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International finance

1. Define globalisation.
Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of
countries through the exchange of goods, services, information, and ideas on a global
scale. It involves the breaking down of barriers and the integration of economies,
cultures, and societies worldwide.

2. goals of international finance :


o Facilitating international trade
o Promoting economic growth
o Fostering financial stability
o Managing exchange rates
o Attracting foreign investment
o Ensuring efficient allocation of resources
o Reducing financial risks
o Enhancing global economic cooperation
These goals help countries to strengthen their economies and foster cooperation on a global
scale.
3. Define capital account with reference to BOP
The capital account, in the context of the Balance of Payments (BOP), refers to the
section that records the flow of capital between a country and the rest of the world. It
includes transactions related to investments, loans, and transfers of financial assets.
The capital account reflects changes in a country's ownership of assets abroad and
foreign ownership of assets within the country. It helps to measure the financial flows
and the overall financial position of a country in the global economy. The capital
account, in the context of the Balance of Payments (BOP), refers to the section that
records the flow of capital between a country and the rest of the world. It includes
transactions related to investments, loans, and transfers of financial assets. The capital
account reflects changes in a country's ownership of assets abroad and foreign
ownership of assets within the country. It helps to measure the financial flows and the
overall financial position of a country in the global economy.
4. Define Spot forex transaction.
A spot forex transaction refers to the buying or selling of one currency for another at
the current exchange rate. It involves the immediate exchange of currencies, typically
settled within two business days. For example, if you exchange US dollars for euros at
the current exchange rate, it would be considered a spot forex transaction. It's like a
regular currency exchange you might do when traveling, but in the forex market.

5. What is geographical arbitrage?


Geographical arbitrage refers to the practice of taking advantage of price differences
for the same product or asset in different geographic locations. It involves buying the
product or asset in a lower-priced location and selling it in a higher-priced location to
make a profit. For example, if a certain product is priced lower in one country compared
to another, a person could buy it in the lower-priced country and sell it in the higher-
priced country to make money. It's a way of capitalizing on regional price disparities to
earn profits.

6. What is forward contract in the forex market?


A forward contract in the forex market is an agreement between two parties to
exchange a specific amount of one currency for another at a predetermined exchange
rate and future date. It is a way to lock in a future exchange rate to protect against
potential currency fluctuations. For example, if you know you will need a certain
amount of foreign currency in the future, you can enter into a forward contract to
secure the exchange rate now. This can help businesses and individuals manage their
currency risk and plan for future transactions.

7. explain the concept of tax evasion?


Tax evasion refers to the illegal act of intentionally avoiding paying taxes that are owed
to the government. It involves deliberately misrepresenting or concealing income,
assets, or transactions in order to reduce tax liability. Some common methods of tax
evasion include underreporting income, inflating deductions or expenses, using
offshore accounts to hide money, and engaging in fraudulent activities. It's important
to note that tax evasion is illegal and can result in penalties, fines, and even criminal
charges. It's always best to comply with tax laws and fulfill your tax obligations.
8. Write a note on international credit rating agencies.
key points about international credit rating agencies:

o International credit rating agencies assess the creditworthiness of countries,


corporations, and other entities.
o They provide independent evaluations of credit risk for debt securities like
government and corporate bonds.
o Well-known agencies include Standard & Poor's (S&P), Moody's Investors
Service, and Fitch Ratings.
o Credit ratings range from AAA (highest creditworthiness) to D (default).
o Factors considered for ratings include financial health, ability to repay debt,
stability, and market conditions.
o Ratings influence borrowing costs, investor confidence, and perceptions of risk.
o Remember, credit ratings are opinions, not guarantees. Investors should do their
own research.
9. Write a note on Eurobonds with an example.
Eurobonds are bonds that are issued in a currency different from the currency of the country
where they are issued. They are typically denominated in a currency that is widely accepted
and used in international trade, such as the euro, hence the name "Eurobonds."
Here's an example to help illustrate Eurobonds:

Let's say a company based in the United States wants to raise funds by issuing bonds in the
European market. Instead of issuing bonds in U.S. dollars, they decide to issue Eurobonds
denominated in euros. These Eurobonds can then be purchased by investors from various
countries within the European market.
By issuing Eurobonds, the company can tap into a larger pool of potential investors and
potentially benefit from lower borrowing costs. Additionally, Eurobonds provide
diversification opportunities for investors, as they can invest in bonds denominated in
different currencies.
It's important to note that Eurobonds are just one type of international bond, and they offer
unique advantages and considerations compared to bonds issued in the domestic market.
10.Explain with the help of an example the forward hedge and money market
hedge to deal with transaction exposure.
1. Forward Hedge:
Let's say you're a US-based business buying goods from a European supplier in three months.
You're worried about the exchange rate changing and increasing your costs. To protect
yourself, you agree with a bank to buy euros at a fixed exchange rate in three months. This
way, you know exactly how much you'll pay, regardless of any currency fluctuations.

