#9 Not Searching For Alternatives

14-10-2021 | treasuryXL | Xe

This is the last part of XE’s ‘9 Mistakes Your Business Should Avoid’ journey. We have reflected upon Currency risk mistakes that companies worldwide often make. It is important to learn from these mistakes in order to avoid them. The message of this manual is that paying attention to foreign currency can deliver benefits ranging from increased value to better Risk management. To reap the benefits, it is important to work with a currency provider who understands what you need and who can help you achieve your goals. It is possible that your current currency provider can provide that, but if you don’t look around you won’t know if it might be better.

“Aandacht besteden aan vreemde valuta kan veel voordelen opleveren, variërend van meer waarde tot beter risicobeheer.”

Niet rondkijken naar alternatieve valutaservices is dan ook een enorme fout. Het is mogelijk dat u daardoor betere koersen misloopt, geen gebruik kunt maken van diensten waarvan u het bestaan niet kende en valuta niet strategisch kunt benaderen zoals zou moeten als praktijk en beleid een afspiegeling zouden moeten zijn van uw handelsomgeving. Ga er niet van uit dat de diensten die uw bank verleent, van het niveau en de kwaliteit
zijn die u nodig hebt. Het is gemakkelijk om bij uw bank te blijven en de zekerheid te hebben van een vertrouwde provider. Maar uw bank kan wellicht niet dezelfde verscheidenheid aan valutadiensten bieden als een gespecialiseerde provider die alleen vreemde valuta doet. Dat wil niet zeggen dat u de hype van concurrerende providers moet volgen. Als bijvoorbeeld een koers te goed klinkt om waar te zijn, dan is dat ook vrijwel zeker het geval. Wees ook sceptisch als providers u aanmoedigen om te gaan speculeren op valutamarkten of u ervan proberen te overtuigen dat ze koersschommelingen kunnen voorspellen.

Het klinkt misschien tegenstrijdig, maar de beste hedgepositie is degene die geen voordeel oplevert: een verzekering die u afsluit voor het ergste geval, terwijl u hoopt op het beste, namelijk dat de valutamarkten niet in uw nadeel bewegen. In werkelijkheid biedt zelfs een geslaagde hedge slechts wat meer tijd. Wat u nodig hebt, is een provider die de tijd neemt om erachter te komen wat de specifieke eisen van uw bedrijf zijn in plaats van een standaardservice te bieden. Competitieve koersen spelen natuurlijk een rol bij uw zoektocht, maar moeten zeker niet uw enige overweging zijn. U hebt een provider nodig die een oplossing op maat kan ontwikkelen die aan al uw eisen voldoet en u kan helpen om uw toekomstige risico effectiever te beheren. Neem met minder geen genoegen.

Klik hier voor meer Info en Download WhitePaper

5 Tips for Currency Exchange

07-10-2021| treasuryXL | XE |

If you’ve ever travelled abroad, sent a money transfer to family overseas, or made international business payments, you know it can be a pain to exchange currency. Searching banks, online exchange providers, or the streets of an unknown city for the best rates can be time-consuming and costly. And, if you don’t pay attention, foreign exchange costs can add up.

Here are five tips to help you save on currency exchange.

1. Plan Ahead

Find out what the current mid-market exchange rate is with our XE Currency Converter or XE Currency App. Next, compare the rates and fees offered by banks, exchange cambios, and online providers. Once you find the best deal, exchange your funds.

2. Understand Foreign Exchange Costs

Some foreign exchange costs can be transparent and others can be hidden, so it is important to understand what you are paying for. Just like every other company, foreign exchange providers need to make a profit to stay in business. The following are three ways in which providers make money:

  • Currency providers may charge a commission, flat fee, handling fee, or minimum charge
  • They may include a spread in exchange rates by buying currencies at one rate and selling them at another – with a margin included
  • FX providers may also charge transfer fees for wire transfers and other delivery methods

You can calculate your currency exchange costs with our XE Foreign Exchange Charges Calculator. Or, download the XE Currency app for iPhone and use our Rate Advisor to compare your provider’s price to the mid-market rate.

