Correspondent bank vs. Intermediary bank
Although both correspondent banks and intermediary banks participate in the international money transfer process, their roles and characteristics are different. Here are their five main differences:
Definition:
- A bank that performs services for another bank is known as a correspondent bank. Typically, this occurs in foreign markets where the second bank does not have a presence.
- Intermediary Bank: An intermediary bank is a financial institution that acts as a bridge between the beneficiary’s bank and the correspondent bank to enable the transfer of funds between the two.
Principal role:
The primary responsibility of a correspondent bank is to represent and provide services on behalf of another financial institution, frequently in a foreign market.
A primary duty of an intermediary bank is to act as a conduit or middleman in the transfer process, particularly when there is no direct connection between the sending and receiving banks.
Relationship:
- Correspondent Bank: This bank frequently maintains a nostro or vostro account for the bank it represents and has a direct relationship with that bank.
- The sending or receiving bank may or may not have a long-standing relationship with the intermediary bank. It is determined by the routing, currency, and other elements of the transaction.
How many banks are involved?
- One correspondent bank is typically involved in many international transactions, particularly when two banks have a direct relationship.
- When there is no direct connection between the sending and receiving banks, an intermediary bank enters the picture and adds another layer to the transaction.
Fees:
Correspondent Bank: It has the right to charge fees for its services, as determined by the contractual arrangement it has with the bank it represents.
For its part in the transfer process, the intermediary bank may levy additional fees, some of which may not always be apparent to the sender or recipient.
In essence, although both banks are essential to international transactions, they have different roles, interactions, and effects on the transaction process.
How to Send a Wire Transfer through an Intermediary Bank
Gather the necessary information, including the beneficiary’s name, account number, bank name, SWIFT code, and intermediary bank information, to send a wire transfer through an intermediary bank. Provide this information to the bank that initiated the transfer, which will then forward it to the intermediary bank. The intermediary bank processes the transaction and transfers the funds to the beneficiary bank, which then credits the account of the beneficiary.
What is an example of an Intermediary Bank?
Citibank is a global bank with a vast network of intermediary banking relationships that facilitate wire transfers between banks lacking direct correspondent relationships. It offers cross-border payments, trade finance, and foreign exchange, among other services.
Do All Banks Have Intermediary Bank: No, But Many Do
Many banks, particularly those engaging in international transactions, use intermediary banks to facilitate wire transfers between institutions that do not have direct correspondent banking relationships.
Why Would You Use an Intermediary Bank: To Facilitate Cross-Border Transactions
To facilitate cross-border transactions, you would use an intermediary bank.
When the originating and receiving banks do not have a direct correspondent relationship, intermediary banks are used to facilitate international transactions. They provide the necessary link to ensure that transactions are processed efficiently and securely.
What is Another Name for Intermediary Bank
Both intermediary bank and correspondent bank refer to financial institutions that facilitate transactions between banks that do not have direct relationships.
Who is My Intermediary Bank: Determined by the Beneficiary Bank or Originating Bank
Depending on their existing relationships with other banks, the beneficiary bank or the originating bank determines your intermediary bank. You can acquire this information by contacting the beneficiary’s bank or by conducting online research.
Is SWIFT Code the Same as Intermediary Bank: No, But Related
A SWIFT code differs from an intermediary bank. The SWIFT code is an alphanumeric identifier for a particular financial institution, whereas the intermediary bank is the institution itself. However, SWIFT codes are frequently used in wire transfer instructions to identify intermediary banks.
Is PayPal an Intermediary Bank?
PayPal is a Payment Service Provider, and not an intermediary bank.
PayPal is not a financial intermediary. It is a payment service provider that facilitates online money transfers between individuals and businesses, but not between banks.
What is the Difference Between Bank and Intermediary Bank?
Role in Wire Transfers. The primary distinction between a bank and an intermediary bank is their respective roles in wire transfers. A bank may be the originating or beneficiary bank, initiating or receiving the transfer, while an intermediary bank facilitates the transfer when the other two banks do not have a direct relationship.
Is Receiving Bank the Same as Intermediary Bank?
No, Different Roles
Receiving bank and intermediary bank are not the same. The receiving (or beneficiary) bank is the financial institution where the funds will ultimately be deposited. When there is no direct relationship between the originating and receiving banks, the intermediary bank facilitates the transaction.
