PART 6
Misconceptions About Hedging (continued) – This post is a continuation of a previous series of posts on the various misconceptions about hedging. Over the next several BLOG posts I will raise a particular misconception about hedging and provide an alternative viewpoint. If you have an agreeable or a counter viewpoint, then feel free to respond either on the post or email me directly at DStowe@StrategicTreasurer.com .
Misconception about hedging #6: Hedging Requires Crunching
Numbers. Though some number-crunching may be involved (one needs to quantify their exposures and analyze various risk scenarios), it is often overlooked that effective risk management requires more communication than calculation. From understanding a firm’s exposure, to determining its risk appetite and risk capacity (the ability to absorb such risks), to gaining buy-in from senior management and establishing clear objectives, it’s more important to spend the time communicating on both a pre- and post-hedging basis up, down and across an organization. You need buy-in from executive management and related staff to execute your strategy and prevent Monday-morning quarterbacking. Lack of communication, therefore, leads to misunderstanding of risk management activities, which can lead to the worst
pitfall of all: Inaction. DWS