Regulatory Alerts2020-03-09
Controls and Procedures to Be Followed When Handling Paper Currency and Coins
The Saudi Central Bank issued a circular mandating all banks and cash centers to implement eleven specific health and safety controls for handling paper currency and coins, including providing staff with masks, plastic gloves, non-contact thermometers, and sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol. The directive requires continuous disinfection of operating floors, tables, counting machines, and storage containers, alongside the use of hazmat suits for currency isolation areas in high-exposure zones. Furthermore, it establishes a cross-bank working group to coordinate cash handling operations and requests the prompt nomination of cash operation specialists to join the team.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Saudi Central Bank Headquarters
Banking Policy Department
Reference No.: 41048833 Date: 1441/07/14 Attachments: None
Circular
To: Respected Banks,
Peace, mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you,
Subject: Controls and Procedures to Be Followed When Handling Paper Currency and Coins.
Based on the powers vested in the Bank by its system issued by Royal Decree No. (23) dated 1377/5/23 AH and related regulations, and in light of the Bank's commitment to protecting cash users among citizens and residents, especially during periods when diseases and viruses such as the new coronavirus (COVID-19) are prevalent, and emphasizing the necessity of adopting precautionary and preventive measures when handling paper currency and coins whether in banks or cash centers.
You are hereby informed that banks and cash centers must adhere to the following controls and procedures: 1- Ensure health safety measures. 2- Provide face masks for all staff. 3- Provide plastic gloves for personnel handling currency. 4- Provide disinfection and sterilization materials, noting that the alcohol content in the sanitizer formulation must not be less than 60%. 5- Provide non-contact thermometers to measure the temperature of all staff. 6- Continuously disinfect and sanitize the floors of the cash operating area. 7- Sterilize and disinfect containers designated for currency storage upon each use. 8- Continuously sterilize the surfaces of tables and areas designated for arranging and placing currency bundles. 9- Continuously sterilize and clean the surfaces of counting and sorting machines. 10- Provide gloves, masks, and sanitizers for staff working inside cash transport vehicles. 11- Use hazmat suits in case a dedicated area for currency isolation is established in cash centers located in areas with higher virus exposure.
P.O. Box 2992, Riyadh 11169, Telegram: MARKAZI, Telex: 404400, Tel: 4633000, Fax: 4662414
Saudi Central Bank Headquarters
Banking Policy Department
Reference No.: Date: Attachments: Approved:
For Information and Action, effective from its date. You are also informed that a working group has been formed with the participation of banks to coordinate efforts regarding currency handling. Accordingly, we hope for your prompt nomination of specialists in cash operations to participate in the team, coordinated with the Director of the Circulating Currency Supervision Department, Mr. Talal Al-Ghamdi, via email: (talghamdi@sama.gov.sa).
Yours sincerely,
Fahd bin Ibrahim Al-Shathri Deputy Governor for Supervision
Distribution Scope:
- Banks and financial institutions operating in the Kingdom.
P.O. Box 2992, Riyadh 11169, Telegram: MARKAZI, Telex: 404400, Tel: 4633000, Fax: 4662414