Circular CIRMO 2 - 17. Chapter V - New Regime for the Request and Provision of Cash and Declaration of Excesses via STAF for Entities Operating with the Central Bank Headquarters

BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA
__________________________________________________________________ COMUNICACION " A " 2554 30/06/97 __________________________________________________________________ TO FINANCIAL ENTITIES:
Ref.: Circular
CIRMO 2 - 17.
Chapter V - New Regime for the
Request and Provision of Cash and
Declaration of Excesses via STAF for entities operating with the Central Bank Headquarters

We address you to inform you that procedures for the request and provision of cash and the declaration of excesses have been modified, effective July 7, 1997, and will be carried out through the Financial Telecommunications System (STAF).

This system will replace the use of Form 2715 (Request for Cash), the BCRA check against the account that entities hold at this Bank, Form 2714 (Payment Order), and Form 3486 (Declaration of Excesses).

Although the new regime covers banknotes and coins, provisionally and until further notice, the request, provision, and declaration of excesses of metallic currency (coins) will continue using the previous method.

Attached is the organized text of Chapter V of the referenced Circular, as well as the Instruction for the Use of the System.

Roberto C. Riccardi Hector O. Biondo
Treasury Manager General Deputy Manager of the Operational Area

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1. General Provisions
   1.1. Entities will proceed to purify the cash that enters, classifying banknotes as "GOOD USE" and "WORN". Banknotes must be packaged in bundles of 1000 units of the same value, separated into 10 hundreds with their own bands on which the entity's date-stamp and the signatures of the personnel responsible for counting will be stamped. In the case of worn banknotes, each one must be intervened with the stamp of the presenting entity or perforated by mechanical impact, with each hole having a diameter of no less than 0.7 cm, on a surface covering at least sixty percent of the banknote.
   Any deposit that does not comply with the above paragraph will be rejected.
   1.2. Once the aforementioned purification has been carried out, worn specimens will be deposited at the Central Bank headquarters, Regional Treasuries, or Agencies, as applicable. Regarding good use, they will separate what is necessary for their operations, and any excess, if any, will be deposited or made available to the Central Bank.
   In the latter case, the following procedure will apply:
   1.2.1. Place a counterfeit label or tag on each bundle that is clearly visible and explicitly states: "Currency in custody for the account of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic".
   1.2.2. Cover the bundles with heat-shrink plastic film (with a thickness of no less than 80 microns) that has the entity's logo or identifying initials printed on it.
   1.3. With reference to metallic currency (coins), they will separate what is necessary for their operations, and any excess, if any, will, with prior authorization, be deposited or made available to the Central Bank.
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+----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ Circular CIRCULATION MONETARY ³ CIRMO - 2 ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.) ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ In the latter case, they will proceed to store the coins by value, under the same conditions that must be observed for their deposit, that is, in bags of transparent plastic film with a thickness of at least 150 microns and in batches of 1000 units for values of $ 0.01, $ 0.05, and $ 0.10, 400 for those corresponding to $ 0.25 and $ 0.50, and 500 units for those of $ 1.00, with the entity's logo or identifying initials printed on the container. The bags must have an approximate size of 25 cm by 20 cm and be closed with a double heat seal. Each bag must include, along with the pieces, a label visible from the outside that clearly states the denomination of the coins and the quantity contained in the bag.
1.4. Entities that operate with Regional Treasuries or Agencies must communicate the respective authorized signatures that will intervene in their operations, via Form 2570.
1.5. Those participating in the Interbank Compensation Regime for Banknotes and Coins may declare the holdings of a single house located in the central radius of the Federal Capital or of Regional Treasuries or Agencies, and they will inform other entities of the list of officials and their signatures that will intervene in said system.
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2. Entities included in the central zone of the Federal Capital.
2.1. Worn Banknotes - Deposits.
Worn banknotes will be delivered together with a deposit slip - Form 405 A - on the back of which the quantity of units by denomination, their equivalent in pesos, and the total amount will be recorded, data that will be verified by the official responsible for their reception. Once the deposit is formed, the presenting entity will receive the triplicate of the respective deposit slip, intervened with the stamp and signature of the Central Bank. The conformity granted in these cases is conditional, and consequently, subject to the result of the subsequent verification.
2.2. Good Use Banknotes and Coins in compensation.
Entities will adhere to the following Interbank Compensation System for Banknotes and Coins, by which they will supply each other with the cash they need for their operations, using the excesses of banknotes and coins made available to the Central Bank:
2.2.1. The Central Bank will be informed daily of any new excess of good use banknotes and coins, through the transmission of the excess declaration message via STAF, which, added to the existing one, will reflect the amount of cash held in custody in their treasuries, and must be in compartments or sectors separate from their own resources, under the conditions established in points 1.2.1., 1.2.2., and 1.3.
