, they also acknowledged that any digital solution must incorporate safeguards to cover scenarios where fulfillment is not achieved, ensuring that risk is adequately managed.

Next-Generation SCF

Next-Generation SCF solutions were the central theme of the interactive session, given by Luca Gelsomino and Thomas Krings. Participants debated the shift from complex, traditional systems to more streamlined, agile models that emphasize simplicity and speed. The discussion focused on the fact that future SCF solutions must address not only technological integration but also the human and operational aspects of finance, and over-regulation must be dealt with.

While SCF is evolving, the practical implementation still hinges on a few core factors: reliable payment processes, scalable onboarding for suppliers, and a clear division of responsibilities among finance teams. The panelists agreed that reducing IT dependencies and simplifying processes are key to unlocking the full potential of SCF, ensuring that both buyers and suppliers can reap tangible benefits, such as improved working capital and stronger supplier partnerships.

Global Perspectives and Collaborative Networks

This session, featuring Hendrik Gaudek from Bayer AG, provided a global perspective on the transformative impact of SCF. Bayer’s case study underscored how a company of its scale leverages SCF to drive not only financial efficiency but also to support long-term supplier relationships. The approach was multifaceted: a robust internal governance structure, continuous process improvements, and strategic collaboration with financial institutions were highlighted as critical success factors. The discussions stressed that while technological innovation is vital, the human side of SCF remains fundamental, such as trust and clear communication.

The Future of SCF

The day culminated with a dynamic panel discussion on “The Future of SCF.” Moderated by Luca Gelsomino, the panel featured industry experts including Thomas Krings (cflox), Markus Schiffers (Orbian), and Stefan Waelde (AirPlus), along with contributions from Luca himself. The discourse delved into how integrating ESG factors can reshape financing models while also addressing the intricacies of complex regulatory systems. A prominent takeaway from the discussion was the critical role of transparency and open dialogue within the SCF ecosystem. Rather than mandating a uniform sustainable finance strategy across all organizations, the panelists emphasized the importance for each company to develop a customized approach. Innovation should pave the way for reconciling regulatory compliance with business success.

Conclusion

The conference highlighted that the future of SCF lies in integrating sustainable practices with advanced digital tools, simplifying payment processes, and building resilient networks through collaboration. By transforming traditional SCF, companies like Nidec ASI, REWE, and Bayer are not only optimizing their cash flow but also paving the way for a more sustainable and transparent global supply chain.