Services developed by BCCR for the administration and trading of national currency through SINPE. Auxiliary Cash CustodyBanks authorized by BCCR are allowed to have an auxiliary custody of national currency, thereby reducing both costs and risks associated with its administration.
This service was launched in September 2004, enabling BCCR to decentralize the custody of part of its cash inventory into the vaults of commercial banks. Vaults serve as Auxiliary Cash Custodians (ACC) where banks deposit and withdraw cash, thereby more efficiently meeting their needs in a modern, safe, and cost-effective fashion. Before the auxiliary cash custody was in place, many of the banks had to go to BCCR’s vaults up to five times a week to deposit or withdraw their cash. Today, this routine is performed once or twice a month. This is expected to become a model in the future where BCCR’s involvement will be limited to delivering fresh cash as required by the economy, and to destroy deteriorated cash. Using the serviceThrough the Auxiliary Cash Custody, financial entities directly address their needs for cash, without having to move to or from BCCR the funds deposited or withdrawn from BCCR’s accounts. To operate an ACC, interested entities must obtain an authorization, and meet the requirements established by BCCR. Advantages• Optimizing response times to meet the economy’s demand for cash. In case of contingencies of various kinds such as natural disasters, strikes, road closing, or bank runs, BCCR is prepared to supply the cash needed by financial entities so that their operations are not interrupted. • Reduction in operation costs - Since commercial banks working with ACCs do not have to send armored vans to BCCR’s main offices to provide themselves with cash, their operation costs are reduced on this item. • Less operation risks - By not having to move cash from BCCR to their own vaults, banks reduce the chances of cash robbery and loss. • With the ACC system of operation, banks do their deposits and cash withdrawals in so-called Auxiliary Accounts -located in the banks themselves- recording in real time every movement in their reserve account with the software provided with the service. BCCR may review and audit the procedure at any time, and establish sanctions in case of operational errors -especially missing cash. • An auxiliary custody may be put in place in any branch agency of a commercial bank or in the facilities of cash processing firms, provided that it meets all existing infrastructure requirements, and if they act on behalf of the financial entity. Working hoursThe ACC service operates in working hours established in the System of Payments Regulations. Related documents • System of Payments Regulations (spanish) Cash MarketBanks that have joined this service may trade national and foreign currency. This service administered by BCCR. |