Webinar Replay
Understanding the complexities of Forex Treasury Management
In today’s volatile global markets, 68% of CFOs cite currency volatility as a major risk impacting company performance (Kyriba, 2023), yet many organisations lack a structured approach to tackle this challenge effectively.
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Nicky Strydom
- 3 minutes read
This webinar, Understanding the Complexities of Forex Treasury Management, examines why forex management is more than just a treasury function—it’s a strategic necessity. Sharon Constanҫon, CEO of Valufin, and guest speaker Andrew Priestley, an award-winning leadership mentor, provide actionable insights into creating a structured framework to optimise forex operations, mitigate risks, and enhance company performance.
Key Takeaways
In today’s volatile global markets, effective forex management is more than just a treasury function—it’s a strategic necessity. This webinar provided actionable insights into navigating the complexities of forex treasury management, highlighting the importance of a structured framework to optimise operations and mitigate risks. Key takeaways include:
- Understanding Unique Business Flows: Tailored solutions are essential for addressing specific operational challenges, such as business cycles, market volatility, and financial inefficiencies.
- The Role of Independent Expertise: Engaging forex specialists can uncover inefficiencies, enhance decision-making, and drive cost savings.
- Comprehensive Risk Strategies: A holistic approach aligns risk management with cash flow, accounting practices, and governance to improve financial outcomes.
- Seven-Part Framework for Forex Management: The structured framework emphasises assessment, learning, and strategic adaptation to meet the unique needs of each business.
These takeaways equip finance leaders and treasury professionals with the tools to navigate forex complexities, ensuring strategic alignment and improved profitability in global markets.
Introduction to the Webinar
- The webinar highlighted the importance of managing Forex as more than a treasury function.
- Sharon Constancon introduced the seven-part series on Forex management.
- Andrew Priestley, the guest speaker, emphasised the value of competent decision-making in critical business scenarios.
Overview of Forex and Valufin
- Forex management is a complex and vital aspect of business, particularly for importers and exporters.
- The series aims to provide a structured framework for Forex management.
- Effective Forex management can significantly impact strategic decision-making and financial performance.
The Role of a Forex Specialist
- Forex specialists play a critical role in identifying inefficiencies and areas of cost-saving.
- Understanding a company’s unique business flows and cycles is essential for effective Forex management.
- Many businesses lack the expertise or training to manage Forex risks optimally.
Challenges in Forex Management
- Companies often operate under outdated assumptions or legacy processes that hinder efficiency.
- A lack of comprehensive knowledge about Forex risks leads to suboptimal decision-making.
- Market volatility, business cycle changes, and operational inefficiencies create significant challenges.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach
- A holistic approach to Forex management includes aligning risk strategies, cash flow considerations, and operational processes.
- Decision-making must consider the broader financial flows and their impact on the company’s performance.
- Companies benefit from external perspectives to identify blind spots and optimise operations.
The Need for Independent Expertise
- Independent Forex specialists provide unbiased advice tailored to the company’s needs.
- Many businesses fail to recognise the cost of relying solely on internal teams or generic advice.
- Access to specialised knowledge and tools can prevent inefficiencies and financial losses.
Seven-Part Framework for Forex Management
- The framework includes steps to assess, learn, understand, and find tailored solutions.
- It emphasises strategic and tactical decision-making to address unique business needs.
- Companies can improve financial outcomes by integrating this framework into their operations.
Host
Sharon Constançon is a trailblazer in the world of forex treasury management, bringing over 40 years of expertise to businesses navigating complex global markets. As South Africa’s first female Chief Forex Dealer, Sharon led innovative solutions and laid the foundation for what has become a vibrant Forex services market in the region. In 2009, she founded Valufin, a global leader in tailored treasury services, empowering companies to manage forex risks confidently and optimise their financial outcomes.
Throughout her career, Sharon has worked with over 200 international companies, helping them address the pitfalls in forex processes, implement effective accounting systems, manage transaction risks, and develop insightful management information. Her strategic approach ensures businesses are equipped to handle currency volatility and achieve financial stability.
A forward-thinker with a deep understanding of technology, Sharon has developed two SaaS platforms: FRM, the cornerstone of Valufin’s treasury services, and Hawk, which delivers advanced intelligent assessments. These innovations exemplify her commitment to driving efficiency and effectiveness in forex treasury management.
Sharon’s career began in the mining sector with a company now part of the Anglo-American Group before transitioning to forex management roles at Blue Circle and Société Générale in Johannesburg. In 1988, she founded Constançon Currencies, a pioneering forex services firm, before shifting her focus to governance and launching businesses in both South Africa and the UK.
In addition to her work in forex, Sharon is a respected voice in governance and boardroom dynamics. She lectures, conducts training, and speaks at global conferences, sharing her expertise on effective board practices and strategic risk management. Sharon’s ability to bridge the worlds of forex and governance makes her a sought-after leader, mentor, and educator in her field.
Guest Speaker
Andrew is a highly skilled coach who specialises in helping founders, business owners, managers, and professionals excel in leadership roles. His coaching services are particularly beneficial for individuals who need to transition from hands-on operational leadership to a more strategic approach, especially when driving sustainable growth is a priority.
Andrew’s clients primarily consist of SMEs, including business owners, founders, managers, managing directors (MDs), general managers (GMs), as well as corporate executives such as CEOs and senior leadership teams (SLTs) in established and growing companies. The industries he works with span finance, government, civil aviation, medicine, engineering, mining, law, government administration, accounting, insurance, technology, and more. These diverse clients face daily challenges and often deal with people and performance issues.
Andrew’s coaching focuses on several key areas, including strategic direction, business performance, operational excellence, building high-performing teams, and enhancing communication skills. He places a strong emphasis on accountability and obtaining tangible results.
With qualifications in industrial and organisational psychology, Andrew is ranked among the top 100 UK entrepreneur mentors. He also serves as a lecturer in entrepreneurial leadership at Bayes Business School in London and holds positions as a non-executive director (NXD) board member and strategic advisor for various organisations. Additionally, Andrew has authored multiple bestselling business books, further showcasing his expertise and knowledge in the field.
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