Twenty7tec has released the latest episode of its ELEVATE Podcast Series in partnership with Smart Currency Exchange, exploring the growing role foreign currency exchange plays in the mortgage process and why advisers should be paying closer attention to the risks and opportunities involved.
In the episode, Twenty7tec’s Senior Campaign Manager Sam Cane is joined by Kieren Horgan, Business Development Director at Smart Currency Exchange, to discuss how international money transfers can impact affordability, customer outcomes and the wider advice journey.
A key insight shared during the discussion revealed that around one in five mortgage cases involve some form of foreign exchange, while successful referrals to Smart Currency Exchange generated an average commission of £625 per case for advisers in 2025.
The conversation highlights how increasingly global client journeys are creating new considerations for brokers, with many buyers now relying on overseas savings, gifted deposits, international income or proceeds from overseas property sales to fund UK purchases.
The episode also explores how geopolitical uncertainty and “Black Swan” events continue to create volatility within currency markets. From global conflict to political instability and shifting economic policy, exchange rates can move significantly during the mortgage process, potentially putting transactions and affordability at risk.
One real-world example discussed in the episode involved a client purchasing a £2 million UK property with funds held in US dollars. Due to exchange rate movements over several months, the client lost more than £100,000 because foreign exchange had not been considered early enough in the process.
The discussion reinforces the importance of identifying foreign exchange requirements at the earliest possible stage. Through Twenty7tec’s integration with Smart Currency Exchange, advisers can quickly refer clients where international currency transfers are involved, helping provide a more complete and protected customer journey.
Alongside the customer benefits, the episode also highlights the competitive advantage for advisers. By introducing specialist support into the process, brokers can enhance customer service, strengthen due diligence around international funds, and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.
Sam Cane, Senior Campaign Manager Manager at Twenty7tec said: “The message throughout the episode is clear. Advisers do not need to become foreign exchange specialists themselves, but they do need to recognise when currency risk exists and ensure clients have access to the right support early enough in the journey.
“As international transactions become increasingly common across the UK mortgage market, foreign exchange is no longer a niche consideration, but an important part of delivering stronger customer outcomes.”
Listen to the latest episode of ELEVATE on Spotify here or on YouTube here to learn how advisers can better support clients navigating international transactions, protect affordability and reduce exposure to currency risk.
