Why it matters

Exchange rates move every second — and so do your margins.
If you’re importing stock or paying suppliers in foreign currency, small fluctuations in the Rand can add thousands to your landed costs.
That’s why successful businesses don’t leave their foreign payments to chance. They plan them.

Forward Cover and Market Orders are simple tools that help you manage risk, lock in certainty, and protect profitability — and at Currency Assist, we make these tools easy to use.

Forward Cover — planning ahead with certainty

A Forward Exchange Contract (FEC) lets you fix today’s exchange rate for a future payment date, typically up to 12 months ahead.
This means your future cost is protected — regardless of what the Rand does between now and then.

When to use it:

• You’ve ordered goods but payment is due later.
• You’re working with thin margins and can’t afford currency swings.
• You want to quote your clients with confidence and predictable profit.

How it works:

1. We agree the currency, amount, and date you’ll need settlement.
2. Your rate is locked in — the contract is secured with our banking partner.
3. When payment is due, we settle at that rate — not the market rate of the day.

No surprises. No volatility. Just certainty.

Market Orders — letting opportunity come to you

A Market Order (also known as a Target Rate) allows you to set a specific rate at which you’d like to trade.
When the market reaches your chosen level — even while you sleep — your order automatically executes.

When to use it:

• You want to take advantage of a stronger Rand without watching the market all day.
• You have flexibility on timing and can wait for your desired rate.
• You’re managing multiple supplier payments and want consistency across orders.

How it works:

1. We agree your target rate and transaction amount.
2. Your dealer monitors the market or sets an automated trigger.
3. When your rate is achieved, the deal executes instantly, and we notify you.

It’s a proactive way to make volatility work in your favour.

Why Currency Assist

• Hands-on support: you deal directly with a dedicated FX dealer who knows your business.
• Real-time monitoring: we keep an eye on the markets for you.
• Flexible structures: combine Forward Cover and Market Orders for a balanced approach.
• Competitive pricing: access wholesale rates through our authorised-dealer network.
• Full compliance: every trade handled in line with SARB exchange-control regulations.

Real-world example

A Cape Town-based importer buying €250 000 in equipment every quarter fixed forward cover when the Rand was R19.20/€.
Three months later, the market had weakened to R20.05/€.
By securing the earlier rate, the company saved nearly R212 500 — money that went straight to its bottom line.

Ready to put a strategy in place?

Let’s review your upcoming orders and design a currency plan that protects your margins — and grows your business with certainty.