Implementing a robust strategy to manage currency fluctuations, especially in light of current political and economic uncertainty, is of utmost importance to organisations now more than ever, a foreign exchange (FX) expert told the business community at an event at Cardiff University yesterday (Monday 8 May).

Paul Langley, managing director of Godi Financial – formerly OSTC^FX – was speaking at the ‘Brexit and Beyond’ event as part of Cardiff Business School’s executive education breakfast briefing series. The event was sponsored by property consultants, Bruton Knowles.

In addition to Mr Langley, Chris Jenkins, managing director of Market Squared, a provider of online educational trading applications, and Danny Corrigan, executive committee member of Financial Services Negotiation Forum,also delivered views on the implications of Brexit and key macro events on businesses. As key partners of the business school, the financial experts discussed currency fluctuations and associated business risk in the current political climate and as a consequence of Britain leaving the European Union (EU).

The triggering of Article 50; Prime Minister Teresa May announcing a snap election; elections in Europe; Donald Trump as US President; conflict in Syria; as well as tensions in North Korea; were all outlined as key factors contributing to market volatility.

“In the past, currency events tended to be short and sharp. Black Monday, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf Wars, even 9/11 – these major incidents happened, currencies moved, then settled. Now, the moves are far more volatile with percentage point swings on a daily basis, and this will remain the case whilst the Brexit negotiations continue. These moves can and will affect companies’ bottom line,” said Langley.

Langley noted that speculation about what kind of deal the UK will get with the EU, coupled with volatility in the Eurozone itself, mean that sharp movements in the currency markets are going to be the new normal.

“A recent survey revealed that 80 percent of SMEs haven’t hedged since the Brexit vote or amended their hedging policy in any way. Why would successful business owners or finance officers ignore the risks of currency volatility to their business? SMEs do not have to be the passive victims or beneficiaries of such volatility.

“I strongly believe businesses that make FX planning part of their long-term strategy put themselves in a far stronger position compared to those that leave currency matters to the markets. We encourage businesses to protect themselves from the effects of currency fluctuations thereby reducing risk to their underlying businesses,” Langley said.

The Brexit and Beyond event also discussed the fact that many businesses looking to expand by trading internationally have been reluctant to do so since the Brexit vote. This is because currency markets have been volatile as a result of uncertainty since the June 2016 referendum and the lack of clarity around the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU. Such volatility was noted as a deterrent to those looking to expand to overseas markets, as large moves in FX markets could hurt a company’s bottom line.

“So many businesses are simply sitting on their hands and waiting to see what happens. Business leaders need to take control now to help create more certainty for their organisations during these turbulent times. Being prepared and planning appropriately should be a priority, not ignored,” Langley added.

Whether it be a fall in the pound, a strengthening dollar or increasing import costs, millions can and have been lost by well-established companies as a result of a poor approach to FX management. EasyJet, Sport Direct and Apple were highlighted during the event as major companies faced with significant financial losses as a result of currency market fluctuations.

Langley advised that with a strong FX strategy, businesses can limit the risk of such losses: “Currency exchange may sound complicated but it can be managed. This is possible through making foreign exchange a fixed cost to your business, hedging as far forward as you can and limiting your potential liabilities to numbers you are comfortable with,” he concluded.

Swansea-based Godi looks to educate its clients and form long-term, transparent relationships with companies where any margins or fees it earns are fully disclosed. It also offers a free audit to companies where it will assess historic FX transactions and demonstrate any savings that could have been made. This approach aligns to Godi’s values of doing things differently through education, transparency and expertise, to set a new standard of service for global financial engagements.