The making available of the excess entails the ownership and availability of the currency declared by each bank and consequently its withdrawal from monetary circulation. The amount represented by the excess banknotes and coins that entities place at the disposal of the B.C.R.A. will be credited to the current accounts they hold at the Central Bank. +----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ Version ³ Communication ³ Date ³ Page ³ ³-------------+---------------------------+------------+---------³ ³ 3rd. ³ "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 ³ 30-06-97 ³ 10 ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ Circular CIRCULATION MONETARY ³ CIRMO - 2 ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.) ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ This circumstance determines that these units are not available for use, resulting in the exclusive power and authority of the B.C.R.A. - the only entity authorized by virtue of what is provided in its Organic Charter, art. 17, inc. a) (text according to Law 24.144) - to proceed to their issuance, under the form and conditions established by Law 23.928. Additionally, when it deems necessary, the Central Bank may indicate the transfer of excesses to its treasuries, subordinating the respective credit to its prior compliance.
2.2.2. They will be accounted for through the opening of off-balance sheet accounts:
-Active Account: CURRENCY IN CUSTODY FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE B.C.R.A.
-Passive Account: B.C.R.A. - CURRENCY IN CUSTODY.
2.2.3. Such excesses will be credited to the corresponding current accounts at the Central Bank on the same day they are declared.
2.2.4. The Central Bank will conduct inspections to verify the correct compliance with the norms related to the deposits of cash in custody that financial entities maintain on their behalf.
To this effect, access to the premises where the stored value is kept must be facilitated to the acting inspectors immediately after their identification is confirmed.
If through these verifications differences or shortages are determined with respect to the declared balances (Staff message for the declaration of excesses) and/or improper conditioning of the values (points 1.2.1., 1.2.2., 1.3, and 2.2.1.), the Central Bank will proceed to reverse the corresponding entry with value as of the day of the deposit declaration. +----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ Version ³ Communication ³ Date ³ Page ³ ³-------------+---------------------------+------------+---------³ ³ 3rd. ³ "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 ³ 30-06-97 ³ 11 ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ Circular CIRCULATION MONETARY ³ CIRMO - 2 ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.) ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ The packages containing values that are removed from custody (points 2.2.5. and 2.2.7.) must have the bands or labels referred to in point 1.2.1. removed from them at that moment.
2.2.5. Entities are obligated to immediately comply with the fund delivery orders issued by the Central Bank via STAF, within the schedule established for public service.
Additionally, they must provide counters and the necessary elements to perform the count, when the receiving entity so requires. Non-compliance will result, prior to the intervention of the Central Bank Treasury, in the automatic debit of the missing values reported by the receiver, if any.
2.2.6. Payment order messages via Staff sent by the Central Bank will be valid only for the day on which they were issued.
2.2.7. Entities that need cash for their operations will request it on the day by sending the STAF message for Cash Request before 3:00 PM.
Entities that have declared excesses the previous day may not request funds.
Additionally, the making available of excesses will not be accepted when the same day they have been provided with cash.
Movements of funds generated by withdrawals, deposits, or declarations of excesses of coins will not be taken into account within the restrictions of the preceding paragraph.
2.2.8. Entities that need, during certain periods, quantities of banknotes and coins above their normal needs, must carry out advance and gradual provision plans to avoid the inconveniences of moving a large mass of cash on the same day.
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2.2.9. Entities may not make deposits at the Central Bank without the express authorization of the latter, except those made with WORN banknotes.
2.2.10. Any claim for differences that might arise in the delivery of cash when the count specified in point 2.2.5. is not performed, will be reserved exclusively to the intervening entities, with no responsibility for the Central Bank.
2.2.11. The Central Bank will return the proportional part of the insurance corresponding to declared excesses of cash to entities that have their cash holdings in treasuries fully insured. To this effect, they must present, after the expiration of the respective policy, a settlement stating the amount to be returned, formulating a detail by date and days in which such funds have been kept at the order of the Central Bank, as well as specifying the conditions under which the relevant policies have been subscribed.
Only expenses arising from insurance costs will be recognized when the Central Bank does not have sufficient storage space or when there is any impediment to its reception.
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3. Entities included within the influence zones of Regional Treasuries and Agencies
The accounting of credits and debits arising from operations will be carried out using the procedure established in point 2.2.2. In all cases, accounting entries will have value as of the date on which the movement occurred.
3.1. Worn Banknotes - Deposits
3.1.1. Worn banknotes will be delivered together with a deposit slip - Form 3232 - within the public service hours.
