Cash management accounts (CMAs) play a critical role in many commercial real estate (CRE) transactions, helping balance competing interests between lenders, servicers, and borrowers in CRE operations. CMAs are also commonly used in commercial mortgage-backed securities and large non-bank transactions.
Despite their importance, CMA administration has long relied on manual, paper-based processes that slow transactions and limit visibility.
As CRE transactions become more complex, the industry has increasingly moved toward digital solutions that deliver greater efficiency, transparency, and control – without compromising security.
Embracing Automated Payment Processing
“CMAs have always been a pain point in the industry, and simplifying the process has been difficult – until recently,” says Marcy Burns, senior vice president at PNC and national director of treasury management real estate. “We’ve invested heavily in understanding the commercial mortgage servicing space, and we recognize that technology could significantly reduce the friction associated with CMAs.”
To meet these evolving needs and modernize the experience, PNC developed PNC PAID – a digital platform designed to streamline complex payment workflows, including waterfall payment structures commonly used in commercial real estate. The platform simplifies administration while improving control and visibility across transactions.
A More Transparent, Scalable CMA Experience
“We’ve taken a leadership role in using automation to streamline the CMA process,” says Rob Sandt, senior vice president at PNC. “PNC PAID provides a secure, online solution for managing CMA disbursements and payment authorizations, transforming a historically manual process into a seamless digital experience.”
With PNC PAID, users can view and manage multiple CMAs in one place, track payment activity in real time, and collaborate more effectively. By replacing manual payment processing, digital solutions like PNC PAID help CRE teams move faster while improving accuracy, oversight, and efficiency.
Sandt added: “By automating CMA administration, we’re helping clients reduce friction and gain clarity across their transactions.”
Advancing the Future of CRE Transactions
PNC sees automation as central to the future of CMA services and continues to invest in technology that evolves with client needs and market conditions. New CMA technology will continue to bring greater data visibility and smarter tools that help make loan servicing smoother and more efficient.
“Technology is changing expectations across the industry,” Burns said. “Our focus is on helping clients modernize critical workflows in a way that supports scale, transparency, and long‑term growth.”
Let’s Build Your Brilliant
PNC can provide innovative solutions to help you optimize your business processes. For more information, reach out to your PNC Treasury Management Officer, or contact us.
