Finance
Nearly 90% of North American, European firms hedge FX exposure as uncertainty rises, survey says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
3 min readLast updated: February 26, 2026
Quick Summary
A MillTechFX survey of mid-sized firms across North America, Europe and the UK finds widespread FX hedging amid rising volatility. Many plan to lengthen hedge tenors despite higher costs.
Almost 90% of North American, European firms hedge FX risk amid uncertainty
By Sophie Kiderlin
LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Nearly 90% of medium-sized North American and European companies are now hedging their currency exposure and about two out of three plan to keep those hedges for longer as market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty raise financial risks, a survey by software provider MillTechFX showed.
Survey scope: 750 mid-cap finance leaders
Hedging adoption and intentions
Corporate FX Hedging Trends in North America and Europe
The poll of around 750 finance decision-makers at companies in North America, Europe and UK with market capitalisation of $50 million to $1 billion showed 88% now hedge currency risks, up from 81% of companies a year earlier.
Among those that do not hedge, nearly two-thirds said they were considering doing so given the current market environment.
Drivers of uncertainty and volatility
Market volatility has risen over the past year, driven largely by rapid shifts in U.S. trade and foreign policy under President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. Those moves have prompted questions about the U.S. dollar's traditional safe-haven status. It has fallen nearly 11% against a basket of other major currencies since Trump's second term began in January 2025.
Companies and investors often use combinations of derivatives to shield themselves from swings in exchange rates, which can boost or erode the value of transactions, sales or holdings.
Share reporting negative impact
Impact of FX swings and rising costs
MillTechFX’s report showed 62% of respondents said they were being negatively affected by currency market volatility, with 25% going as far as pointing out a “very significant negative impact”. This jumps to 35% when looking only at corporates based in North America, the highest out of any region surveyed, and a further 69% reported a net negative impact.
Average hedging cost increase
The cost of hedging is also increasing, by a mean of 67%, according to the report.
Shift toward longer hedge tenors
“Corporates are reassessing how much FX risk they are willing to carry, balancing the impact of market uncertainty against rising hedging costs. Many are responding by extending hedge tenors to lock in greater certainty while maintaining flexibility through balanced hedge ratios,” Eric Huttman, CEO of MillTech, said.
Percent extending hedge lengths
Of the respondents, 62% said they were planning to extend hedge lengths, with only 11% saying they would shorten.
North America: infrastructure burden
Operational barriers to hedging
The survey also showed barriers to greater corporate hedging. In North America, 83% of those companies that do not currently hedge against currency risk cited burdensome hedging infrastructure, while 67% of those in Europe said they believed capital could be better allocated elsewhere.
(Reporting by Sophie Kiderlin; Editing by Amanda Cooper and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Key Takeaways
- •MillTechFX surveyed roughly 750 finance leaders across North America, Europe and the UK. (ctmfile.com)
- •Most corporates now hedge FX exposure and are shifting to longer hedge tenors to lock in certainty while keeping flexibility. (ctmfile.com)
- •A majority of respondents plan to extend hedge lengths in 2026, with few expecting to shorten. (kelo.com)
- •Hedging costs have risen broadly, intensifying the trade‑off between longer tenors and hedge ratios. (ctmfile.com)
- •North American firms reported the strongest impact from currency volatility among surveyed regions. (ctmfile.com)
Frequently Asked Questions about Nearly 90% of North American, European firms hedge FX exposure as uncertainty rises, survey says
1What is the main topic?
The article examines how corporates are increasing FX hedging and planning longer hedge tenors to manage currency volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, based on a MillTechFX survey.
2Why are companies extending hedge tenors?
Longer tenors help lock in rate certainty over a wider planning horizon, which can stabilize cash flows and margins during periods of market volatility and shifting trade policies.
3How are rising hedging costs affecting strategies?
Higher costs are pushing treasurers to balance longer maturities with flexible hedge ratios and instrument mixes, aiming to control expenses while maintaining adequate protection.