2. Money Market Hedge:


Now, imagine you're a Canadian business with a future payment due in US dollars six months
from now. You're concerned about the Canadian dollar weakening and making your payment
more expensive. To avoid this risk, you borrow the equivalent amount of US dollars from the
money market at the current exchange rate. By doing this, you lock in the exchange rate and
have the necessary funds to make the payment, regardless of any currency depreciation.

Both forward hedge and money market hedge are strategies to manage the risk of currency
fluctuations when dealing with international transactions. They help businesses secure
favorable exchange rates and protect their financial interests.

11.Explain strategies used by corporations to manages the tax issues.


When it comes to managing tax issues, corporations use various strategies to ensure they
are in compliance with tax laws while optimizing their tax position. Here are a few common
strategies:

1. Tax Planning: Corporations engage in tax planning to strategically manage their tax
liability. This involves analyzing the tax code, identifying deductions, credits, and
exemptions that can be utilized, and making informed decisions about investments,
business structures, and timing of transactions to minimize taxes.
2. Transfer Pricing: For multinational corporations, transfer pricing is a key strategy. They
set prices for goods, services, or intellectual property transferred between entities in
different countries. By carefully determining these prices, they can allocate profits and
costs in a way that optimizes their tax position across jurisdictions.
3. Tax Incentives and Credits: Corporations take advantage of tax incentives and credits
offered by governments. These incentives can include tax breaks for investing in certain
industries, conducting research and development, or promoting environmentally friendly
practices. By leveraging these incentives, corporations can reduce their overall tax burden.
4. Offshore Tax Planning: Some corporations establish subsidiaries or entities in countries
with favorable tax regimes. This allows them to legally shift profits to jurisdictions with
lower tax rates, reducing their overall tax liability.

5. Tax Deferral: Corporations may defer the recognition of income or the payment of taxes
to a future period. This can be done by utilizing certain accounting methods, such as the
installment method or the use of deferred tax assets and liabilities. By deferring taxes,
corporations can free up cash flow and potentially reduce their current tax burden.

6. Tax Compliance Automation: Many corporations invest in tax compliance software and
systems to streamline their tax processes. These tools help with accurate record-keeping,
tax calculations, and reporting, reducing the risk of errors or omissions. Automation can
save time and ensure that corporations stay on top of their tax obligations.

7. Tax Controversy Management: Corporations may face tax audits or disputes with tax
authorities. To manage these situations, they employ strategies such as maintaining
proper documentation, engaging with tax authorities in a cooperative manner, and, if
necessary, seeking professional assistance from tax advisors or attorneys.

8. Lobbying and Advocacy: In some cases, corporations engage in lobbying efforts to


influence tax legislation and regulations. They may advocate for changes that align with
their business interests or seek to address specific tax issues that affect their industry. This
strategy aims to shape tax policies in a way that benefits the corporation.

12. Discuss the process of money laundering.


Money laundering is an illegal activity used to make illegally obtained money appear
legitimate. It typically involves three stages: placement, layering, and integration.

1. Placement: This is the first stage where the illegally obtained funds are introduced into
the financial system. It can be done by depositing cash into banks, purchasing assets, or
using money transfer services. The aim is to disguise the origin of the funds and make
them seem like legitimate income.
2. Layering: In this stage, the launderer tries to create complex layers of transactions to
further obscure the money's source. They may move funds through multiple accounts,
make various transfers, or engage in transactions with different parties. This makes it
difficult to trace the original source of the money.

3. Integration: In the final stage, the laundered money is integrated back into the legitimate
economy. The funds are now considered "clean" and can be used for legal purposes
without raising suspicion. This can involve investing in businesses, purchasing real estate,
or making high-value purchases.

Money laundering is a serious crime with severe legal consequences. Governments and
financial institutions have implemented various measures to combat it, such as Know Your
Customer (KYC) regulations, suspicious transaction reporting, and anti-money laundering
(AML) programs.