3.1.2. Once the deposit is formed, the presenting entity will receive the quadruplicate of the respective slip, intervened with the stamp and signature of the Regional Treasury or Agency. The conformity granted in these cases to entities is conditional and consequently subject to the result of the subsequent verification of the deposit.
3.1.3. Once the sampling control operation is finished, if the tolerance level determined by the Central Bank is met, the deposit initially made will be adjusted according to the difference detected in the sample.
3.1.4. In the event that this tolerance level is not met, the entity will be debited the amount resulting from dividing the difference detected in the sample by the quantity of hundreds recounted, multiplied by the quantity of hundreds of the lot considered.
3.1.5. If the depositing entity does not accept the adjustment made according to the methodology indicated in points 3.1.3. and 3.1.4., it must withdraw the entire amount of banknotes deposited.
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3.1.6. Financial entities will deposit worn banknotes when making a trip to transfer excesses or withdraw cash for their own needs. If this circumstance does not exist, prior authorization from the Central Bank must be requested to make deposits, stating their origin.
3.1.7. The expenses incurred by financial entities exclusively for the transport of worn banknotes to the Regional Treasury or Agency, responding to the conditions exposed in point 3.1.6., will be reimbursed by the Central Bank, provided that the depositing entities are located at distances greater than those determined by the B.C.R.A. in each case; to this effect, the depositing entity will send a note to the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic attaching the proof of expenses incurred and a copy of the respective deposit slip for its consideration and, if applicable, the resulting amount will be credited to its current account.
3.2. Good Use Banknotes and Coins in compensation.
3.2.1. Entities located in the central zone of the city where the respective Regional Treasury or Agency is located.
With the excess of good use banknotes and coins, entities will adhere to the following Interbank Compensation System for Banknotes and Coins, by which they will supply each other with the cash they need for their operations, using the excesses of banknotes and coins made available to the Central Bank:
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3.2.1.1. The Central Bank will be informed daily about the movement of the excess of good use banknotes and coins, via Form 3486, whose balance will reflect the amount of cash held in custody in their treasuries, which in turn must be in compartments or sectors separate from their own resources, under the conditions established in points 1.2.1., 1.2.2., and 1.3.
The making available of the excess entails the ownership and availability of the currency declared by each bank and consequently its withdrawal from monetary circulation. The amount represented by the excess banknotes and coins that entities place at the disposal of the B.C.R.A. will be credited to the current accounts they hold at the Central Bank. This circumstance determines that these units are not available for use, resulting in the exclusive power and authority of the B.C.R.A. - the only entity authorized by virtue of what is provided in its Organic Charter, art. 17, inc. a) (text according to Law 24.144) - to proceed to their issuance, under the form and conditions established by Law 23.928. Additionally, when it deems necessary, the Central Bank may indicate the transfer of excesses to its treasuries, subordinating the respective credit to its prior compliance.
3.2.2. Entities located outside the central zone.
The excess of good use banknotes can be deposited at the Regional Treasury or Agency, within the public service hours, using Form 3232.
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+----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ Circular CIRCULATION MONETARY ³ CIRMO - 2 ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.) ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+ Entities will receive the quadruplicate, in which the Regional Treasury or Agency will record its prior control regarding denominations, integration of thousands by tens of hundreds, and that these do not show signs of having been violated. This conformity will be conditional, as the Regional Treasury or Agency will not recount the banknotes. Consequently, the deposit will be subject to the result of its subsequent verification by the entities that, ultimately, receive them as a consequence of the subsequent allocations made by the Regional Treasury or Agency.
3.3. Provision of Cash.
Entities that need to obtain banknotes and coins will request them on the day using Form 2715, attaching the check from their current account at the Central Bank.
Entities that have declared excesses the previous day may not request funds. Additionally, the making available of excesses will not be accepted when the same day they have been provided with cash. Movements of funds generated by withdrawals, deposits, or declarations of excesses of coins will not be taken into account within the restrictions of the preceding paragraph. They will present the corresponding check for the order of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic and against their current account at this, and with prior signature conformity by the Regional Treasury or Agency, they will receive delivery orders or the assigned banknotes and/or coins, as applicable. Entities that require quantities of banknotes and coins above their normal needs will adhere to what is stipulated in point 2.2.8. +----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ Version ³ Communication ³ Date ³ Page ³ ³-------------+---------------------------+------------+---------³ ³ 3rd. ³ "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 ³ 30-06-97 ³ 17 ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+

