International Financial Management came into being when the countries of the world started opening their doors for each other. This phenomenon is well known by the name of “liberalization”. Due to the open environment and freedom to conduct business in any corner of the world, entrepreneurs started looking for opportunities even outside their country boundaries. The spark of liberalization was further aired by swift progression in telecommunications and transportation technologies that too with increased accessibility and daily dropping prices. Apart from everything else, we cannot forget the contribution of financial innovations such as currency derivatives; cross-border stock listings, multi-currency bonds and international mutual funds. The resultant of liberalization and technology advancement is today’s dynamic international business environment. Financial management for a domestic business and an international business is as dramatically different as the opportunities in the two. The meaning and objective of financial management do not change in international financial management but the dimensions and dynamics change drastically. Difference between Domestic and International Financial Management Four major facets which differentiate international financial management from domestic financial management are an introduction of foreign currency, political risk and market imperfections and enhanced opportunity set. Foreign Exchange It’s an additional risk which a finance manager is required to cater to under an International Financial Management setting.
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International Financial Management is a well-known term in today’s world and it is also known as international finance. It means financial management in an international business environment.
Foreign exchange risk refers to the risk of fluctuating prices of currency which has the potential to convert a profitable deal into a loss-making one. Political Risks The political risk may include any change in the economic environment of the country viz. Taxation Rules, Contract Act etc. It is pertaining to the government of a country which can anytime change the rules of the game in an unexpected manner.
Market Imperfection Having done a lot of integration in the world economy, it has got a lot of differences across the countries in terms of transportation cost, different tax rates, etc. Imperfect markets force a finance manager to strive for best opportunities across the countries. Enhanced Opportunity Set By doing business in other than native countries, a business expands its chances of reaping fruits of different taste. Not only does it enhances the opportunity for the business but also diversifies the overall risk of a business. Just like domestic financial management, the goal of International Finance is also to maximize the shareholder’s wealth.
The goal is not only is limited to the ‘Shareholders’ but extends to all ‘Stakeholders’ viz. Employees, suppliers, customers etc. No goal can be achieved without achieving welfare of shareholders. In other words, maximizing shareholder’s wealth would mean maximizing the price of the share. Here again comes a question, whether in which currency should the value of the share be maximized?