Regulatory Alerts2015-01-01
Amendment to Settlement Mechanism for Cash Shortages
The Bank of Zambia has amended the settlement mechanism for cash shortages and penalties, effective 1 April 2015. Commercial banks will now have these amounts directly debited through the Authorized Settlement Agent facility instead of settling them via Financial Settlement Instructions on the Real Time Gross Settlement system. This direct debit process, accompanied by advance notification to affected banks, aims to improve cash operation efficiency and accelerate the reconciliation of shortages in bank records.
Bank Of Zambia OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR - OPERATIONS
BOZ/EXE/DGO/bcps/cm
27 March, 2015
CB Circular No: 08/2015
To : All Commercial Banks
AMENDMENT TO SETTLEMENT MECHANISM FOR CASH SHORTAGES
Reference is made to CB Circular No. 22/2013 (Settlement of Cash shortages and Penalties) issued on 19th December, 2013, in which commercial banks were directed to settle all cash shortages and accompanying penalties directly to the Bank.
Currently, Commercial banks settle cash shortages found during cash verification and the attendant penalties through Financial Settlement Instructions (FSIs) on Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS). The Bank has noted with concern that commercial banks have not been settling these transactions on time, leading to difficulties in reconciliation both at the commercial banks and Bank of Zambia.
Due to the delays by commercial banks in making good cash shortages as they are advised, the Bank has found it necessary to amend the settlement mechanism for all cash transactions and the related penalties. In this regard, effective 1st April, 2015, the Bank will be debiting commercial banks directly with such cash shortages and attendant penalties through the Authorized Settlement Agent facility.
This is aimed at improving the efficiency of cash operations and ensuring quick resolution of cash shortages in the books of the Bank.
The Bank will notify affected commercial bank a day before effecting the debit.
Commercial banks may contact the Acting Director – Banking, Currency & Payment Systems for any clarification relating to the Circular.
(Signature)
Bwalya K. E. Ng’andu (Dr) DEPUTY GOVERNOR - OPERATIONS
Cc: Senior Director – Supervisory Policy Acting Director – Banking, Currency & Payment Systems
Bank Square, Cairo Road P .O. Box 30080, Lusaka, Zambia Tel: 260-211-226844, 228888 Fax:260-211-237070 E-mail:dgo@boz.zm Web: http://www.boz.zm