Webinar Replay
Assessing Business Forex Activities: Sourcing, analysing, and interpreting the right information
For businesses involved in cross-border trade, foreign exchange exposure does not begin with the market — it begins inside the business. Without a clear understanding of how operations, forecasting, liquidity, and trading cycles interact, forex decisions are often reactive rather than informed.
Building on the Value (Structure) stage, this session focuses on how assessing business forex activities enables more informed and consistent forex decisions.
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Nicky Strydom
- 3 minutes read
In this webinar replay, Sharon Constançon, CEO of Valufin, explores the Assess (Insight) stage of the VALUFIN Framework and explains why understanding your own business activity is essential before attempting to manage foreign exchange effectively.
The session examines how forecasting, budgeting, order and invoice cycles, liquidity requirements, and operational variability all influence when and where forex exposure arises. Rather than focusing on market prediction, the discussion centres on how businesses can use the information they already have to build clearer visibility, improve decision-making, and avoid unnecessary cost and risk leakage over time.
This replay is particularly relevant for finance leaders, treasury professionals, and business owners responsible for cash flow, forecasting, and cross-border trading activity.
Key Takeaways
Many businesses struggle with forex not because of market movements alone, but because decisions are made without a clear view of how business activity, timing, and liquidity interact. This session addresses that gap by focusing on the practical insight required to manage forex with greater confidence and control.
Key takeaways include:
- Why effective forex management starts with understanding business operations, not chasing market forecasts
- How forecasting and budgeting shape exposure, timing, and decision points
- The impact of order cycles, invoice cycles, and payment delays on cash flow and liquidity
- How variations and seasonality introduce complexity that must be planned for, not reacted to
- Why liquidity needs to be assessed across both foreign and local currencies
- The importance of recognising where decisions are made internally — and how delegation affects outcomes
“Forex does not start with the market — it starts with understanding your own business, how it operates, and where exposure actually arises.” ~ Sharon Constançon, CEO | Valufin
Overview
Understanding the Complexity of Forex in Business
- An overview of why forex is inherently complex, volatile, and unique to each organisation, and why structured thinking is required.
Introducing the VALUFIN Framework
- Explanation of the framework and how the Assess (Insight) stage fits within the broader approach to forex treasury management.
Sourcing Business and Trading Information
- Discussion on identifying where forex arises in the business and how to source relevant information without creating additional manual work.
Forecasting and Budgeting as a Starting Point
- How forecasts and budgets form the foundation for understanding exposure, planning, and ongoing reforecasting.
Order Cycles and Operational Timing
- Exploration of ordering patterns, shipping methods, lead times, and how operational delays affect forex exposure.
Invoice Cycles and Payment Timing
- Review of invoicing practices, payment terms, and time lags, and how these influence cash flow and currency requirements.
Variability, Seasonality, and Change
- How changes in volume, timing, seasonality, and business conditions introduce variability that must be understood and managed.
Liquidity Requirements Across Currencies
- Assessment of both local and foreign currency liquidity needs and their impact on cash flow and treasury decisions.
Risk Determination and Internal Decision Points
- How businesses determine their exposure, risk appetite, and where decisions are made within the organisation.
Market Influences and External Factors
Overview of broader market, geopolitical, and operational factors that affect forex alongside internal business activity.
Closing Remarks
- Review of the “Assess” stage of the VALUFIN Framework
- Preparing for the next step in the journey: L- Learn (Technical)
“If you don’t understand your order cycles, invoice cycles, and timing of cash flows, your forex decisions will always be reactive rather than informed.” ~ Sharon Constançon, CEO | Valufin
How This Topic Fits Into the VALUFIN Framework
Assess (Insight) is the second stage of the VALUFIN Framework and provides the factual foundation for all subsequent forex treasury decisions.
Before learning about instruments, managing portfolios, or refining internal processes, businesses must first understand how their own activities generate exposure. This stage ensures that decisions are grounded in real operational insight, rather than assumptions or purely market-driven signals.
A strong Assess stage enables more effective outcomes in the later stages of Learn, Understand, Find, Internal, and New.
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.
Want Clearer Visibility Over Your Forex Exposure?
Start by assessing how your business activities shape currency requirements and decisions.