3. Consolidate your Transactions

Since every currency exchange transaction has associated costs, fewer transactions can sometimes result in lower costs. Depending on the type of transaction, you may save money by consolidating several money transfers into one large transaction. Some foreign exchange providers may even offer better rates, or waive commission fees for currency exchanges over a certain amount.

4. Beware of Counterfeits

Every country has its fair share of counterfeit currency – some more than others. To avoid fakes, try to become familiar with the look and feel of the currency. Take note of watermarks and other security features. This can make spotting a fake easier, although it probably won’t be possible to spot a high-level counterfeit. Try to use trusted foreign exchange providers and established currency exchange companies.

5. Bank Overseas for Extended Stays

If you’re moving abroad, studying internationally, or plan to stay in a foreign country for a long period of time, consider sending money and banking overseas. Opening up a local bank account can minimize fees and help keep your money secure. It also makes consolidating your currency transactions much easier and helps mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations.

 


#8 Working with a Currency Provider that uses Rigid Procedures

30-09-2021| treasuryXL | XE |

A common problem for companies looking to manage Currency Risk effectively and want to carry out transactions as cheaply as possible, is that the terms of their currency provider are not flexible enough. This can especially be a problem for companies for which a hedging strategy is suitable but who are put off by the need to pay upfront or a margin for their forward positions. Some currency providers may in such situations offer more flexible credit terms than others.

Zonder die flexibiliteit is een hedgingstrategie voor sommige bedrijven niet haalbaar, zelfs als het valutarisico van het bedrijf aanzienlijk verminderd zou kunnen worden door de implementatie van zo’n strategie. In andere gevallen kunnen bedrijven wel hedgingposities nemen, maar niet onder de voorwaarden die het best bij hun individuele omstandigheden passen. Denk ook aan andere vormen van flexibiliteit. Biedt uw valutaprovider bijvoorbeeld toegang tot verschillende soorten betaalservices? Dat kan van belang zijn als u snel betalingen wilt doen aan verschillende partijen in verschillende markten en tegelijk zo veel mogelijk tijd wilt hebben om de transactie te voltooien. Zoek een provider die zijn service kan afstemmen op uw specifieke eisen en wensen. Uiteindelijk gaat het erom uw bedrijf zo veel mogelijk speelruimte te geven. Of het nu gaat om de dagelijkse transacties of het beheren van het langetermijnrisico, de manier waarop u vreemde valuta benadert, moet worden bepaald door zakelijke eisen en niet door de beperkingen en rigiditeit van uw valutaprovider. Bespreek met verschillende providers wat zij u kunnen bieden.

Klik hier voor meer Info en Download WhitePaper



Your guide to UTR codes (with a UTR number example, how to get a UTR, and what to do if you lose it)

23-09-2021| treasuryXL | XE |

Whether you want to find a UTR and use it, or you’re lost in a maze thinking of what you should do if you lose the number, we’ve got your back with a UTR number example and more!

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is a code that identifies you or your business in the United Kingdom for tax purposes. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), a UK government department, is responsible for collecting taxes in the country and uses your UTR number whenever it deals with your tax.

You may need a UTR for submitting a tax return to HMRC, depending on whether you meet their eligibility criteria.

Feeling foggy already? Whether you want to find a UTR and use it, or you’re lost in a maze thinking of what to do if you lose the number, we’ve got your back, so take it easy!

We’ve also thrown a UTR number example into the bargain to help you understand all of this better. Let’s get the (UTR) show going, shall we?

What’s a UTR number example?

All UTRs have 10 digits, which sometimes end with the letter ‘K’. A simple UTR number example is 12345 67890, with a gap between 2 pairs of 5 digits each.

Do I need a UTR number?

If you have forms of income or expenses that require you to file a Self Assessment tax return, you’ll need a UTR number. This applies in case you:

  • Are or were self-employed as a sole trader and you earned over £1,000 GBP (without claiming tax relief) in the last tax year (April 6 to April 5), or

  • Are a partner in a business partnership (even a nominated partner will do), or

  • Have untaxed income (like commissions, income from renting out a property, or foreign income), or

  • Want to claim an Income Tax relief, or

  • Are a subcontractor who’s either self-employed, a partner in a trust or partnership, or the owner of a limited company in the UK (in all these cases, you’ll have to register for the Construction Industry Scheme or CIS).