Circular CIRCULACION MONETARIA CIRMO - 2
V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.)

3.3.1. Entities located within the central zone of the city where the Regional Treasury or Agency is headquartered.
Proceed in accordance with the provisions established in points 3.2.1.1.

3.3.1.1. Entities are obligated to immediately comply with the fund delivery orders issued by the Regional Treasury or Agency, within the schedule established for public service. Additionally, they must provide counters and the necessary elements to perform the count, when the receiving entity so requires. Non-compliance will result, prior to the intervention of the Treasury of the Regional Treasury or Agency, in the automatic debit of the missing values reported by the receiver, if any.

3.3.1.2. The orders issued by the Regional Treasury or Agency will be valid only for the day on which they were issued.

3.3.1.3. Any claim regarding differences that may arise in cash deliveries when the count specified in point 3.3.1.1 is not performed will be reserved exclusively to the intervening entities, with no responsibility whatsoever for the Regional Treasury or Agency.

3.3.2. Entities operating outside the central zone.
The Regional Treasury or Agency will deliver the allocated cash according to its availability (good use banknotes, new and/or coins).

[Version 3a. Communication "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 Date 30-06-97 Page 18]

[Version 3a. Communication "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 Date 30-06-97 Page 19]

Circular CIRCULACION MONETARIA CIRMO - 2
V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.)

The collecting entity may request from the Regional Treasury or Agency the necessary elements to perform the count; if not, any claims regarding the delivery of that cash will be reserved exclusively to the intervening entities, with no responsibility whatsoever for the Regional Treasury or Agency.

[Version 3a. Communication "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 Date 30-06-97 Page 20]

Circular CIRCULACION MONETARIA CIRMO - 2
V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.)

4. Entities that do not have offices installed in the central zone of the Federal Capital or in the zones of influence of the Regional Treasuries or Agencies.

