Barclays

Foreign exchange (FX)

Barclays offers a range of foreign exchange facilities. Some of these are included as part of the investment, wealth management and financial planning solutions offered through Barclays iInvest.

Why use foreign exchange facilities?

There are three main reasons for exchanging currencies in relation to investments:

• To make payments in a foreign currency e.g. to buy a property overseas
• To reduce the risk of adverse price and exchange movements i.e. to 'hedge' against them, e.g. rental income from a holiday home
• To buy and sell currencies, or to speculate on movements between currencies for a profit. It should be noted that this carries a very high level of risk of losing what you have invested.

 

Types of foreign exchange facilities offered

We offer:

• Spot exchanges in which you can exchange one currency against another at an agreed rate for settlement two working days later. However, same day or next day settlement is available in certain currencies.
• Forward exchange contracts in which you agree to buy or sell at an agreed price on an agreed date of up to two years forward.
• Option dated forward exchange contracts in which you can complete the exchange between two dates in the future. This settlement window can be up to two years from Spot depending on the currencies involved.

Your capital is at risk when entering into these transactions.

Investment opportunities in different currencies

Through Barclays iInvest you can invest in a range of structured products and funds in sterling, euros and US dollars. This can help to serve your requirements for funding or for receiving returns.

Barclays iInvest also enables you to convert funds currently held in another denomination.

Find out more about the investments available through Barclays iInvest.

Important
If you are considering using these services then you must understand that foreign exchange trading is a high-risk activity and the value of your capital can fall as well as rise.

You have sole responsibility for the management of your tax and legal affairs, including making any applicable filings and payments and complying with any applicable laws and regulations. We have not provided and will not provide you with tax or legal advice and recommend that you obtain your own independent tax and legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Find out more about currency options available to you with Barclays

Barclays iInvest is available to investors with £50,000 (or currency equivalent) to invest. To find out more choose one of the following options:

Speak to your Relationship Manager

Telephone us on +44 (0)1624 684496^†

Download the Barclays iInvest brochure.