Why Canadian Businesses Should Use Online Foreign Exchange Platforms for Currency Exchange

By Remitbee - Apr 14, 2023

Businesses need to exchange currencies regularly to operate effectively. It is where foreign exchange (FX) platforms come in—they provide a digital marketplace for buying and selling currencies.

This post will explore how a Foreign Exchange platform can benefit your business in Canada. The real question is: Do you need one? Your business needs will dictate if this is for you.

The Importance of Foreign Exchange (FX) Platforms

Forex trading is one of the most important financial markets in the world, with billions of dollars being traded daily. Just realize that. Billions of dollars every single day! It is also 30x than the size of US stocks and bonds markets combined

Here are the importance and benefits of using foreign exchange platforms for businesses:

  • Allows businesses to exchange currencies in a timely and cost-effective manner
  • Enables companies to operate effectively in the global market
  • Helps businesses to manage foreign exchange risk
  • Offers a way to access a broader range of currencies than traditional banks

1. Cost Savings

One of the most significant benefits of using an FX platform for businesses is the potential for cost savings. Here's how:

  1. Better exchange rates. FX platforms often offer more competitive exchange rates than traditional banks. They can access a larger pool of liquidity providers, resulting in better business pricing.

  2. FX platform fees vs. bank fees. Banks often charge a markup on the exchange rate. FX platforms typically charge a flat fee or a percentage of the transaction amount.

Businesses can save money using an FX platform rather than a bank for their currency exchange needs. While they may seem small on an individual transaction, they can add up significantly over time.

If a business regularly exchanges currencies, even a slight percentage difference in exchange rates can add up to thousands of dollars in savings over a year.

2. Risk Reduction

Foreign exchange risk is the potential for financial losses arising from exchange rate changes. This risk can affect international businesses, as exchange rate fluctuations can result in lower profits, increased costs, or other financial issues.

FX platforms can help businesses mitigate this risk in a few different ways:

  1. Offer hedging tools. FX platforms can offer businesses access to various hedging tools, such as forward contracts, options, and swaps. These tools allow businesses to lock in exchange rates at a predetermined rate and date, reducing the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on their finances.

  2. Risk analysis. FX platforms can also offer businesses risk analysis tools that help them identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. It can include analysis of historical exchange rate trends, market analysis, and other tools that help their currency exchange.

  3. Provide expert advice. FX platforms often have expert advisors who can provide businesses with guidance and advice on managing their foreign exchange risk. It can include recommendations on hedging strategies, market analysis, and other insights about their currency exchange.

3. More Currency Options

Businesses can benefit from the control that currency options provide. For example:

Increased flexibility. With more currency options, businesses can choose the currency that best suits their needs, whether paying international suppliers or receiving payments from overseas customers.

Lower transaction costs. With a wider range of currencies available, businesses can find more favorable exchange rates or lower fees, resulting in cost savings.

Reduced currency risk. By having access to a wider range of currencies, businesses can diversify their currency holdings, reducing their exposure to the risks of fluctuations in any one currency.

FX Platform vs. Traditional Banks' Currency Offerings

Traditional banks typically offer a limited selection of currencies for exchange. In contrast, FX platforms can offer access to exotic currencies that may not be available through banks.

4. Convenience and Ease of Use

FX platforms simplify the currency exchange process for businesses in a few different ways:

User-friendly platforms. FX platforms are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that make it easy for businesses to execute transactions and manage their foreign exchange needs. Streamlined processes. FX platforms often offer streamlined processes for executing currency exchange transactions, such as online booking systems and automated confirmation emails.

5. Customer Service

FX platforms can offer businesses a range of customer service benefits, including:

Expert support. FX platforms often have dedicated customer service teams knowledgeable about currency exchange. They can provide advice and support to businesses.

Fast and responsive support. FX platforms often offer fast and responsive customer support, with support available by phone, email, or chat.

FX Platform Customer Service vs. Traditional Banks' Customer Service

Compared to traditional banks, FX platforms often offer more personalized and responsive customer service. Banks may have larger support teams, but their support may be less focused on currency exchange and slower to respond to customer needs.

The Bottom Line

In addition to traditional foreign exchange platforms, Canadian businesses can also consider using RemitBee Business Account for their currency exchange needs.

RemitBee offers competitive exchange rates, low fees, and a user-friendly platform. It is a viable alternative for businesses looking to save money and reduce risk in their currency exchange operations.

Sign up for a free account today!