Foreign Currency Exchange Services in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated
New York, NY (PRWEB) January 24, 2014 -- The performance of the Foreign Currency Exchange Services industry was aided by the recovery of international trade and travel over the five years to 2014. Downstream corporate clients rely on industry operators for business-to-business payment services, while downstream individuals generally use credit and debit card processing services and currency exchange offerings. The anticipated 8.6% annualized increase in the total value of world trade and the 5.6% annualized increase in the number of inbound trips by non-US residents has boosted demand from these major markets from 2009 to 2014. Moreover, technological change, in the form of improved debit card offerings and mobile apps, have made industry services more convenient. As a result of these trends, Foreign Currency Exchange Services industry revenue is expected to increase from 2009 to 2014 at an annualized rate of 2.8% to $1.3 billion; this growth includes a 2.3% rise in revenue expected in 2014 alone.
According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Stephen Hoopes, “The majority of industry operators is very small in size and handle a correspondingly small number of transactions.” According to the latest available data from KPMG, annual gross foreign currency exchange transactions exceed $500,000 for only 7.0% of industry operators. However, there are a few large players that operate in the industry, including Travelex, which has an estimated 240 stores and 460 ATMs in the United States. The location decisions of both large and small operators generally correlate with domestic population and travel trends. As such, California, New York and Florida account for large portions of industry establishments, given their substantial population figures and reputations as tourist destinations.
Over the five years to 2019, industry revenue is forecast to increase. The factors that impact downstream demand levels, including trade and travel, are anticipated to continue improving over the five-year period. “Yet, external competition from commercial banks that do not charge for traditional foreign exchange services will increasingly threaten margins for industry operators,” says Hoopes. Consequently, merger and acquisition activity is forecast to pick up over the five years to 2019, as smaller players combine in order to remain competitive. While not an acquisition, Apax Partners, the current owner of major player Travelex, is considering a sale or initial public offering for the industry operator, which is indicative of an industry-wide trend toward consolidation.
The Foreign Currency Exchange Services industry has a low level of concentration. While the majority of industry operators are small- to medium-sized firms, the largest firms in the industry have strong brand awareness.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Foreign Currency Exchange Services in the US industry report page.
Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld
Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189
IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
The Foreign Currency Exchange Services industry includes companies that offer foreign currency exchange services to consumers and businesses. Industry services include business-to-business payment services, credit and debit card processing services for foreign transactions and traditional currency exchange. Bank-holding companies that do not charge fees for foreign currency exchange services are not included in the industry, while industry-specific ATMs are not considered establishments.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld, +1 (310) 866-5042, [email protected]
Share this article