In the case your sole income is from your wages or pension, you won’t need to send a return.

However, keep in mind that if you submit your tax return to HMRC 3 months (or more than 3 months) later than the deadline, you may face a minimum penalty of £100 GBP, along with interest on late payments of your tax bill.

How do I find out my UTR number?

First things first, register for a tax Self Assessment, if you have to send an income tax return. You can either register online, or fill up an application form on the HMRC website, print it out, and post it to HMRC.

Once your registration process is complete, or you’ve formed a private limited company in the UK, HMRC will send you an SA250 “Welcome to self-assessment” letter.

You’ll find your UTR number on the top right of the letter, along with a 12-digit activation code (for non-personal tax accounts). This activation code is necessary for signing in to your online self-assessment account with HMRC for the first time.

In case you don’t receive the activation code, though, or you lose it within 28 days of enrolling for the online service, you can sign in to your online HMRC account and simply ask for a new code.

If you’d already registered for the self-assessment and sent a return online before, your UTR should be on your previous tax returns, payment reminders, return filing notices, and other official documents from HMRC like P45 and P60.

Look out for a 10-digit number under “Tax Reference”, just like the UTR number example we’ve included at the beginning of this article.

How long does it take to get a UTR number? 

HMRC automatically issues a UTR number as soon as you register for Self Assessment or you set up a private limited company.

You’ll get a letter from HMRC with the UTR number within 7-10 working days for UK addresses, but it can take up to 21 working days, too, if you’re based abroad.

How can I get my UTR number online?

After registering for tax self-assessment and creating your online account with HMRC, you can find your UTR number online.

Log in to your HMRC account for viewing your tax returns and UTR. Plus, it has become easier now to check your UTR number online via the official HMRC app.

Is my UTR number on my payslip?

If you’ve got a payslip or PAYE coding notice that HMRC sent you, you should be able to find your UTR number there.

By the way, don’t worry if the payslip is 10 or 20 years old, as the UTR number won’t change, ever.

How much tax do I pay with a UTR number?

Let’s assume that you’re a subcontractor working on a couple of construction projects in the UK. Before your contractor can pay you for the first time, he or she must check whether you’re registered for self-employment as well as for CIS.

If the contractors find your UTR on HMRC’s list of CIS-registered subcontractors, they’ll deduct tax at a flat rate of 20% from your payments and pass it on to HMRC.

But if you haven’t given your UTR yet to your employers, or they can’t find your UTR number on the list of CIS subcontractors, they must deduct 30% tax from your pay instead. So, whether you’re living in the UK or abroad, registering for CIS is a smart idea.

You can even apply for gross payment status at the time of the CIS registration process, if you want contractors to pay you in full, without any tax deductions.

Can I have 2 UTR numbers?

No, you’ll get only 1 UTR number, whether it’s a personal UTR or one for a limited company in the United Kingdom. Even if you own multiple companies, each of those will get 1 company UTR number in the UK.

Is UTR the same as National Insurance (NI) number?

Nope. An NI number is a reference number for the country’s social security system.

You have to apply for an NI number when you’ve just turned 16 and you’re working in the UK, applying for a student loan, or you want to claim tax and other state benefits.

In fact, HMRC asks for your National Insurance number and other personal details when you register for self-assessment to get a UTR.

Can I file a tax return without a UTR number?

Long story short, no. You’re definitely going to need your UTR when you submit a self-assessment tax return for the first time.

What if I’ve lost my UTR number?

If you’ve lost or forgotten your UTR number, you can easily recover it from an HMRC document.

But when you can’t get hold of any such documents either, you can ask for your UTR by calling the Self Assessment helpline on a UTR customer service number given below:

  • 0300 200 3310 (if you’re in the UK)

  • 0300 200 3319 (if you’re in the UK)

  • +44 161 931 9070 (if you’re abroad)

It’s also possible to request Corporation Tax UTR from HMRC, in case you’ve got a private limited company in the UK.

For that, you’ll have to provide HMRC with your registered company name and your company registration number (CRN). HMRC will then send the UTR to the business address you had registered with Companies House.