4.1. Good Use Banknotes and Coins.
Entities that do not have offices installed in the central zone of the Federal Capital or in the zones of influence of the Regional Treasuries or Agencies must deposit the excess of good use cash and coins directly into the headquarters of the Central Bank, who, prior to automatic processing, will arrange for their re-circulation. Entities may request from the Central Bank the necessary elements to perform the count prior to withdrawal. If not, the delivery will be considered accepted, giving rise to no type of claim.

4.2. Damaged Banknotes - Deposits.

4.2.1. Entities located outside the central zone of the Federal Capital, but within the zone of influence of the Central Bank headquarters, will make deposits of damaged banknotes at the Central Bank headquarters prior to authorization.

4.2.2. Entities located outside the Federal Capital, its suburban zone, or the influence zone of the Regional Treasuries or Agencies, will make such deposits at the Bank of the Argentine Nation or at the Central Bank, prior to authorization.

[Version 3a. Communication "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 Date 30-06-97 Page 21]

Circular CIRCULACION MONETARIA CIRMO - 2
V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.)

5. Instructions for the use of the forms to be used.

405 - A: Deposit slip.
It will be completed by the entities, in triplicate, to make deposits at the Central Bank.

2570: Registry of authorized signatures of the banks.
They must present two sets to the Regional Treasury, duly integrated, and with the corresponding certification on the back.

2714: It will be completed by the Central Bank or Regional Treasury to satisfy the cash needs of the entities. It consists of 3 elements - with security background - which will have the following procedure:
Elements 1 and 2: They will be provided to the entity requesting funds, against the delivery of a check payable to the order of the Central Bank for the requested amount, for presentation to the entity that must supply the cash. Element 1: Prior to the signature of the collecting entity on the printed receipt, it will remain with the paying entity as proof of the operation performed. Element 2: Prior to the signature of the collecting entity on the duplicate receipt, it will be delivered to the payer, who in turn will sign as proof of the operation performed, sending it on the same day and before the closing of operations to the Central Bank or the Regional Treasury. Element 3: It will remain with the entity that must supply the cash. It will be delivered in the premises of the local Clearing House at the last hour of the day prior to the operation, in a closed envelope addressed to the official designated by each entity. On elements 1 and 3, juxtaposed, a stamp of the Central Bank will be stamped.

[Version 3a. Communication "A" 2554 - CIRMO-2 Date 30-06-97 Page 22]

Circular CIRCULACION MONETARIA CIRMO - 2
V - Procedures for the purification of cash (Cont.)

2715: It must be completed by the entities that need funds for their operations and presented to the Central Bank or Regional Treasury.

3232: Deposit slip.
It must be completed in quadruplicate. On its back, the quantity of units by denomination, its equivalent in pesos, and the total amount will be recorded.

3486: It must be completed in quadruplicate, informing about movements and balances, and must be in the possession of the Central Bank or Regional Treasury before the closing of operations. In the row "Excesses of the date," the quantity of units for each denomination of banknotes that constitutes the cash made available to the Central Bank and the amount in pesos will be recorded.

INTERBANK CLEARING OF BANKNOTES
Instruction for the Use of the System

Generalities
The objective of the Interbank Clearing of Banknotes system is basically to allow entities to make requests and declarations of excess banknotes to the BCRA, through the Financial Area Telecommunications System (STAF). For this purpose, an application has been developed that allows the entry and transmission of such operations, as well as the issuance of withdrawal and cash delivery orders, which are generated by the BCRA and sent to the entities involved in each of the operations. Additionally, the system has facilities for the consultation of balances of banknotes declared in custody and confirmation to the BCRA of the banknote deliveries that it has ordered. As a security environment, the system has access keys to the virtual machines of each entity, in addition to levels of activity (also with their corresponding keys), which require work to be performed in well-differentiated stages. Parallel to this, and to ensure the authenticity of each transmission made from the entities to the BCRA (and also in the opposite direction), a system of transmission codes has been established, which are unique for each communication that takes place.

