Forward exchange: lock in your rate today for a future transaction
On the day you convert, the exchange rate may have changed by 3%, 5% or 8%. With a significant amount involved, this will affect your final result. With b-sharpe, set your exchange rate in advance and lock in the value of your conversion.
Rate set in advance
Direct access to the FX desk
100% Swiss secure service
Why unhedged
currency exposure is eating into your margins
Without hedging, exchange rate fluctuations can have a direct impact on your results. Here are the main effects observed.
Squeezed margins
An adverse change between the signing of a contract and its performance may reduce the expected margin, sometimes significantly.
Amortised cost
In the case of a major purchase (supplier, property, acquisition of a business), the final cost depends on the exchange rate on the day of conversion, not on the day the decision was made.
Budgetary variances
Actual results may differ from budget forecasts when exchange rates fluctuate, making financial management and reporting more difficult.
Manage your currency
risk with b-sharpe
To safeguard your margins and budgets in the long term, your rate must be set before the market moves. b-sharpe helps you set up a hedging strategy tailored to your cash flows.
A rate set in advance, to safeguard your margin
Today, you set the exchange rate for a transaction that will take place on a specified date. The amount you will receive or pay is known as soon as the contract is drawn up, regardless of how the market moves in the meantime.
Transparent financial arrangements
The forward rate is neither an estimate nor a market forecast. It is calculated based on the spot rate and the interest rate differential between the two currencies over the period in question. The aim is not to profit from exchange rate movements, but to protect a specific return.
A Swiss framework, without technical integration
b-sharpe complies with Swiss financial regulations. The contract can be set up independently or with support from our team, with no prior relationship required.
4 steps to
exchanging currencies on a forward basis
Identify a genuine future need for foreign exchange
You have an upcoming payment, receipt or intra-group transaction in a currency other than your own.
Set the amount and due date
You can discuss the exact amount and the scheduled date with your b-sharpe contact.
Fix the exchange rate
The forward rate is calculated and fixed. What you will receive or pay in the future is known right now.
The execution will take place on the scheduled date
At maturity, the conversion takes place at the agreed rate, regardless of how the market has performed in the meantime.
Identify a genuine future need for foreign exchange
You have an upcoming payment, receipt or intra-group transaction in a currency other than your own.
Set the amount and due date
You can discuss the exact amount and the scheduled date with your b-sharpe contact.
Fix the exchange rate
The forward rate is calculated and fixed. What you will receive or pay in the future is known right now.
The execution will take place on the scheduled date
At maturity, the conversion takes place at the agreed rate, regardless of how the market has performed in the meantime.
When should you use
a forward exchange contract?
Payment to foreign suppliers within 60 or 90 days
Intra-group transactions between international subsidiaries
Export customer payment due on a specific date
Salaries or recurring expenses in foreign currencies
A b-sharpe
adviser at your side
Adrien supports businesses and SMEs in managing their multi-currency cash flows. He analyses your needs and recommends tailored solutions (spot foreign exchange, forward foreign exchange contracts, currency risk hedging), acting as your dedicated point of contact throughout the process.
23 currencies available for
your forward foreign exchange contracts
Cover most of your needs in Europe, North America, Asia and beyond. The currencies eligible for a forward exchange contract are determined with your account manager based on your exposure.
Swiss security for
your futures contracts
A regulated intermediary in Switzerland
b-sharpe is a Swiss financial intermediary affiliated with SO-FIT, a Swiss self-regulatory organisation.
You are operating in an environment that complies with Swiss standards.
Enhanced protection for funds
Insurance cover of CHF 5 million provides additional protection for your funds against the risks of fraud, hacking or embezzlement.
Over 20 years’ experience in foreign exchange
Founded in 2006 by Jean-Marc Sabet following a career at UBS, HSBC and Synthesis Bank, b-sharpe has served over 40,000 clients. Trustpilot rating: 4.8/5.
A team of experts, highly regarded by our clients
Our experts will guide you through getting to grips with the platform, as well as helping you navigate the challenges and complexities of currency exchange.
Frequently asked questions
about forward foreign exchange
Yes. A forward foreign exchange contract with b-sharpe requires a minimum amount of CHF 60,000 (or the equivalent in another currency). This condition ensures the transaction is economically viable. For smaller amounts, our spot foreign exchange service is available with no minimum amount restriction.
Setting up a forward contract generally takes between one week and one month, depending on the complexity of your requirements. Your b-sharpe adviser will finalise the terms with you (currency, amount, maturity date, guaranteed rate) before the contract is signed electronically. For any enquiries regarding forward contracts, please contact us directly by telephone.
A security deposit may be required when setting up the contract, generally between 5% and 10% of the nominal amount. This deposit is returned at maturity. It guarantees the proper execution of the transaction and protects both parties in the event of significant market fluctuations before maturity.
In the event of a significant adverse movement in the foreign exchange market, b-sharpe may need to ask you for additional margin to maintain the hedge in place. Your adviser will inform you immediately and assist you in managing this situation. This mechanism, which is common in hedging products, ensures the contract is fulfilled until its expiry.