How to contact HMRC for UTR-related and other queries

Apart from the phone numbers we’ve listed above, you can also get in touch with HMRC via:

  • Online videos and webinars. These are available for queries regarding the self-assessment.

  • Twitter. Start your tweet with the tag @HMRCcustomers for general support (please don’t mention your UTR number or any personal info, as it’s a social platform).

  • Webchat. A “speak to the adviser” link will appear whenever an adviser is available, so click on that link immediately. If you don’t, you’ll have to wait till another adviser gets available.

  • Post. Write to HMRC at this address: Self Assessment, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AS, United Kingdom. You don’t need to include a city name, PO box, or street name here.

What about Unique Transaction Reference numbers?

Unique Taxpayer Reference numbers aren’t the only UTR numbers out there. You may also see the acronym refer to Unique Transaction Reference numbers. While the two numbers share an abbreviation, they are two very different things with very different uses. Unique Transaction Reference numbers are unique codes meant to help banks identify and recognize financial transactions in India. Keep an eye on this space—we’ll discuss these numbers in greater detail in a future blog post!

If you’re paying UK tax while you’re based overseas, you’ll need to make international payments to HMRC. And when you’ve got the Xe money transfer app and website at your service, you can heave a sigh of relief.

International money transfers with Xe are fast, safe, and as easy as ABC.

 

Get in touch with XE.com

About XE.com

XE can help safeguard your profit margins and improve cashflow through quantifying the FX risk you face and implementing unique strategies to mitigate it. XE Business Solutions provides a comprehensive range of currency services and products to help businesses access competitive rates with greater control.

Deciding when to make an international payment and at what rate can be critical. XE Business Solutions work with businesses to protect bottom-line from exchange rate fluctuations, while the currency experts and risk management specialists act as eyes and ears in the market to protect your profits from the world’s volatile currency markets.

Your company money is safe with XE, their NASDAQ listed parent company, Euronet Worldwide Inc., has a multi billion-dollar market capitalization, and an investment grade credit rating. With offices in the UK, Canada, Europe, APAC and North America they have a truly global coverage.

Are you curious to know more about XE?
Maurits Houthoff, senior business development manager at XE.com, is always in for a cup of coffee, mail or call to provide you detailed information.

 

 

Visit XE.com

Visit XE partner page

 

 

 

#7 Poor internal communication (Dutch Item)

16-09-2021 | treasuryXL| XE

Internal communication problems can be an obstacle to good currency practices and risk management, especially as organizations grow. Business units that working in silos and rarely talking to each other, have little insight into the place their specific currency risk within the company’s overall risk.

In het ergste geval nemen bedrijfsonderdelen zelfs autonome beslissingen over transacties en risicobeheer die niet passen binnen de context van het bedrijf als geheel. Zo kunnen toeleveringsketenmanagers hedging gebruiken om het risico van hogere importprijzen af te dekken zonder te weten welke omzet de verkoopafdeling verwacht te halen uit buitenlandse verkopen.

Zulke storingen in de communicatie maken het erg moeilijk voor uw bedrijf om vreemde valuta holistisch te benaderen om de beste koersen en de beste service te krijgen en de risico’s zo effectief mogelijk te beheren. Als uw bedrijf met dit probleem te maken heeft, is het belangrijk om zo snel mogelijk actie te ondernemen voordat sluimerende risico’s ergens in het bedrijf echt een probleem gaan worden.

“Ken alle aspecten van het valutarisico van uw bedrijf”

De beste manier om dit risico tegen te gaan, is samen met uw valutaprovider een degelijk risicobeheerbeleid te ontwikkelen. Als u eenmaal alle aspecten van het valutarisico van uw bedrijf kent, kunt u de juiste procedures implementeren om het op holistische wijze te benaderen. En door deze procedures in elk onderdeel van uw bedrijf te implementeren, voorkomt u dat een enkel onderdeel van uw bedrijf een probleem kan veroorzaken. Tot slot moet u zich afvragen hoe gemakkelijk of moeilijk het is om voortdurend te communiceren met uw valutaprovider zelf. Online systemen maken de dagelijkse gang van zaken voor veel bedrijven sneller en eenvoudiger, maar er zullen altijd momenten zijn dat u extra hulp nodig hebt. Zoek een provider die telefonische hulp biedt waarmee u problemen zo snel mogelijk kunt oplossen. Weet u persoonlijk met wie u waarschijnlijk te maken krijgt? Is er bijvoorbeeld een enkele persoon of een team verantwoordelijk voor uw account? Krijgt u de informatie over valutamarkten die u nodig hebt om proactief beslissingen te nemen?

