A Guide To Foreign Exchange
A Guide To Foreign Exchange
A Guide To Foreign Exchange
An Introduction to Foreign
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An Introduction to
Foreign Exchange
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An Introduction to Foreign Exchange
Contents
Foreword 3
Spot Transactions 5
Forward Transactions 8
Currency Options 15
Settlement 17
Contact Details 23
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An Introduction to Foreign
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Foreword
Graham Godley
Managing Director
Crown Agents Bank
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An Introduction to Foreign Exchange
Not all the world’s currencies are freely convertible. There are a
number which cannot be converted without satisfying official
exchange control regulations. Others are not in high enough
demand to ensure liquidity and a viable market. The range of
currencies that are traded is wide and includes the currencies of
all the major developed countries. Those that are less frequently
traded are known as “exotic” currencies.
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Spot Transactions
The price at which a deal takes place is known as the spot rate.
This is expressed as the value of a unit of one of the two
currencies in terms of the other currency. For example, the spot
rate for an exchange between the US dollar and the Swiss franc
would be quoted as 1 dollar = 1.6000 francs. In this example the
dollar is the unit or base currency and every dollar is worth 1.6
francs. The general practice in the spot market is to measure the
value of currencies against the US dollar and so, when the US
dollar is one of the currencies being exchanged, it is normally the
unit or base currency in the exchange rate. There are some
exceptions to this rule, notably the pound sterling and the euro.
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or
or
or
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An Introduction to Foreign Exchange
Forward Transactions
A forward exchange deal is a transaction in which one currency is
exchanged directly for another for settlement at a specified time
more than two working days after the deal date. No money
changes hands until the specified settlement date, which can be
at any time (within certain limits) to suit the parties. Settlement
is made at the rate of exchange agreed between the parties at the
time of dealing.
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Either:
(a) - Do nothing now. Wait until the payment is made and then
sell USD for GBP at the market rate available at that time;
Or
(b) - Borrow USD 1 million for three months from today and use
this to buy GBP at today’s exchange rate;
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So:
Interest rate differential, GBP/USD = 2% per annum
or = 0.5% for 90 days
GBP1.0050 = USD1.7500
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Currency Options
A currency option conveys the right, but not the obligation, either
to buy or sell a specific amount of a currency for another currency
at a fixed price at a future date. The future date may be either
the latest date on which the option may be exercised or the only
date on which the option is exercisable. The holder of an option is
not obliged to deal, however, and may choose simply to allow the
option to lapse.
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Using an option
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Settlement
When an exchange deal is settled the currencies involved do not
cross their own national borders.
On Friday:-
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An Introduction to Foreign Exchange
London Frankfurt
Bank A Bank B
Friday – Settlement
Bank A Bank A
Bank B Bank B
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An Introduction to Foreign Exchange
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An Introduction to Foreign Exchange
Crown Agents
Contact Bank Team
our Treasury
Crown Agents Bank quotes competitive foreign exchange and
money market rates in all the major and many exotic currencies.
David
We alsoSmithson
offer accounts in many currencies for prompt receipt
Tel:payment
and +44 (0)208 710 6126 and domestic funds.
of overseas
Email: [email protected]
Our clients include central banks, governments, development
agencies, NGOs and other organisations worldwide.
Nick Goryn
Tel: combination
The +44 (0)208 710 of 6039
our competitive rates and flexible service
Email [email protected]
delivery is a winning formula for our clients.
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David Smithson
Tel: +44 (0)208 710 6126
Email: [email protected]
Nick Goryn
Tel: +44 (0)208 710 6039
Email [email protected]
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