Prioritising Data to Strengthen Buyer-Supplier Ties

Buyer-supplier relationships often hinge on how well both sides use information. At Sibos 2026, Marc Pettican of Mastercard addressed how prioritising data can make those relationships smoother, with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence helping companies manage working capital more effectively.

The core idea is that data already held across payment and trade processes can be organized to reveal where cash is tied up and where early payment discounts may be available. Rather than treating data as a byproduct, firms can put it at the center of decisions that affect both buyers and suppliers.

Better analytics can give buyers a clearer view of supplier needs while giving suppliers more confidence about payment timing. AI can support that effort by identifying patterns and priorities, though the discussion points to practical data management rather than speculative technology. The goal is to reduce friction and help both sides release working capital.

For businesses, the takeaway is to focus on the data that matters most and use it to support collaboration. When buyer and supplier relationships are built on timely, well-prioritised information, early payment discounts and working capital improvements become easier to pursue.