Klik hier voor meer Info en Download WhitePaper



Why might you use a market order?

09-09-2021 | treasuryXL | XE |

If you’re making a payment in a volatile market and aren’t operating under a deadline, you may want to consider a market order for your next money transfer.

If you need to send money overseas, sending it on the spot and crossing your fingers for a good rate isn’t your only option. (Thank goodness!) There are several ways to get the most out of your foreign exchange transfers, whether you’re hoping to get it done by a certain date or get the best possible rate. One of such is the market order, and it’s available to everyone. But what exactly is a market order and how does it work?

What is a market order?

Remember how we described forward contracts as the “buy now, pay later” transfer option? Market orders would be the “buy now, transfer later” option.

When you make a market order, you can specify your target rate at which you’d like to exchange your currencies. The current rate doesn’t matter: the markets are constantly moving, and you’ll never know when your desired rate will be live.

After you’ve placed your market order and set your target rate, your work is done, and now it’s up to the markets. Once your rate is live, your currency will automatically be purchased, allowing you to transfer currency at your ideal rate.

Why use a market order?

The foreign exchange market is volatile and unpredictable. Nonetheless, you can monitor the market and come up with a clear-cut currency strategy that allows you to get the most out of your foreign exchange transactions, without having to constantly check the rates.

With a market order, you can easily set an exchange rate you want for your currency and once your target is met, the transaction is initiated automatically. This gives you the opportunity to get the highest value for your currency regardless of how volatile the market is.

Key things to note about a market order

  • It allows you to customize your market order by setting the amount, exchange currency, value date, and validity.

  • You can choose a desired target exchange rate to either stop-loss, make -profit, or get the best of both.

  • Your market order triggers automatically once your target rate is reached.

  • Since the process is automated, you’re not required to keep monitoring the market for the best rates.

  • You can sit back and relax without bothering about the volatile nature of the foreign exchange market!

A market order allows you to get the best out of sending money at your most preferred exchange rate and to prevent the undesirable effects of the unstable foreign exchange market. Once you set a market order, the online money transfer platform such as Xe monitors the foreign exchange rate movement, automates and completes the transfer on your behalf once the set rate is reached.

It’s an opportunity for you to benefit from an automated foreign exchange management system with minimal exchange rate risks.

When should you use a market order?

You can use money order just about any time you want. However, certain situations make a money order the preferred choice for sending money. Here are the most preferred periods to use a money order:

  • To get the best of higher rates

  • To save money and time

  • To make the most of foreign exchange purchase

  • To create a safety net

  • To get the most out of your budget

  • To take advantage of favorable exchange rate

  • To manage foreign exchange risk

Depending on the currencies you want to transfer and what’s going on in the world at the time, your currencies could be subject to quite a bit of volatility. If you’re contending with frequent market motion, setting up a market order can help you to ensure that you’ll be able to make your transfer at the best possible rate, whenever that may be.

Market orders are also a great option for transfers that aren’t time-sensitive. Some transfers (such as bills or educational payments) need to be made by a certain date, but if your transfer doesn’t come with its own hard deadline, you can take advantage of market orders to make the most of your money in your transfer.

Why should you take note of currency risk management?

Managing the risks associated with the volatile nature of the foreign exchange market is important to get the best rates for your money transfer. This is one of the key reasons why the market order is such a good option. Here are key reasons why you should consider currency risk management using a market order:

  • All your foreign transfers will be based on strategic decisions.

  • You’ll be able to forecast your international expenses.

  • You’ll know precisely what foreign exchange range will be used for your transfer.

  • You’re not required to keep monitoring the market to get the best rates.

  • Market order is automated so you aren’t bothered about missing the best rates.

  • You can use the volatile nature of the market to your advantage.

Is a market order the best option if your transfer is date-focused?

No.

