Webinar Replay
Building a Solid Forex Foundation Strategies, Structures, and Stakeholder Success
In the world of international trade, currency volatility is more than a line-item risk—it's a core strategic concern. Businesses operating in cross-border markets need more than intuition to navigate the complex foreign exchange environment; they need a solid foundation built on clear strategy, strong governance, and integrated decision-making.
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Nicky Strydom
- 3 minutes read
In this webinar,“Building a Solid Forex Treasury Foundation,” our CEO, Sharon Constançon, explores the first stage of the VALUFIN Framework—Value (Structure). Sharon outlines the essential components that underpin an effective forex treasury operation, from policy development and stakeholder engagement to regulatory understanding and technological integration.
Whether you’re setting up your forex structure or assessing your current approach, this session will provide you with a grounded, strategic lens on how to build—and sustain—resilience in your foreign exchange management.
Key Takeaways
Building a strong forex treasury foundation is about more than tools or transactions—it’s about embedding strategy, structure, and governance into every layer of decision-making. This webinar explored the essential building blocks that enable businesses to manage currency risk with confidence and clarity.
Key takeaways include:
- Forex Is Strategic, Not Just Operational: Successful forex management starts with aligning your FX strategy with business direction, risk appetite, and competitive positioning.
- Policy Clarity Prevents Hidden Costs: Robust foreign exchange policies establish transparent decision-making chains, tolerances, and delegation, helping to avoid reactive decisions and unseen losses.
- Technology Enables—but Doesn’t Decide: While technology supports execution and reporting, effective foreign exchange (FX) outcomes still depend on human interpretation and strategy.
- Structure Drives Transparency: A well-defined treasury structure, with transparency and clear roles, is essential for making proactive foreign exchange decisions.
- Relationships & Regulations Matter: Managing forex effectively means understanding country-specific rules, liquidity constraints, and how to engage brokers, suppliers, and internal teams strategically.
“Behind every sustainable, successful business, you’ll find a clearly defined strategy—and within that, a forex structure that’s built to last.” ~ Sharon Constançon, CEO | Valufin
Overview
Introduction to the Webinar
- Welcome and context: second webinar in the VALUFIN series
- Why every organisation is unique in how it must handle FX risk
The Need for a Strong Forex Treasury Foundation
- Strategy is the backbone of treasury planning
- Why structure, policies, and risk appetite must work in harmony
- Aligning the forex strategy with business goals and risk tolerance
- Considering competitor strategies and supply chain realities
- Making billing and pricing decisions with FX in mind
Forex Policy & Delegation
- Defining tolerances and escalation protocols
- Avoiding decision bottlenecks and maverick behaviour
Technology in Forex Treasury
- From spreadsheets to ERPs: choosing the right tools
- Integrating decision-support systems
- Future trends: AI and reporting convergence
Forex Team Structure & Relationships
- Building the right treasury team structure
- Internal and external stakeholder management
- Incentives and control: aligning behaviour with policy
Country Norms & Forex Regulatory Compliance
- Navigating diverse FX environments (e.g. Africa, China, South America)
- Parallel markets, liquidity issues, and compliance blind spots
- Why knowing your counterpart’s restrictions matters
Closing Remarks
- Review of the “Value” stage of the VALUFIN Framework
- Preparing for the next step in the journey: A- Assess (Insight)
Featured Article
Most businesses know FX volatility is a problem. Far fewer have a plan to deal with it.
Ultimately, what separates resilient companies from reactive ones is a structured FX treasury foundation—clear strategy, solid governance, and the tools to act at speed.
Find out how aligning strategy, policy, and governance can reduce currency risk and protect your bottom line.
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.
Ready to Take Control of Your Currency Risk?
Take the first step in building your forex treasury foundation.
