eurocurrency

Eurocurrency refers to any deposit of currency held outside the country of its origin, or more broadly, the international deposit of funds in a currency other than that of the country where the bank or financial institution is located. The term is most commonly associated with the eurodollar, which specifically denotes U.S. dollar deposits held outside the United States.

Eurocurrency markets began to develop in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to regulatory restrictions, political considerations, and the desire of corporations and financial institutions to manage currency holdings more flexibly. These markets operate largely outside the jurisdiction of national regulators, allowing for more relaxed monetary controls and often offering higher interest rates on deposits.

Eurocurrency transactions are usually conducted over-the-counter (OTC), without the need for central bank approval or government intervention. This contributes to the markets’ high liquidity and international reach. The eurocurrency market is integral to global finance, providing liquidity and facilitating international trade and investment by allowing entities to access funds in various currencies across borders.

The most significant eurocurrency is the eurodollar, but euroyen, europound, and other currencies also have active eurocurrency markets. These markets have evolved to include various financial products such as loans, deposits, and derivatives.

While the term "eurocurrency" historically related to deposits in European currencies, today it mainly signifies non-domestic holdings of currency, regardless of location. Eurocurrency markets continue to play a vital role in the international financial system, offering flexible funding sources and contributing to the global flow of capital.