International finance is the branch of economics concerned with the monetary and macroeconomic interrelations of countries. It focuses on the exchange of financial assets and liabilities among nations. The subject has a wide range of applications, including banking and insurance. It is particularly interesting in the context of international trade. The goal of international finance is to foster mutually beneficial relationships among countries.
The field of international finance has undergone major changes in the past decade. The Bretton-Woods institutions are no longer as relevant, and new institutions have emerged to provide an alternate, if not more dynamic, environment. These new institutions are eager to work with developing countries and are reshaping financial markets.
International finance managers must consider a variety of factors, including taxation and legal issues. While it may not seem like an obvious part of international finance, these factors can make a huge difference for a business. Taxes can affect the cost of goods and services, and can negatively impact a company’s bottom line.
Another big difference between domestic and international finance is foreign currency exposure. Almost every aspect of international business is impacted by currency fluctuations. This impacts purchasing supplies and services, investing in plant and equipment, fundraising, and more. International businesses also face a vastly different political and economic environment. For example, trade policies are different in different countries. Financial managers need to analyze these differences to determine whether they are business friendly or not.
