Jo Malkin

Business Development Portugal

What is your role at Currencies Direct?

I am office based helping people with their currency exchange needs whether they live in Portugal or have a second home here. They may, for instance, be buying or selling property, commissioning building work, paying bills or transferring pension funds. My job is to assist them with their foreign exchange and ensure they get an excellent service from us, from the initial registration process, through to offering competitive rates for their transfers and the prompt deposit of their funds at the end of the process. Having lived in the Algarve for 7 years now, I spent 6 years selling property across the region so I have a good understanding of how we can help people purchase their dream home, advising them of the best time to do their transfers to achieve the rates they require to complete their purchase. A small movement in the rates can make a big difference to the affordability of their property and it is good to know we can help the client and also the affiliate to see the sale through. One transaction, two satisfied parties.

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Keith Hatton

Chief Executive Officer

Currencies Direct is pleased to announce the appointment of its new CEO, Keith Hatton, who joined us on 3 May. Keith has a wealth of experience in foreign exchange, banking, management and international business development and will steer Currencies Direct through the next phase of its evolution.

What is your role at Currencies Direct?

To determine the medium to long-term strategy for the Company and oversee the focussed execution of that strategy.

What will be your main focus over the next six months?

Listening to our customers and partners and ensuring our products, systems and service are best in class. I feel passionate about delivering a service that really impresses both customers and partners and in order to do this, we need to really understand what you need from Currencies Direct.

Why is Currencies Direct an ideal partner for affiliates with clients who trade overseas?

Affiliates can feel confident about recommending us to their clients because of our passion for customer service, our market and local knowledge, and of course value for money compared to using a bank.  We provide a value added service to affiliates with the potential for an additional revenue stream.

Matthew Watson

Client Account Executive / PFX Trader

What is your role at Currencies Direct?

As a client account executive I liaise with the French Affiliates regarding new clients to contact. We have a wide-ranging client base: regular transfer plan clients transferring their monthly pension to those looking to purchase / sell properties in France. My role also incorporates Account Management for affiliates to get their referrals.  Once a client has been referred I explain our service to them and ensure they sign up as a private client so they can take advantage of our excellent service and money-saving rates.

Why do you enjoy what you do?

I am always busy. There is huge variation in the role, from account management to sales and we work with such a wide-ranging client base. It makes for some interesting conversations! I am part of a close knit team who work together to improve the client experience.

What makes CD such a good choice for people wanting to transfer funds overseas?

We offer very competitive exchange rates which can create potential savings of 3% on a property purchase for example. There is no cost to make the transfer and once agreed, the exchange rate is guaranteed. Each client is allocated a personal dealer who can discuss different options to suit the client. For example we can offer forward contracts or rate watch for property purchases. It’s an extremely straight forward, hassle free experience.

What did you learn about life in France for expats at Le Tour de Finance?

I really enjoyed the events I attended. For expats it was great to have the option to speak with experts covering different financial matters, from currency advice to pension or mortgage options. Resolving these matters helps integrate the expat straight away so then they can focus on other issues such as meeting new people and learning the language.

The expat community tends to be very close-knit so if they are pleased with your service often they will tell all of their friends in the local area. We have a great reputation, so this kind of word-of-mouth advertising really works for us.

Craig Stephenson

UK Business Development Manager 

What is your role at Currencies Direct?

 Having worked in our Spanish operation for over 3 years, I have now joined the UK Affiliates & Partnerships department in our London Head Office. My main aim is to help existing affiliates achieve additional revenue by maximising their online and word of mouth referral procedures. In addition to this, I am always on the lookout for new affiliates to come on board with Currencies Direct and I’d love to hear from existing affiliates who know of businesses who are not currently using our wide range of services. 

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Meet the team: Keith Spitalnick

What is your role at Currencies Direct?

I have been living and working in Southern Spain for the past seven years, the last four of which with Currencies Direct as Regional Sales Manager based in Marbella.

Besides being responsible for the Costa del Sol, Portugal, Gibraltar and the Canary Islands, I also provide regular market commentary editorial and video footage to our media outlets in Europe such as the Sur in English and the Euro-weekly News, as well as representing Currencies Direct on our blog and social media channels.

The last few months have been very exciting and have certainly kept me busy as I have been championing the launch of our newest office in the Algarve in Portugal.

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Jill Wilmans

Business Development Manager: South Africa

What is your role at Currencies Direct?

My title is that of Business Development Manager for Currencies Direct in South Africa; however my role is to grow the Currencies Direct business in Southern Africa; by entrenching the brand, reinforcing existing partnerships, establishing new markets and looking at innovative opportunities that will cater to the unique needs of our clients.

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