Utilization of the System
Access to STAF
Once the communication with the BCRA computer is established, one must access the virtual machine with suffix 6 corresponding to each entity.
Within the general STAF menu, option [F8] (Other STAF applications) must be selected. Then select [F1] (Interbank banknote clearing). A screen with the system logo should then be displayed.

Entering the CIB System
The user identification and access level screen will be displayed according to the following scheme:

+-----------------------------------------------------------+ ³ BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ³ GERENCIA DEL TESORO ³ Interbank Banknote Clearing System ³ Enter entity code: XXXXX ³ Enter access level: X ³ Enter access key: XXXXXXXX ³ F3 exit / F8 change access key / ENTER continue ³ +-----------------------------------------------------------+

The requested data must be entered, taking into account the level of access desired, taking into account the following detail:
Level 1: Information entry (requests and declarations of excess banknotes) Level 2: Supervision and transmission of operational data to the BCRA Level 3: Consultation of banknote balances in custody. In case of needing to change the access key, using the F8 key, a screen will be displayed that allows entering the new key, which can contain up to a maximum of eight characters.

Level 1: Information Entry Module
By entering at level 1, the following screen is accessed:
Once the option is entered, a screen will be enabled that allows the entry of the data constituting either the request or declaration of excesses corresponding.

+-----------------------------------------------------------+ ³ BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ³ GERENCIA DEL TESORO ³ Interbank Banknote Clearing System ³ ³ Information Entry Module ³ F1: Declaration of Excesses ³ F2: Banknote Request ³ F3: Exit ³ Indicate the Option with the Associated PF ³ +-----------------------------------------------------------+

The data to be entered are the quantities of banknotes required for each denomination and, only for the case of banknote requests, the name of the carrier or person (with their identity document) who will withdraw the banknotes must be indicated without exception.

+-----------------------------------------------------------+ ³ BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ³ ³ GERENCIA DEL TESORO ³ Interbank Banknote Clearing System ³ ³ Banknote Request Information ³ Denomination Quantity(*) Amount ³ ³ $ 1 XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 2 XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 5 XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 10 XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 20 XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 50 XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 100 XXXXXXXX ³ Total Reported ³ Carrier: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ³ Enter the corresponding data ³ +-----------------------------------------------------------+

By confirming with F1 the entered data, the system automatically calculates the amounts for each denomination as well as the general total of the operation, displaying these data afterwards. If one agrees with what is indicated on the screen, one must confirm with F1 and the entry is taken firmly.

Observations:

• Banknote quantities must be expressed in thousands.
• When the number of banknotes for any denomination is zero, it is not necessary to type them; it is sufficient to skip that column (do not use space bar).
• Once the information is loaded, and as long as it is not transmitted to the BCRA, the data of the same can be modified as many times as considered necessary.
• In case there is prior information without transmission, it will be displayed on screen with a legend indicating said situation.

Level 2: Data Transmission Module to BCRA
The first screen of this module allows the transmission of the operations previously loaded through level 1, as well as communicating to the BCRA the confirmation of the banknote deliveries that the BCRA previously made.

+-----------------------------------------------------------+ ³ BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ³ ³ GERENCIA DEL TESORO ³ Interbank Banknote Clearing System ³ ³ Data Transmission Module to BCRA ³ F1: Declaration of Excesses ³ F2: Banknote Request ³ F3: Banknote Delivery Confirmation ³ F4: Exit ³ Indicate the Option with the Associated PF ³ +-----------------------------------------------------------+

If F1 or F2 is selected as necessary, a screen will be displayed with the data of the previously entered request or excess, enabling the entry of the transmission prefix and key, which will be generated through a procedure supplied by the BCRA Information Security Area.

