Buying and selling currency - your options
Whatever your situation, it is important to identify and minimise the risk that the market may move against you. Unlike your high street bank, HiFX gives you access to a number of currency options to ensure you stay on budget and firmly in control.

Our goal is to make sure you have all the right information and tools you need to protect yourself from the fluctuating exchange rates when transferring money abroad. Your currency options depend on whether you have access to some or all of the funds you wish to transfer:

I have access to all of the funds – what are my options?
If you have access to all the funds you have two choices: one risk free and one high risk.

The risk free solution would be to buy all of the currency now, thus fixing the cost at the outset. This is called buying currency for spot. You can then deposit the bought currency to earn some interest and send payment when needed.

I do not have access to all of the funds – what are my options?
If you do not have access to all of the funds at the outset you can still play it safe. The solution is to buy one or more forward contracts.

In essence, a forward contract means that you can buy the currency now, and pay for it later (when you need to make the further stage payments for example). You will be required to pay a 10% deposit now and the 90% balance upon the maturity of the contract. For example, if you wish to buy £50,000 worth of Australian Dollars, but do not need to send them for 3 months, you can agree the exchange rate now, place a £5,000 deposit, and pay the remaining £45,000 balance in 3 months. If the exchange rate moves at all in that 3 month period, you will not be affected, as you have bought currency at the originally agreed rate. You may actually fix a rate on all your currency requirements up to 12 months forward.

I have strong views about future exchange rates – what are my options?
If you have strong views about future exchange rates and are looking to achieve a specific rate, we can arrange a market order.

This allows you to target a better rate of exchange. We monitor the markets on your behalf and, should the market reach your predetermined exchange rate, your currency is bought or sold automatically. Your order is live 24 hours a day and can be amended or cancelled at any time prior to the transaction taking place.

Whichever option you decide is right for you, please remember:
The earlier you begin thinking about your currency requirements, the more likely you are to get the best exchange rate possible and make your money go as far as you do!

Don’t let the banks cash in!

If anything isn’t clear, please don’t hesitate to call your local HiFX office or visit the links below for more information. Our team of currency experts will provide you with all the help and guidance you need to make sure you save money on all your foreign exchange requirements.

International Money Transfers  Online Foreign Exchange Service  Regular Payments  International Mortgages  Overseas Buildings & Contents Insurance