Unlike several other available money transfer methods, a market order isn’t the best option if you intend to transfer your money within a specific date. That’s if your money transfer has a deadline.

For example, some payments such as overseas mortgage, school fee or an emergency medical bill require payment within a specific period. Once you miss such a deadline, you’ll have to deal with the consequences that follow.

In such situations, a market order isn’t the best method for transferring your money. However, if your transfer doesn’t require any deadline or specific dates, a market order could be your best bet. Market orders are mostly suitable for money transfers that aren’t time-sensitive. It provides a perfect opportunity to sit back and wait for the best market rates before your transfer goes through.

How do I create a market order?

Ready to set up a market order? It’s no more complicated than sending any other money transfer. If you don’t have an account, take just a few minutes and sign up for your free account first. If you’re already registered, visit our Money Transfers page to learn more about how you can get started.

Are you curious to know more about XE?
Maurits Houthoff, senior business development manager at XE.com, is always in for a cup of coffee, mail or call to provide you the detailed information.

 

 

Visit XE.com

Visit XE partner page

 

 

 

#6 Not having a Grip on Compliance (Dutch Item)

02-09-2021 | XE |

Regulatory compliance must be an absolute priority for all organisations involved in foreign exchange transactions with foreign customers and suppliers. You must implement robust procedures to generate the information that your foreign exchange providers must legally have in order to carry out transactions on your behalf.

Als u dat niet doet, loopt u het risico dat betalingen niet op tijd worden verwerkt, waardoor uw relatie met leveranciers en klanten onder druk komt te staan of zelfs uw toeleveringsketen verstoord wordt. Ook uw cashflow kan in gevaar komen. Ondanks deze noodzaak is vertraging door regelgeving een veelvoorkomend probleem bij vreemde valuta. Financiële instellingen moeten zich aan strikte regels houden wanneer zij valutatransacties uitvoeren namens hun klanten. Volgens wetgeving om witwassen en andere verdachte praktijken tegen te gaan, moeten zij de identiteit controleren van alle partijen waarmee ze zaken doen, waaronder de buitenlandse partijen waarmee uw bedrijf contact heeft. Vertragingen in het verificatieproces kunnen de uitvoering van uw transactie vertragen.

“Bescherm uw cashflow, uw toeleveringsketen en uw relatie met leveranciers en klanten.”

U moet ook oppassen dat u niet verstrikt raakt in onbekende buitenlandse bankgegevens. Bankgegevens in eigen land zijn gestandaardiseerd, maar internationaal kan dat van land tot land
verschillen en kunt u te maken krijgen met internationale rekeningnummers (IBAN), bankidentificatiecodes (BIC) en andere gegevens.

Uw valutaprovider moet u kunnen helpen deze potentieel verwarrende variaties te verwerken en tegelijkertijd de geldende regels na te leven. Worden er bijvoorbeeld online systemen gebruikt om de invoer van gegevens te automatiseren, waardoor fouten of ontbrekende gegevens snel ontdekt kunnen worden die anders uw betaling zouden kunnen vertragen? Geeft uw provider eenvoudig advies zonder gebruik van jargon over de gegevens die u nodig hebt van buitenlandse partijen en waar u die kunt vinden? Kan uw provider betaalgegevens in zijn systemen bewaren zodat u ze niet bij elke volgende transactie opnieuw hoeft in te voeren?

Als u niet precies weet hoe u ervoor zorgt dat u de regelgeving naleeft, bespreek dat dan met een gespecialiseerde valutaprovider.

Klik hier voor meer Info en Download WhitePaper



Identifying Types of Fraud/Scams

26-08-2021 | treasuryXL | XE |

Knowledge is power. When it comes to avoiding scams, forewarned is forearmed. Here are a few common types of scams that criminals will use to try to steal your money or – more importantly – your identity.

1. Give Money to Get Money

If you ever receive an “official” notification that you’ve won a lottery or that someone wants to generously give you a large sum of money but first you need to send money to cover taxes, fees, clearances, or some other cost before collecting your prize, proceed with extreme caution!

The common thread with this scam, apart from the too-good-to-be-true offer, is that you must “act now” or respond immediately to the official sending the notice. This scam relies on you feeling pressured to not miss out on the deal or prize.

