HiFX

HiFX is a UK-based foreign exchange broker and payments provider that has been owned by Euronet Worldwide since 2014. The company provides foreign exchange and international money transfer services to individuals and corporate customers. One of its specialist areas is in providing money transfer services for overseas property purchase and emigration.[2] In January 2019, HiFX joined forces with XE.

HiFX Group
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryFinancial Services
Founded1998 (1998)
Headquarters
Bracknell, Berkshire
,
UK
Key people
  • Simon Griffin (CEO)
ProductsForeign exchange
Number of employees
222 (2011)[1]
ParentEuronet Worldwide
Websitewww.hifx.co.uk

History

The company was established in 1998 in the UK as Halewood International Foreign Exchange Limited by the three founders, Shaun Taylor, Laurence Butcher and Matthew Knowles with the backing of beverage company founder John Halewood of Halewood International.[3] HiFX went on to become one of the major UK non-bank foreign exchange companies.

In 2001 it made its first expansion overseas when it opened an office in New Zealand. This was to become its second largest operation outside the UK and provided services to Australasia and the wider Asia Pacific region.

In 2004 it changed its name to HiFX Plc. That same year it also opened an office in San Francisco to serve the North America market.

In 2008 it acquired New Zealand based 'Currency Online' giving it access to an online payment platform and technology. It continues to operate this under the Currency Online brand.

In 2010 it disposed of its US subsidiary HiFX Risk Management and also its Australian-based risk management consultancy business.[1]

After the death of John Halewood in 2011 the existing company management bought out his 50% stake in the company.[4]

In 2014 the company was acquired by US payment company Euronet Worldwide for £145m, giving the founders a windfall from their share holdings. Euronet said HiFX would be integrated into Euronet's money transfer business, Ria.[5]

References
  1. "Report and consolidated financial statement". HIFX. June 30, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
  2. "Capital Markets - HiFX Plc". Bloomberg business week. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
  3. "Lancashire Life Glitz List 2010 - number 27". Lancashire Life. 2010.
  4. "Drinks firm founder John Halewood dies". BBC. 17 October 2011.
  5. Ashley Armstrong (March 11, 2014). "Money transfer company HiFX sold for £145m". The Telegraph.
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