Global liquidity Global Liquidity Survey reveals cash management trends

Invesco Global Liquidity
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Key takeaways

  • Research partnership:

    We are proud to partner with the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) to sponsor the 2026 AFP Liquidity Survey for the seventh year in a row.

  • Safety, liquidity, diversification:

    Money market funds remain a critical asset class among institutional investors, and we expect that to continue.

  • Industry-leading insights:

    See how your cash management strategies compare to your peers' and uncover insights into what the future may hold.

Global Liquidity survey reveals current and emerging corporate cash management trends

The global economy has faced increased uncertainty due to changing trade policies, geopolitical tensions, and rising oil prices. Inflation rose to 3.3% in March 2026, while interest rates have held steady and the labor market remains tight. In response, organizations are taking a more cautious approach to liquidity- holding more cash, managing working capital closely and adjusting investment strategies to navigate volatility.

Key survey insights include:

  • Nearly half of organizations (46%) increased their U.S. cash holdings as of March 2026, up from 38% last year, while only 14% reported decreases. This trend reflects ongoing emphasis on liquidity and cash preservation among corporate treasuries.
  • Three-quarters (75%) of organizations maintain written investment policies guiding their short-term investment strategies. Adoption is even higher among larger companies, net investors, investment-grade firms, and publicly owned companies, underscoring the importance of structured governance in cash management.
  • Organizations allocate an average of 83% of short-term investments to safe, liquid vehicles such as bank deposits, money market funds, and Treasury securities. Notably, the share held in bank deposits has declined to 42%, the lowest since 2011, with funds shifting toward Treasury securities, indicating a preference for safety combined with diversification.       
  • Only a small fraction of organizations are piloting or exploring stablecoins, with most viewing them as irrelevant in the near term. Instead, deposit decisions prioritize strong bank relationships (81%), credit quality (60%), counterparty risk (54%), and yield (51%). Interest in real-time liquidity is growing, with 41% expecting 24/7 access to money market funds, though uncertainty persists.

Change in Cash and Short-term Balances over the Past 12 Months: U.S. and Non-U.S. Cash Holdings

(Percentage Distribution of Organizations)

2026

 

 

Much Larger

Somewhat Larger

No Significant Change

Somewhat Smaller

Much Smaller

Within the U.S.

309

16%

30%

40%

9%

5%

Outside the U.S.

226

3%

17%

62%

13%

5%

2025

 

Much Larger

Somewhat Larger

No Significant Change

Somewhat Smaller

Much Smaller

Within the U.S.

15%

23%

46%

13%

3%

Outside the U.S.

4%

16%

65%

10%

5%

Overall, the survey suggests a cautious approach to cash management, with organizations balancing safety and liquidity while navigating economic uncertainties.

How does your organization compare?

We are proud to partner with the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP) to sponsor the 2026 AFP Liquidity Survey, marking the seventh year Invesco has sponsored this industry-leading research.

Get the full 2026 AFP® Global Liquidity Survey sponsored by Invesco.

See how your cash management practices compare with those of your peers during this complex liquidity landscape by requesting the full survey.

Get the full 2026 AFP® Global Liquidity Survey sponsored by Invesco.

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