Contact Latitude: https://www.latitudeworld.com/contact/ In this episode of The Global Passport Investor, Latitude Group Chairman and CEO Eric Major sits down with Giles Lloyd, Founder of CompareFX, to explore one of the most overlooked (and often misunderstood) aspects of global mobility: moving money internationally. For globally mobile families, entrepreneurs, and investors, transferring capital across borders is not just a logistical step. It is a critical financial decision. Yet, as Giles explains, many individuals remain unaware of how foreign exchange (FX) pricing works, how margins are applied, and how much these hidden costs can add up over time. Drawing on his experience in the FX industry, Giles outlines the key challenges clients face, including lack of transparency, trust issues, and the complexity of navigating a highly saturated market. He also explains how CompareFX approaches this differently by introducing transparency, competitive benchmarking, and structured pricing controls. The conversation also explores how FX strategy plays a role in global investment planning, particularly in the context of investment migration. From managing currency volatility to using forward contracts and timing transfers effectively, the discussion highlights how even small percentage differences can translate into significant savings. As Eric and Giles discuss, moving money internationally is not simply about execution. It is about strategy, timing, and having the right expertise in your corner. If you are considering international investments, residency, or citizenship, this episode provides a practical perspective on how to approach currency risk and cross-border transactions more effectively. Chapters: 00:14 Giles Lloyd and CompareFX overview 01:34 Why FX is essential in global mobility 03:16 Trust and transparency issues in the FX market 04:12 How CompareFX compares providers and pricing 06:17 Hidden fees and "margin creep" explained 07:13 What is a margin control agreement? 08:40 Pricing differences based on transaction size 12:00 Spot vs forward contracts explained 12:24 How clients reduce FX costs (real examples) 14:17 The importance of timing and dedicated traders 15:50 Client behavior and long-term FX relationships 18:27 Future plans for CompareFX About Latitude Latitude is a leading global advisory firm specializing in residence and citizenship planning. We've guided more than 7,500 families toward a second residency or citizenship, helping them structure smarter Plan B (and Plan C) options worldwide. Our SMILE framework focuses on: Security, Mobility, Insurance, Lifestyle, and Education & Employment opportunities. We also advise governments on the design and implementation of residence and citizenship programs, giving us a unique, inside-out understanding of the industry. Learn more: https://www.latitudeworld.com/ Follow the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Rl4gx5 Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. A professional consultation is required to assess individual circumstances. Episode FAQ What is foreign exchange (FX)? Foreign exchange (FX) refers to the process of converting one currency into another, typically required when moving money internationally for investments, property purchases, or residency programs. Why is FX important for global investors? FX plays a critical role in cross-border transactions. Exchange rates, timing, and provider fees can significantly impact the total cost of international investments. What are FX margins? FX margins are the markups applied by providers on exchange rates. Even small percentage differences can result in substantial costs, particularly on large transfers. What is a forward contract? A forward contract allows individuals to lock in an exchange rate today for a transaction that will take place in the future, helping to manage currency risk. How can investors reduce FX costs? Investors can reduce costs by comparing providers, understanding margins, using hedging strategies, and working with specialists who monitor timing and market conditions. Why is timing important in FX transactions? Currency markets fluctuate constantly. Executing a transaction at the right time, combined with competitive pricing, can significantly reduce overall costs. Do global investors need an FX strategy? Yes. For large or staged international transactions, having a structured FX strategy can help manage risk, improve cost efficiency, and reduce uncertainty. #ForeignExchange #GlobalMobility #InvestmentMigration #CrossBorderFinance #WealthPlanning #CurrencyRisk #SecondCitizenship #ResidencyByInvestment #GlobalInvesting #LatitudeGroup