If you’re moving funds internationally, here’s a simpler, cheaper and quicker way to do it

There’s no doubt that moving funds into or out of South Africa via the banks can be costly, slow and complicated – and a problem with a payment can quickly turn into a lengthy exercise to resolve.

Try chasing up a delayed payment with the bank and you’ll likely find yourself passed from one call centre operator to another, or left trying to get answers from an unhelpful chatbot.

These long-standing difficulties prompted multi-award-winning fintech Future Forex to develop a better way of moving money internationally – one that removes much of the complexity and unnecessary cost traditionally associated with the major banks.

While combining leading-edge technology with white-glove service, the company has managed to cut international money transfer costs by up to 50% for individuals and 30% for businesses.

But behind the technology is a team of foreign exchange specialists who understand all the regulations and requirements, and are just a phone call away whenever support is needed.

“That’s a key difference between us and the banks,” says Future Forex CEO Harry Scherzer, a qualified actuary.

“Apart from the cost savings, our focus is on providing a genuinely personalised service around every transaction. We get to know our clients, understand what they’re trying to achieve and provide hands-on support throughout the process – something that would typically come with a price tag elsewhere, or be reserved for larger corporate clients.”

With the rand so volatile, a 30-50% saving matters, particularly on larger transactions. For an individual, that could mean more money towards an offshore property, investment or retirement.

And for SMEs making regular import/export or other international transactions, reducing the cost of foreign exchange can free up more capital for growth.

Why bank charges are hard to detect

Banks are deliberately vague about their fees, and typically charge 2-3% of the transaction value – much of which is hidden in the exchange rate itself.

Some of the banks’ fees are easy to identify, such as SWIFT fees (typically R500 – R1 000 per transaction) and commissions. What’s not so visible is the ‘spread’ – the difference between the rate at which the banks buy the foreign currency and the rate at which they sell it to you.

For example, you might do a quick Google search and find out that the going rate is R16.50 to the dollar. However, a bank might quote you R16.84 instead.

That seemingly small 34c difference translates to a hidden spread fee of roughly 2%.

For anyone moving a substantial sum, even a small margin matters. For example, a 2% charge on a R1 million transfer amounts to R20 000. On R5 million, it is R100 000, before any separate processing fees are factored in.

An all-in-one service experience

Cost aside, when funds needs to arrive in time for a property deadline, supplier payment or another important financial commitment, clients also want someone who can explain the process and help resolve questions.

That’s why Future Forex assigns each client a dedicated account manager from the moment they register – an expert who understands their requirements, can guide the transfer from start to finish and is available via WhatsApp, phone or email.

That personal service becomes particularly valuable when a transaction involves unfamiliar paperwork or questions about which documents are required.

Rather than having to repeat the details of a payment as they move between service channels, clients have someone who already understands their transaction and can help keep things moving.

And because international transfers often involve more than simply exchanging currencies, the team also helps with the administrative and regulatory side of moving money across borders.

This includes Sars Approval of International Transfer (AIT) applications, South African Reserve Bank approvals where required, and Balance of Payments (BoP) submissions – all at no additional cost.

The same hands-on support extends to South Africans planning to permanently move abroad, or who have already done so. Future Forex also offers a tax emigration service, guiding clients through the process of formally ceasing South African tax residency and navigating the associated requirements.

Technology designed for simplicity

For clients who prefer a more hands-on approach, Future Forex’s web platform and mobile app provide a simple, streamlined way to manage international payments.

From live exchange rates and real-time payment tracking to document uploads and transaction management, everything you need is accessible in one place.

This powerful mix of innovative tech and personalised service has positioned Future Forex as a pioneer in SA’s foreign exchange landscape.

The company has earned multiple accolades, including ‘Company of the Year’ at the 2025 Africa Career Summit and ‘Outstanding Customer Service in Forex and Payments, South Africa’ at the World Business Outlook Awards, adding to a consistent string of recognitions in previous years.

Most recently, Future Forex was ranked second in News24’s fastest-growing South African companies (2026), reinforcing its rapid growth and position in the market.

Follow this link to get in touch with a Future Forex expert or request a quote for your transaction. You can also give them a call on 021 518 0558 or send them a message on WhatsApp.

Brought to you by Future Forex.

Future Forex is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 51884) and a South African Reserve Bank-approved foreign exchange intermediary.

Moneyweb does not endorse any product or service being advertised in sponsored articles on our platform.

#youre #moving #funds #internationally #heres #simpler #cheaper #quicker