Most SMEs Are Flying Blind on FX Risk - We Found Out Why

Foreign exchange (FX) risk isn’t something most founders think about when they start a business. But as soon as international payments or invoices hit the books, it becomes impossible to ignore.
We spoke to 100 SME founders across Australia and the UK. They’re smart, ambitious, and globally minded. But when it comes to managing FX risk, many are still flying blind - and paying the price.

Here's what we found:

1. 68% Do Nothing at All
“We just pay the invoice when it’s due and hope the rate hasn’t moved too much.”
This was the most common response we heard. Most founders know currency moves affect margins—but admit they haven’t taken action. Why?

 Because FX risk is invisible in most systems. And nobody wants to manage it in a spreadsheet.

2. 21% Rely on Bank Spot Rates
“We check the rate on the day and go with it.”
This sounds reasonable—until you realise banks often build in a margin, and rates can swing 2–3% in a matter of days. That could mean thousands wiped off your margin without warning.

3. 8% Use Forward Contracts
Usually introduced by a broker, forward contracts give these founders price certainty—but they’re often unsure if they’ve timed it right, paid too much, or are over-hedging without real visibility.

4. Only 3% Use Real-Time FX Tools
This small group had something the rest didn’t: clarity.

 They knew what they were exposed to, what it meant for their bottom line, and what they’d do if rates moved.
Their secret? They weren’t guessing. They had Bretton.

Why This Should Scare You (Just a Bit)

A 5% shift in exchange rates could cost your business thousands on a single invoice. If you don’t know how exposed you are, or what you’d do if it happens, you’re vulnerable. And chances are, your competitors aren’t leaving it to chance.

The Bretton Fix

We built Bretton because founders need more than gut feel.

 With our platform, you can:
- Instantly see your FX exposure
- Understand how rate swings could affect you
- Set up rate alerts to get ahead of risk
- Explore strategies like forward contracts without the complexity

What Would You Do if the Rate Moved 5% Tomorrow?

Most founders we spoke to didn’t have an answer.


Bretton exists to help you find yours.
See your real exposure in seconds