Convera's George Vessey said the 2016 Brexit referendum has had a lasting impact on sterling. Since the vote, GBP/EUR has averaged 1.16 versus 1.27 in the prior decade, and GBP/USD has averaged 1.30 versus 1.60 previously. Vessey says sterling's market behaviour has structurally changed: it is now more sensitive to global risk appetite, protection against sterling moves has become more expensive, and the currency exhibits a persistent downside tilt.

2026-06-15

Convera's George Vessey said the 2016 Brexit referendum has had a lasting impact on sterling. Since the vote, GBP/EUR has averaged 1.16 versus 1.27 in the prior decade, and GBP/USD has averaged 1.30 versus 1.60 previously. Vessey says sterling's market behaviour has structurally changed: it is now more sensitive to global risk appetite, protection against sterling moves has become more expensive, and the currency exhibits a persistent downside tilt.