Currency swaps

A currency swap allows two parties to exchange borrowing obligations denominated in different currencies. A key feature is that the two parties exchange the principal at the start of the swap and return it at the end. Companies with different credit profiles often face varying borrowing costs across currency markets. This opportunity for mutual gain exists when the companies have a comparative advantage in different credit markets, meaning the difference in their borrowing rates is not the same across currencies. Such advantages can arise from many factors, including credit quality, market access, and even differing corporate tax treatments across jurisdictions. The swap allows them to collectively exploit this inefficiency.

This tool demonstrates two distinct swap structures:

1. Underlying Borrowing Rates

First, set the direct borrowing costs for each company in both currency markets.

US Corp Borrowing Rates

EU Corp Borrowing Rates

2. Swap Structure Selection

Choose the swap structure to explore:

3. Define Swap Parameters

4. Swap Diagram and Outcomes

5. Interpretation of Results