It's important to remember that money laundering is illegal and harmful to the integrity
of the financial system. If you suspect any suspicious activity, it's always best to report it
to the appropriate authorities.

13.Explain the ways of optimizing cash inflows in international cash management by


corporate.
optimizing cash inflows in international cash management for corporations, there are a
few strategies that can be helpful. Here are a couple of ways:
1. Centralizing cash management: By centralizing cash management functions, such as
cash pooling and cash concentration, corporations can effectively manage their cash
inflows across different countries. This allows for better visibility and control over cash
positions, reduces idle cash, and maximizes interest income.
2. Efficient payment processing: Streamlining payment processes can help optimize cash
inflows. This can be achieved by utilizing electronic payment methods, such as wire
transfers or electronic funds transfers (EFTs), to expedite the receipt of funds from
international customers. It's also important to have clear and efficient invoicing and
collection procedures to ensure timely payments.

3. Foreign exchange management: Managing foreign exchange risk is crucial in optimizing


cash inflows for international operations. Corporations can use hedging strategies, such as
forward contracts or options, to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on their cash
inflows. This helps ensure a more predictable and stable cash flow.
4. Cash flow forecasting: Accurate cash flow forecasting is essential for effective
international cash management. By analyzing historical data, market trends, and customer
payment patterns, corporations can better anticipate their cash inflows and plan
accordingly. This allows for more proactive decision-making and improved liquidity
management.

5. Relationship management: Building strong relationships with international customers


and suppliers can also contribute to optimizing cash inflows. Establishing clear payment
terms, incentivizing early payments, and maintaining open lines of communication can
help ensure timely receipt of funds and reduce payment delays.

Remember, each corporation's cash management needs may vary based on their specific
circumstances and goals. It's always a good idea to consult with financial professionals or
treasury advisors who specialize in international cash management for tailored guidance.

14.elaborate on the role of the main participants in the global financial system.

1. Central Banks: Central banks, like the Federal Reserve in the United States or the
European Central Bank, play a crucial role in the global financial system. They are
responsible for implementing monetary policies, regulating the money supply, and
maintaining stability in the financial markets. Central banks also act as lenders of last
resort, providing liquidity to banks in times of crisis.

2. Commercial Banks: Commercial banks are the backbone of the global financial system.
They provide a wide range of financial services, including deposit-taking, lending, and
facilitating international transactions. Commercial banks serve as intermediaries between
savers and borrowers, helping to channel funds from those with excess capital to those in
need of financing.

3. Investment Banks: Investment banks specialize in providing financial services to


corporations, governments, and institutional clients. They assist in raising capital through
underwriting securities, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and facilitating complex
financial transactions. Investment banks also play a crucial role in the trading and
brokerage of securities in global financial markets.
4. Financial Market Participants: Financial market participants include individual and
institutional investors, such as pension funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, and retail
investors. These participants provide liquidity to financial markets by buying and selling
securities, contributing to price discovery and market efficiency.

5. Multinational Corporations: Multinational corporations (MNCs) have a significant


impact on the global financial system. They operate across borders, engaging in
international trade, foreign direct investment, and capital flows. MNCs often rely on
financial institutions to facilitate their cross-border transactions and manage their foreign
exchange and risk exposure.

6. Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) in the United States or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom,
oversee and regulate the activities of financial institutions and markets. They aim to
maintain market integrity, protect investors, and ensure fair and transparent practices.
These are just a few of the main participants in the global financial system, and each one
plays a unique role in shaping the functioning of the global economy. It's a complex and
interconnected system that relies on the collaboration and coordination of these
participants to maintain stability and promote economic growth.

15.Discuss interest rate parity with an example.


Interest rate parity is a concept that helps explain the relationship between interest rates
and exchange rates in different countries. Basically, it says that the difference in interest
rates between two countries should be equal to the difference in their exchange rates.
Let's say you have two countries, Country A and Country B. Country A has a higher interest
rate compared to Country B. According to interest rate parity, the currency of Country A
should depreciate (become less valuable) relative to the currency of Country B. This
depreciation would offset the higher interest rate in Country A, making the returns on
investments in both countries equal.

On the other hand, if the interest rate in Country B is higher than in Country A, the currency
of Country B should appreciate (become more valuable) relative to the currency of Country
A. This appreciation would balance out the higher interest rate in Country B.
Interest rate parity helps ensure that there's a fair exchange rate between currencies,
taking into account the interest rates in different countries. It's like a way to keep things
balanced and prevent investors from taking advantage of higher interest rates without
considering exchange rates.

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