Six key steps to implementing an operational FX program

1. Identify goals and objectives

A critical first step is understanding your risk management program’s goals and objectives, as well as how you will define success. You could base success on a quantitative metric (i.e., limit EBITDA impacts from FX to $X, or reduce FX G/L by Y%), a qualitative goal (i.e., leverage a technology-driven workflow to reduce manual support required), or both. Make sure to communicate and align objectives across all potential stakeholders (treasury, accounting, management, tax, business units).

2. Quantify exposure and define risk reduction targets

Before taking steps to reduce risk, you must have a holistic view of your existing FX footprint with an understanding of the key risk drivers. What is the magnitude and direction of currency exposures? Is data available with sufficient granularity to support economic and accounting decisions? Are there any natural offsets? How volatile are the currencies? Are there correlations that you should consider? You can then quantify your portfolio risk, define your risk tolerance levels and priorities, confirm that the stated objectives can be achieved, and determine where to focus risk mitigation efforts for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

3. Determine hedging strategy

With your exposure profile and desired targets identified, the third step involves evaluating potential hedging strategies (including hedge tenor, ratios, products, and frequency) that will best align the program with your objectives. As you evaluate alternatives, keep in mind operational requirements, hedge accounting capacity, and forecast certainty.

4. Consider accounting constraints

While economic priorities often serve as the primary driver behind a hedging strategy, you should also align the accounting results with these economic objectives. Selecting the appropriate hedge accounting approach can increase the flexibility and capacity of a hedging program while ensuring that you reduce P&L impact — a common objective for most programs.

5. Communicate the program

Hedging programs impact a wide array of stakeholders in your organization, including treasury, FP&A, accounting, tax, legal, and business units. Clear communication across stakeholder groups, from a common understanding of risk terminology to recurring reports and expected results, can ensure your program benefits the broader firm and can respond to needs that arise from changes occurring outside of treasury.

6. Activate the program

Upon receiving approval on the program design and strategy, the last step involves implementing the appropriate processes and technology to activate your program. Leveraging best-in-class technology to automate key program workflows and integrate with your existing systems will ensure minimal operational burden and keep your team focused on value-added analysis and program results.

Chatham corporate treasury advisory and hedge accounting

Chatham Financial partners with corporate treasury teams to develop and execute financial risk management strategies that align with program objectives. Our full range of solutions includes risk management strategy development, risk quantification, exposure management (interest rate, currency, and commodity), outsourced execution, technology solutions, and hedge accounting. We work with treasury teams to develop, evaluate, and enhance their risk management programs and to articulate the costs and benefits of strategic decisions.