One of the most well-known versions of this type of scam is the Nigerian Prince (also known as the 419 Scam).

2. Phishing

Phishing is almost what it sounds like. Someone is fishing – and using bait – to obtain sensitive information to steal everything from the cash in your bank account to your identity.

Phishing scams replicate official-looking emails (or other communication types) from well-known and reputable companies. These fake emails include links or phone numbers encouraging you to change passwords or send personal documents and information (to update your account). The email will make some claim that there is an issue with your account (i.e. you need to supply documents to receive funds being remitted to you) and you need to click on the link provided to fix the problem. These links may take you to a look-alike site created by the criminals or contain malware (malicious software) which can give the criminals access to your computer (so don’t click!). Phone numbers may work the same way by directing you to a fake answering service.

There are a number of sub-species of the Phishing scam:

a) Spear Phishing

Spear Phishing is a little more sophisticated as it specifically targets you and relies on the trust you’ve built around a person, company, or brand. Most likely the communication will be personalized. Criminals target you from information they have found on sites like social media.

b) Clone Phishing

Clone Phishing differs in that it will copy a legitimate email that included an attachment or link. The attachment or link is replaced with a fraudulent version and the email is sent from a disguised address that appears to come from the original sender. The email may claim to be just a resend of the original or even an updated version.

c) Whaling

Whaling goes after the “big fish”. It targets senior executives or high-profile people within in a company. This type of fraud usually appears as a legitimate concern such as a legal request or subpoena, client issue, or corporate matter.

d) SMiShing

Cute name, not so cute fraud tactic using text or SMS. Potential victims receive an unsolicited text or SMS message with a link to a site that can contain malware or viruses. The urge to click is usually based on a “confirmation” of account activity and the risk of incurring additional charges or fees if the intended victim doesn’t take care of the problem immediately (by clicking the link).

3. Fear-Based (Service Cut Off/Jail Time)

You receive notification, usually through email or phone, that your account is in areas and you need to pay the balance immediately or have the utility service cut off. This type of fraud includes claims of unpaid taxes requiring immediate payment to avoid jail time. Criminals in this case are dependent on your fear of losing a necessity, like heat or water, or your personal freedom.

Conclusion

The ultimate goal of the criminal is to rob you. Criminals will try every sneaky tactic to get what they want and will play upon your fears, your generosity, or your trustfulness to get it.

Scammers attack when you’re least expecting it and often prey on the most well-intentioned people. Educate yourself on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from unexpected fraud. Here are several resources that provide helpful information:

Remember, no matter who is contacting you, NEVER give them any of your passwords, account numbers, or personal information without double-checking their identity first.

Be smart, be aware, and be safe!

Are you curious to know more about XE?
Maurits Houthoff, senior business development manager at XE.com, is always in for a cup of coffee, mail or call to provide you the detailed information.

 

 

Visit XE.com

Visit XE partner page

 

 

 

#5 Getting Overwhelmed by Complicated Administration (Dutch Item)

19-08-2021 | XE | treasuryXL |

Companies that regularly need Foreign Exchange often fail to see the bigger picture more because of all the details of the daily Payments and other transactions. Perhaps are you so busy processing foreign currency that you don’t get around to a lake strategic view of the total Risk of your company. Or maybe those transactions take time equipment that could be spent more productively on other things. It may even be so
that manual data entry procedures are prone to human error that lead to unnecessary delays.

Dit is vaak een probleem voor groeiende MKB-bedrijven, waarvan de eigenaar of oprichter buitenlandse betalingen zorgvuldig wil blijven volgen, maar geen tijd meer heeft voor de toenemende administratieve last. Zij moeten verantwoordelijk blijven voor het autoriseren van betalingen, vooral van grote bedragen, maar hebben geen tijd voor de verdere verwerking.

Uw huidige valutaprovider zou u moeten kunnen helpen om dat probleem op te lossen. Zo zou uw provider een systeem moeten kunnen
maken dat sommige gebruikers beheerdersrechten geeft voor de verwerking, maar het autoriseren van betalingen voorbehoudt aan specifieke personen. Uw provider zou eenvoudige, veilige en betrouwbare verwerking moeten kunnen bieden. En uw provider zou u moeten kunnen helpen vertraagde betalingen te traceren.