+-----------------------------------------------------------+ ³ BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ³ ³ GERENCIA DEL TESORO ³ Interbank Banknote Clearing System ³ ³ Information Transmission ³ Transmission Prefix XXX Key XXXXX ³ Denomination Quantity(*) Amount ³ ³ $ 1 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 2 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 5 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 10 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 20 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 50 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 100 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ Total Reported XXXXXXXX ³ Carrier: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ³ Enter transmission prefix and key ³ +-----------------------------------------------------------+

Once the transmission prefix and key are entered, confirm the data with F1.
Subsequently, the system displays all the operation information again and asks for confirmation to start the transmission to the BCRA.
By confirming again with F1, the data communication to the BCRA occurs. At the end of the sending process, the system notifies the operator that it has concluded, indicating the note number assigned to the transmission. Additionally, a STAF document is sent to the entity that serves as an "acknowledgment of receipt," which contains a detail of the data received by the BCRA. This document is accessible through the F1 function (see notes and messages) available in the STAF main menu. Note: The documents received by the entities are saved in an information storage area, which must be administered by the entity itself, so it is recommended to print the messages on paper and then delete them from STAF. In the particular case of the banknote request, the BCRA, after verifying the authenticity of the transmission, processes said cash requirement and, once resolved, proceeds to communicate (through another STAF document) to the requesting entity the course of action to follow:
If during the transmission verification procedure it is detected that the prefix or key are not correct, the entity is informed, enabling it to retransmit the data.
If the key is correct and the entity's balance in its current account is insufficient, it generates a document rejecting the request.
If the key is correct and the balance is sufficient, the entity is informed where to withdraw the requested cash and the detail of banknotes to withdraw.
These STAF documents are always accompanied by a transmission prefix and key that entities must verify to check the authenticity of the received documents.

Confirmation of Banknote Delivery
This function must be used to notify the BCRA that the entity has fulfilled a cash provision requirement generated by the BCRA. Such requirement arrives at the entity via STAF document sent by the BCRA, which also accompanies a transmission prefix and key. Once the requested delivery has been made, the requirement, identified by the note number, must be located within the list of pending requirements displayed on screen:

+----------------------------------------------------------------+ ³ BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ³ ³ GERENCIA DEL TESORO ³ Interbank Banknote Clearing System ³ ³ Consultation of Pending Confirmations ³ ³Operac Note No Entity Payer Date Entity Requester Amount ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ X XXXXX XXXXX XX/XX/XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ Select with S the payment to confirm ³ +----------------------------------------------------------------+

Once the requirement to confirm is located, type the character 'S' in the corresponding row and press [ENTER]. The system will display the information associated with said request and enable the entry of the transmission prefix and key.

+-----------------------------------------------------------+ ³ BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ³ ³ GERENCIA DEL TESORO ³ Interbank Banknote Clearing System ³ ³ Transmission Confirmation of Delivery ³ Transmission Prefix XXX Key XXXXX ³ Denomination Quantity(*) Amount ³ ³ $ 1 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 2 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 5 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 10 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 20 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 50 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ ³ $ 100 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ³ Total Reported XXXXXXXX ³ Enter transmission prefix and key ³ +-----------------------------------------------------------+

After entering the indicated data, confirm with [F1] to start the communication to the BCRA.
Note: Delivery orders not confirmed on the day will be cancelled, since they are only valid for the date on which they are issued, according to what is stipulated in the CIRMO.

Level 3: Banknotes in Custody Consultation Module By accessing this level, each entity can consult the balance of banknotes declared in custody, with the detail of totals by banknote quantity. The quantities are expressed in thousands of banknotes, showing also the corresponding amounts for each denomination and a total amount.

Note: In case the entity has difficulties originating from the impossibility of establishing connectivity with STAF, it will have workstations enabled at the BCRA (Data Processing Center - San Martín Building, Ground Floor), to perform the operations of entry and transmission of banknote requests and declarations of excesses. The authorized schedules are as follows:
Banknote request: from 9:45 to 15:00 Hs.
Declaration of excesses: from 15:30 to 16:15 Hs.