Cross border financial services escort enterprises to go global, showcasing ODI and exchange rate hedging solutions at the 2026 Shanghai Financial Expo

The financial service demand of overseas enterprises is expanding

Going global for enterprises may seem like an extension of the market and products, but behind the scenes, it cannot be separated from the support of the financial system. How to do cross-border settlement, how to manage foreign exchange, and how to collect funds, each link determines whether the project can operate smoothly. This also makes financial services an indispensable part of the topic of going global.

With more and more enterprises going overseas, the demand for cross-border financial services has significantly expanded. Firstly, cross-border payments and settlements. Overseas sales, procurement, and employee compensation all involve multi currency receipts and payments, and the ability to efficiently and compliantly complete settlements directly affects capital turnover. Next is foreign exchange management. The two-way fluctuation of the RMB exchange rate is the norm, and scenarios such as export receipts, import payments, and investment remittances all face exchange rate risks. Enterprises need to establish management mechanisms that match them. Once again, it's about fund collection and financing. Cross border operations often involve centralized management of domestic and foreign funds, as well as local financing arrangements.

Behind these demands lies the support of financial infrastructure and professional services. As one of the international financial centers, Shanghai is continuously improving cross-border financial services to provide support for overseas enterprises.

It is worth noting that the demand for cross-border financial services does not only belong to large enterprises. With the development of cross-border e-commerce and foreign trade enterprises, more and more small and medium-sized business entities also need efficient cross-border payment and exchange rate management. The online and standardized products provided by financial institutions and third-party service providers are lowering the threshold for these services.

From a regional perspective, cross-border finance for service enterprises to go global is forming a synergy with local opening-up policies. Shanghai and other international financial center cities continue to improve offshore finance, cross-border payments, and fund management services, providing a more convenient financial environment for enterprises. The Expo is held in Shanghai, which also facilitates enterprises to connect with these professional resources nearby.

Policies and tools: The available options are increasing

Regarding cross-border finance, policies and market tools have become more abundant in recent times.

In terms of foreign exchange, regulatory authorities have repeatedly emphasized that exchange rate risk management should adhere to 'neutrality', with the core being preservation rather than appreciation. Enterprises can lock in costs and reduce the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on their operations through tools such as forward settlement and sale of foreign exchange, options, etc. In terms of fund collection, the relevant policies for the centralized operation of domestic and foreign currency cross-border funds by multinational corporations have been further implemented. Qualified multinational corporations can more conveniently manage domestic and foreign funds and improve the efficiency of fund utilization. In terms of cross-border settlement, the scenarios for the use of RMB across borders are constantly expanding, and various cross-border payment services are also continuously upgrading.

For overseas enterprises, the key is to use these tools and policies correctly, rather than simply comparing which exchange rate is more cost-effective.

It should be noted that policies and products are constantly updated, and companies should not treat a single consultation as a long-term solution. Cross border financial policy adjustments, changes in banking products, and exchange rate environment shifts all require companies to continuously monitor and adjust their arrangements in a timely manner. Regular communication with professional institutions is more secure than one-time configuration.

Several Basic Principles of Exchange Rate Risk Management

There are several basic principles to refer to when managing exchange rate risk. One is to clarify the exposure, first sorting out which businesses of the enterprise are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations; Secondly, setting goals with the main purpose of locking in costs and stabilizing profits; The third is tool matching, selecting suitable forwards or options based on business terms and amounts; The fourth is to leave enough margin to avoid amplifying risks in pursuit of higher returns. The core is always preservation of value, not speculation.

Financial courses that enterprises generally need to take

In communication with enterprises, several weak points related to finance are often mentioned.

One is the lack of awareness of exchange rate risk. Many companies are accustomed to quoting at the current exchange rate and lack management of fluctuations. Once the exchange rate fluctuates significantly, profits are eroded. Secondly, there is a lack of awareness of financial compliance. There are clear rules for the transfer and receipt of cross-border funds, and improper operation may bring compliance risks. Thirdly, there is insufficient use of financial instruments. Tools such as forwards and options can lock in costs, but many companies remain idle due to lack of understanding. Fourthly, there is a lack of experience in global financial management. After cross-border operations, the coordinated management of domestic and foreign funds has become a new issue. Enterprises often need to rely on professional institutions to fill these gaps in their abilities.

For companies that have just started going global, it is recommended to start with the basic steps: sorting out the flow of funds, calculating exchange rate exposure, and establishing basic compliance processes. No need to configure complex tools in one step, first lay a solid foundation, and then gradually upgrade the plan as the business scale expands.

Expo: Concentrating Cross border Financial Resources on-site

This expo has set up a financial services sector, bringing together professional institutions such as cross-border payments, foreign exchange services, financing, and asset management.

Enterprises can learn about the compliance points of cross-border settlement schemes, exchange rate hedging tools, and ODI fund arrangements on site, and can also communicate directly with institutions on specific business scenarios. For small and medium-sized enterprises without dedicated financial teams, this centralized docking can help them quickly understand the available services and tools.

On site, enterprises can communicate with different financial institutions and service providers regarding their own business scenarios, compare exchange rate quotes, settlement costs, and product compatibility. For enterprises that are preparing for ODI funding arrangements, they can also consult on-site on compliance points and processing pace to prepare for project progress.

In addition, the expo is also suitable for enterprises to bring specific business issues to the venue. Organizing a list of one's own payment structure, exchange rate exposure, and financing needs in advance, and consulting with different institutions on-site, can provide more practical advice and facilitate horizontal comparison of the cost and adaptability of different solutions.

The value of exhibiting and viewing

For financial institutions and service providers, expos are a channel to reach out to overseas enterprises and investor customers. Among the audience of about 8000 people in three days, there are business decision-makers with real cross-border financial needs. Exhibitors can showcase their products, collect requirements, and establish cooperation intentions on site.

For exhibition companies, free admission allows them to learn about cross-border financial services from multiple institutions at once, compare products and rates horizontally, find solutions that match their own business, and prepare for overseas fund management.

For financial institutions, the value of expos lies in the concentrated exposure to enterprises and investors with real cross-border business needs. On site communication can precipitate customer needs and provide reference for the subsequent optimization of products and services. For small and medium-sized service institutions, this is also an opportunity to establish market awareness at a lower cost.

For financial institutions, participating in such comprehensive expos can also establish connections with institutions in other sectors such as immigration, real estate, and study abroad, accumulating resources for cross disciplinary service collaboration. The financial needs of enterprises going global are often intertwined with personal identity and family arrangements, and cross sector collaboration is becoming increasingly common.

Exhibition Information

The Overseas Immigrant Study and Property Expo, as well as the Enterprise Overseas Development and Financial Services Expo, will be held from November 20 to 22, 2026 at the Shanghai World Trade Exhibition Center (No. 99 Xingyi Road, Changning District, Shanghai) for three days, with an expected reception of about 8000 visitors.

To participate, observe or learn more, please call the exhibition hotline 13681692751 (same as WeChat) or visit the official website www.qs-expo.com.