Als u niet de beschikking hebt over dit soort diensten, kan het beheren van vreemde valuta al snel een kostbare, tijdrovende taak voor uw bedrijf worden. Daardoor wordt het nog moeilijker om uw activiteiten strategisch te benaderen om de risico’s te beheren, proactieve besluitvorming mogelijk te maken en vooruit te plannen. Vooral grotere organisaties kunnen kwetsbaar zijn voor deze fout.

Maar bedrijven die voor vreemde valuta nooit verder hebben gekeken dan hun huidige provider en nooit op zoek zijn gegaan naar een alternatieve partner, weten misschien niet eens dat er andere mogelijkheden zijn. Als u verstrikt raakt in de details van valutatransacties, praat dan met alternatieve providers over hoe zij u kunnen helpen effectiever te functioneren.

 

Klik hier voor meer Info en Download WhitePaper



How to set up a forward contract and lock in a rate for your business

12-08-2021 | treasuryXL | XE |

A forward contract gives you and your business certainty, allowing you the peace of mind to have confidence that your international exposures are taken care of.

At Xe, they work with businesses of all sizes across many industries. They recognize that each business has its own requirements for its payments, and thus do they offer a diverse suite of money transfer products and solutions in order to meet each business’s international payment needs.

Let’s say that you’ll need to make a payment in the future. Right now, the rates are in your favor, but your payment is weeks or even months away, and you’re worried that the rates could change in the coming weeks, which would make your upcoming payment much more expensive than it would be now. You can’t influence the markets, but is there anything you can do to avoid feeling the brunt of currency market volatility?

In that case, the forward contract would be the right solution for you. Let’s take a closer look at what that is and how it could help your business.

What is a forward contract? 

A forward contract is an agreement to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a specified future date. In the context of money transfer, this is how it works:

  • You specify which currencies you’d like to exchange, and get a quote at the current exchange rate.

  • You select the date on which you’d like to send this transfer, and provide all necessary recipient and payment information.

  • On that date, the transfer will automatically trigger, and will convert and send at the previously established rate.

You could think of it as the “buy now, send later” money transfer option. You’ll do the work of setting up the transfer now, and your currency exchange will happen at the current exchange rate, but the transfer itself won’t happen until the date you’ve specified.

Why is a forward contract useful? 

A forward contract can be useful in two ways: allowing you to lock in your rate to avoid future volatility, and to ensure that your payment will be sent (and delivered) by a certain date.

Changes in currency values can dramatically impact the cost of your business money transfers. If the currency that you’re sending weakens, or the currency you’re transferring to strengthens, a simple payment could suddenly become much more costly for your business. A forward contract gives you and your business certainty, allowing you the peace of mind to have confidence that your international exposures are taken care of.

Additionally, if your payment needs to be delivered by a certain date, arranging your payment in advance can ensure that it will be sent on time. No matter how busy things get leading up to the transfer date, you can rest assured that your payment is taken care of.

How to set up a forward contract 

If you’re interested in setting up a forward contract and securing a rate for your business’s upcoming money transfer, give them a call to set that up with our team. If you don’t already have a Xe account, take a look at their guide to registering for a business account.

Get Started

Get in touch with XE.com

About XE.com

XE can help safeguard your profit margins and improve cashflow through quantifying the FX risk you face and implementing unique strategies to mitigate it. XE Business Solutions provides a comprehensive range of currency services and products to help businesses access competitive rates with greater control.

Deciding when to make an international payment and at what rate can be critical. XE Business Solutions work with businesses to protect bottom-line from exchange rate fluctuations, while the currency experts and risk management specialists act as eyes and ears in the market to protect your profits from the world’s volatile currency markets.

Your company money is safe with XE, their NASDAQ-listed parent company, Euronet Worldwide Inc., has a multi-billion-dollar market capitalization, and an investment grade credit rating. With offices in the UK, Canada, Europe, APAC and North America they have truly global coverage.

Are you curious to know more about XE?
Maurits Houthoff, senior business development manager at XE.com, is always in for a cup of coffee, mail or call to provide you the detailed information.

 

 

Visit XE.com

Visit XE partner page