Introduction: Securing a stronger foothold at London Heathrow Airport is as much a strategic signal as it is a commercial win for Global Exchange. As reported, the Spanish foreign exchange services specialist now operates 23 currency exchange offices and 78 ATMs across Heathrow’s four terminals.
In this exclusive interview, Global Exchange President and CEO Isidoro J. Alanís reflects on the broader implications of the agreement. He addresses the resilience of cash in an increasingly digital payments landscape, the role of proprietary technology in winning major hub contracts, and what defines a true win-win partnership with airport operators today.
The Moodie Davitt Report: Tell us how significant the Heathrow agreement is for Global Exchange in the context of your overall business?
Isidoro J. Alanís: Heathrow is a milestone achievement for us. Let’s not forget that this is Europe’s busiest airport and a world-class reference point. This agreement represents a consolidation of our presence in the United Kingdom and proves the value of our business model to the most demanding airport operators in the world.
For us, Heathrow means much more than just a contract: it is the opportunity to fulfil the needs of millions of travellers and the best way to consolidate our leadership in the sector. Today, Global Exchange is in 30 countries and 90 international airports, and Heathrow reinforces us as a loyal and reliable business partner.
Global Exchange implemented high-tech ATMs, self-service cash-to-cash dispensers and multilingual digital transaction screens at Heathrow. What role does technology play in differentiating Global Exchange in major hubs?
Technology is in our DNA and it is what makes us unique as a company. We have a cutting-edge and innovative technology division where more than 150 specialists in different areas work to ensure business continuity at a global level. We design our own technology from scratch to use in our subsidiaries around the world.
In airports such as Heathrow, we need to offer comprehensive, fast, intuitive solutions available 24/7. For instance, our automated cash-to-cash dispensers reduce waiting times by managing up to 40 different currencies with the same security standards as a traditional office.
The Click & Collect service allows travellers to exchange currency online and pick it up at the airport without queueing, and our multilingual screens are designed to assist customers throughout the entire transaction process.
These examples illustrate how technology allows us to deliver innovative solutions, resulting in more competitive proposals for our airport partners. Technology is the foundation of our growth as the world’s leading company in this sector.
Please outline the wider Global Exchange strategy for airport growth? What are your target priorities by region and airport size?
Our growth strategy is not based on simply expanding for the sake of expanding. It is founded on bringing to each airport the standards that have made us leaders in our sector: an unwavering commitment to excellence.
When we enter a new market or airport, we do so as a reliable and loyal partner. We build long-term partnerships based on tangible results and mutual trust. Airport operators know that with Global Exchange there are no surprises – we deliver what we promise.
What truly sets us apart is how we put travellers at the centre of everything we do, making them the absolute protagonists. Our customer service standards are the highest in the industry – total transparency in exchange rates, honesty in every interaction and a human touch that makes currency exchange a quick and smooth experience. We combine speed with security.
Geographically, our approach is balanced: we consolidate markets where we already operate while expanding our presence in strategic territories to extend our network. To put it simply, our strategy is to bring the best of Global Exchange to every corner where we operate, without shortcuts or compromises.
What does a good win-win partnership look like to Global Exchange today?
We bring to the table our own technology, 30 years of experience and the highest service standards in the sector. Mutual benefits emerge when both parties are willing to innovate together, share risks and successes, and ensure the traveller is always the winner.
The best partnerships are those where airport and operator understand that passenger satisfaction benefits everyone. When a traveller has an excellent experience exchanging currency, it is not just us who are gaining their trust, it also improves their overall perception of the airport and the country. A true win-win situation.
How do you view the health of the forex market today against a background of changing payment methods and digitalisation?
The market is in full transformation and those of us who know how to adapt will continue to create value. Digital payments are growing, but cash remains irreplaceable in many travel contexts. The key is not choosing between one or the other but making both models compatible and offering multiple solutions tailored to each need.
The modern customer is more informed, demanding and seeks convenience above all. They want options, speed and transparency, demanding hybrid models depending on their destination and type of trip.
Our technology centre plays a fundamental role in this ongoing research and development process, keeping abreast of new trends and emerging payment methods.
How is Global Exchange responding to changing consumer expectations in airport financial services?
We are responding with an omnichannel approach and a friendly, immediate service. In addition to in-person currency exchange at any of our offices, we are able to offer a personalised online Click & Collect service at the airport itself, with no queues or waiting times.
We have also implemented complementary services, such as our ATMs or automatic currency exchange dispensers – our technological development that allows transactions in up to 40 different currencies automatically, securely and 24/7.
The key is understanding that the modern passenger wants excellent, transparent and fast service. Everything else comes second.
What role does cash play in the forex business now?
Cash remains the core of the business, but we cannot deny that its role is evolving. I believe that different models can coexist; one payment method should neither be penalised nor promoted over another.
Cash remains absolutely essential. For example, in markets such as Asia or Latin America, cash is still fundamental. In Europe, its use is more selective, but it’s still necessary at times or when accessing certain travel services.
Guaranteeing the use of and access to cash must be a priority, even socially. Cash means freedom, inclusion and security.
You highlighted 2025 as a landmark year for Global Exchange with 92 openings and entry into six new markets. What were the key drivers behind this record expansion?
Three main factors. First, the full recovery of post-pandemic air traffic, which exceeded even our most optimistic projections. Second, our capacity for expansion and operational implementation in new markets. And third, the trust we generate as a company.
Opening 92 offices and entering six markets as diverse as Saudi Arabia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru and Romania is a truly remarkable operational achievement. It is the result of collective work, our capacity for implementation capability and the adaptability of our business model.
All this has turned 2025 into a record year, in which we have become the world’s leading company in our sector with the largest international and airport presence. This is a source of pride that should be the blueprint for our future – to increase those numbers, expand our network and bring our services to more travellers worldwide.
What other opportunities do you see for Global Exchange?
To keep trusting in our business model, our work and our teams.
Beyond that, I see three areas of opportunity: first, continued geographic expansion. We have 515 offices worldwide, but the growth potential remains enormous. We prioritise airports because that’s our area of expertise, but we will be wherever our customers are – cities of tourist interest, railway stations, shopping centres, hotels and ports. We are a proximity service that accompanies travellers at every stage of their journey.
The second is to expand complementary services that provide real value to the customer. We already offer theft insurance, full refund guarantees and buyback of excess currency from their trips at no extra cost. We also cross-market other services that meet demand and enhance the traveller’s experience.
And third, integrate and expand payment solutions. The traveller of the future will need a financial ecosystem that is agile and, in some cases, digital. We want to be their go-to provider, combining the best of the physical world with technological innovation.
In summary: more presence, more services, more innovation. Always with the traveller at the heart. ✈
