Warning 'misconceptions' of currency hedging next industry scandal

FCA 'turns blind-eye'

Tom Eckett
clock • 4 min read

Industry commentators have warned the majority of advisers and wealth managers have failed to hedge their foreign currency holdings into sterling, meaning a rally in the pound could wipe out returns.

In a further warning, they said unknowing investors in safe-haven assets such as global bond funds will be hardest hit by a sterling rally, as bonds are most affected by currency movements. In 2016, investors in foreign assets benefitted from a sterling windfall following the collapse in the currency after the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU). The pound plummeted 16.5% against the dollar to as low as $1.149 during that year, fuelling the rise of foreign equity holdings and large-cap UK stocks. However, according to Christopher Peel, CIO of Tavistock Wealth, this trend is set ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Adapting portfolios for a more fragile world

Adapting portfolios for a more fragile world

'Europe remains especially exposed given its reliance on imported energy'

Jeremy Ocansey
clock 20 April 2026 • 3 min read
Vanguard to launch first-time investor service through targeted support

Vanguard to launch first-time investor service through targeted support

Received FCA permission

Jen Frost
clock 20 April 2026 • 2 min read
A very old saying with a very modern problem: Exploring behavioural biases

A very old saying with a very modern problem: Exploring behavioural biases

'If only the calendar could tell us when to take risk and when to retreat'

Ian Jensen-Humphreys
clock 16 April 2026 • 4 min read