Understanding about forex risk and forex risk management strategies for SMBs

Forex risk is any loss of monetary value you experience in an international transaction due to changing exchange rates. It can be of different types. Any business that deals in foreign payments should be aware of forex risk to avoid losing money due to forex market volatility. The various types of forex risk are: 

1. Transaction risk 

Transaction risk occurs when your business purchases from a company in another country. If the currency of the vendor's country appreciates against the Rupee, you end up paying more than expected. This is termed a transaction risk.

2. Translation risk 

This type of forex risk is associated with currency conversion from a foreign subsidiary. When your business deals with currency conversion from one to another, the conversion fees, transaction fees, and varying exchange rates can lead to a loss in value. This is termed a transition risk.

3. Economic risk 

If your company's market value decreases due to foreign exchange fluctuations, it is referred to as an economic forex risk.

Let's consider two examples of forex risk to better understand the issues.

1. An Indian electronic equipment distributor agrees to buy 100 units of equipment from a U.S.-based manufacturing company at $500 per unit with payment upon delivery. 

• At the time of the agreement, $1 = 80 Rs. The total amount due to the distributor is Rs. 4,000,000.
• The delivery is delayed by five months due to production issues. Meanwhile, the Rupee depreciates against the dollar, with the new rate being $ 1 = 84 Rs.
• The Indian distributor ends up paying Rs. 4,200,000.

2. An Indian supplier agrees to sell 100 cases of a particular medicine to a client in the US at $100 per case. 

• At the time of the agreement, $1 = 85 Rs. The total amount due to the American company is $10,000. The supplier is set to receive Rs. 850,000.
• By the time of delivery, the Rupee has appreciated, and the new rate becomes $1 = 80 Rs.
• The American client pays $10,000 as promised, but the final payment received by the Indian supplier becomes Rs. 800,000.

The exchange rates between different currencies are decided by several factors, including:

1. Economic Factors 

When different countries participate in global trade, they have a significant impact on one another's economies. Hence, some countries benefit from this exchange while others don't. This complex economic trade, therefore, affects each country's currency value compared to other countries.

2. Government Policies 

Government policies related to inflation, interest rates, taxation, and others can directly or indirectly impact the forex value of a currency.

3. Debt

When a country defaults on a debt obligation due to factors such as leaving a trade union, high inflation, or a lack of resources, the currency is devalued.

Foreign currency values are determined by factors that are usually not within the control of SMBs, as discussed above. Through effective foreign currency risk management, SMBs can mitigate the impact of exchange rate volatility and:

1. Maintain financial stability

One of the most significant threats to your business's financial stability is unpredictable losses, which can occur due to foreign exchange (forex) volatility. By implementing forex management strategies, you can ensure predictable cash flow from international payments, avoiding any sudden surprises.

2. Control costs

Forex risk management allows your business to lock in favorable exchange rates. This helps you manage and control operational costs, ensuring adequate profit.

3. Enhance decision making

With a complete understanding of the impact of forex risk, you can effectively plan your operations, investments, and resource allocations. This enhanced decision-making enables you to navigate challenges with greater certainty, ultimately leading to long-term stability and growth.

4. Improve financial health

With effective forex risk management, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can protect the value of their foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities, thereby enhancing their financial health and creditworthiness.

To manage foreign exchange risk effectively, follow the strategies given below:

1. Understand your exposure

The first step is to determine the type of foreign exchange exposure (transaction, translation, or economic). It is essential to choose a mitigation strategy.

2. Choose a mitigation strategy

Depending upon your exposure and specific needs, choose a forex mitigation strategy. For example, if you aim to limit or reduce the probability of loss due to currency fluctuation, you can select hedging.

3. Monitor markets regularly

Proactive decision-making goes a long way in mitigating forex risks. Monitor currency markets regularly to identify any emerging trends and how they impact your forex risk exposure.

1. Risk assessment and identification

The first step in effective forex risk management is identifying the sources of currency exposure. These include:

• Transaction risk exposure from specific foreign currency transactions.
• Translation risk exposure from the balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries.
• Economic risk exposure.

2. Hedging techniques

Hedging techniques that can help SMBs mitigate forex risk include:

• Forward contracts: Customized contracts that lock in a particular exchange rate for future payments.
• Options: A customized contract that provides the option but not the obligation to buy or sell at a specific exchange rate before a pre-agreed date.
• Swaps: A currency swap agreement between two parties mandates the exchange of currencies at set intervals to protect against long-term currency fluctuation exposure. 

3. Use of technology

Automation via suitable payment platforms specializing in foreign payments is one of the best approaches to forex risk management. Advanced payment platforms, such as Xflow, provide built-in forex management, which includes real-time tracking, analysis, and reporting of foreign currency exposures. By utilizing such payment platforms, SMBs can increase visibility into the foreign exchange market and make informed decisions in response to currency fluctuations.

You must develop a comprehensive forex risk management policy that outlines the following in detail:

• Your business's approach to foreign exchange risk management.
• Procedures for choosing and executing hedging instruments.
• Guidelines for monitoring and classifying forex exposure.
• Regular evaluation and updating of existing foreign exchange risk management policies in response to evolving market realities.

A transparent foreign exchange management policy saves you from rash or panic-driven decision-making with severe consequences when the forex market changes suddenly.

The table below summarizes the sophisticated forex management tools available to address foreign exchange risk.

Apart from the hedging instruments, some other forex risk management methods include:

1. Natural hedging

It involves modifying your business processes to mitigate foreign exchange risk. For example, an Indian exporter can set up their production line in the US to mitigate fluctuations in the USD-INR exchange rate.

2. Netting

Netting is the process of combining payables and receivables to determine a net obligation amount in the same currency, thereby reducing foreign exchange risk and lowering transaction costs. 

3. Currency clauses

Special contracts mandating price modification or risk sharing by buyer and seller in case of unfavorable currency movements. For example, an Indian importer and a US client can sign a currency clause that details a price increase if the Indian rupee (INR) weakens against the US dollar (USD). In this case, the Indian importer's profits remain intact despite an unfavorable exchange rate change.

4. Automated trading

Advanced automated trading systems can be configured to execute trades or hedges based on preset criteria, allowing them to take advantage of favorable forex market movements. 

5. Forex risk analysis software

It helps simulate various foreign exchange scenarios to help businesses determine their foreign exchange risk exposure under different market conditions. 

Looking to bulletproof your international payments against forex risk? Consider Xflow.

Xflow provides SMBs with built-in forex risk management. With better forex rates than banks, Xflow enables invoicing and collections in foreign currencies, and provide real-time tracking of payments and exchange rates. Built specifically for Indian SMBs, Xflow simplifies cross-border transactions and gives growing businesses more control over their international operations and profits. Sign up with Xflow today!