Rule · BCRA · 14 Sep 1999 · A 2985
Financial institutions must install bulletproof turrets with interior base of at least 1 m by 1 m, height of 2 m, transparent armor of 0.30 m per side, and 7.62 mm NATO-caliber protection per RENAR Test Standard No. 1. Turrets must sit at least 0.60 m above the floor, include a 30-minute self-contained breathing apparatus, wired remote alarm, and police communication link, and be staffed continuously with the door closed. Replacement armored enclosures require reinforced concrete of at least H-17, 15 cm thick, and requests submitted at least 30 days before installation. Non-compliance must be reported immediately to the providing organism.
"1999 - Year of Export"
COMMUNICATION "A" 2985 14/09/99
TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
Ref.: Circular
RUNOR 1 – 358.
Chapter XXI. Minimum Security Measures
in Financial Institutions.
We address you in order to inform you that by Resolution No. 421, the Board of Directors of this Institution approved the new regulatory text of the Minimum Security Measures in Financial Institutions.
Consequently, we send you in annex the text of Chapter XXI of Circular RUNOR 1- 358, which replaces Communication "A" 2687 issued on 17 April 1998.
We greet you very attentively.
CENTRAL BANK OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Juan Carlos Maidana
Deputy Manager of
General Security
Roberto C. Riccardi
Deputy General Manager of
Administration and Control
B.C.R.A. CONSOLIDATED TEXT OF THE RULES ON MEASURES MINIMUM SECURITY MEASURES IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Annex to
Com. "A" 2985
-Index-
Section 1. Introduction.
Section 2. Minimum security devices for banks and savings banks (head offices, parent companies and branches).
2.1. Armored booth.
2.2. Remote alarm.
2.3. Armored vault.
2.4. Protection at access points and glazed surfaces.
2.5. Additional police service.
2.6. Night watchman services and lighting.
2.7. Enclosure for important operations.
2.8. Elements for temporary storage in customer service teller windows.
2.9. Security measures in customer service teller windows or at the entrance to the institution.
2.10. Closed-circuit security television.
2.11. Minimum security measures for the storage of cash.
Section 3. Minimum security devices for finance companies, credit unions and savings and loan associations for housing or other real estate.
3.1. When the stored cash does not exceed $ 22,000.00.
3.2. When the stored cash exceeds $ 22,000.00.
Section 4. Money transport.
Section 5. Special provisions.
5.1. Minimum security measures in the installation of automated teller machines.
5.2. Minimum security measures in offices that provide certain services and in those installed in client companies.
5.3. Around-the-clock deposit boxes.
Section 6. Supplementary provisions.
6.1. Declaration of the minimum security measures adopted, when reporting the authorization or relocation of a financial institution office.
6.2. Self-grouping, in the categories provided for in article 1 of Decree No. 1.284/73, of finance companies, credit unions and savings and loan associations for housing or other real estate.
6.3. Reporting of criminal acts and incidents caused to the detriment of financial institutions.
6.4. Abstention from sending plans or sketches to the Central Bank.
6.5. Directives issued by RENAR (National Weapons Registry).
6.6. Possession of certificates of suitability and/or replacement.
6.7. Expert appraisals of the suitability of security elements.
6.8. Persons responsible for the Security of the Financial Institution.
6.9. Security Plan.
Version: 1st. Communication "A" 2985 Effective:
20/09/99
Page 1
1.1. The minimum security measures contained herein are mandatory for the financial institutions covered by Law 21.526, and the adoption of other precautions they deem necessary, as arising from the security studies they carry out, in order to protect valuables and persons, shall be at their sole discretion and responsibility, without authorization from the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic.
1.2. When houses, branches or offices that do not carry out money movements, nor hold it, are installed, financial institutions may request the Banco Central de la República Argentina (Subgerencia de Seguridad General) for exemption from implementing some or all of the minimum security measures required under current regulations. In the relevant request, the activities to be carried out must be indicated in detail. If granted, it will be valid only for the requested premises and for as long as the situation persists. In the event of relocation, a new authorization must be requested.
1.3. For aspects not contemplated and/or that generate the need to make inquiries, entities must address the Subgerencia de Seguridad General of the Banco Central de la República Argentina, which will evaluate and resolve accordingly.
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 2
The minimum security measures that banks and savings banks must adopt, in each of their houses located in the country, will be the following:
2.1. Elevated bulletproof turret, booth or cabin, allowing panoramic surveillance. When the characteristics of the premises make installation at height impossible, its construction outside the premises - also at height - near the main entrance door or inside the premises at ground level, in that order, will be allowed.
2.1.1. The characteristics of the turrets to be installed will be the following:
2.1.1.1.1. Interior base: not less than 1 m by 1 m per side.
2.1.1.1.2. Minimum interior height: 2 m.
2.1.1.2.1. Wide visibility: it must allow the maximum visual field to the occupant through its transparent armor, which will have 0.30 m per side as a minimum and will be placed at heights greater than one meter from the floor of the turret. In all cases, direct observation of the customer service counters, treasury entrance and access to the entity must be ensured. When surveillance of any of these sectors is not possible, closed-circuit television cameras or the necessary personnel to ensure permanent observation of these areas will be installed, an option that will be at the discretion of the entity.
2.1.1.2.2. Height: turrets must be installed at a height not less than 0.60 m from the floor of the premises under surveillance, when the characteristics of the premises allow it.
In all cases, its base must be clad so that there is no direct access to the lower face of the turret floor from the outside.
2.1.1.2.3. Roof: it must have such a slope that it does not allow the retention of elements thrown against its upper part, unless it coincides with the ceiling of the premises to be guarded. This requirement can be achieved by means of a cladding or false ceiling firmly attached to the turret structure.
2.1.1.2.4. Door: it must allow normal access to the premises. Its closing system must lack interior bolts or latches that cannot be removed from the outside. Its lock must be able to
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 3
be operated indistinctly from the inside or from the outside, even if the key is placed on the opposite side.
2.1.1.2.5. Identification: Both the body of the turret and its door must have an indelible numbering that identifies them, which must be recorded in the respective certificates.
2.1.1.3.1. Protection: both opaque and transparent must provide protection against impacts of normal 7.62 mm NATO caliber ammunition, and must fully comply with Test Standard No. 1 (Anti-FAL armor) issued by the Registro Nacional de Armas (RENAR) or its international equivalent.
2.1.1.3.2. Cladding: the entire opaque sector of the armor must be anti-ricochet for the projectiles defined in 2.1.1.3.1 or have a coating that gives it that property on its outer surface.
2.1.1.4.1. Ventilation: it must be achieved by incorporating it into the general air conditioning system or by means of the turret's own means (extractor, fan, etc.).
2.1.1.4.2. Ventilation controls: they must exist and be available to the personnel occupying them, for their regulation or blocking, as deemed necessary.
2.1.1.4.3. Inlet and outlet of ventilation pipes or fans: they must be difficult to access. If they have openings to or from the outside, these must be protected so as to prevent the passage of solid objects with a diameter greater than 30 mm.
2.1.1.4.4. Self-contained breathing apparatus: its availability is mandatory. It must ensure an air reserve of not less than 30 minutes and have a mask that protects the main mucous membranes of the face against the irritating effect of chemical agents.
2.1.1.5. Remote alarm: inside the turret there must be a wired remote alarm pushbutton, within immediate reach of its occupant, which must offer minimal possibilities of accidental operation.
2.1.1.6. Link: It must have an intercom or telephone connected to the internal network of the house and the possibility of communicating with the police
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 4
station. At the discretion of the entity, with prior coordination and authorization from the security or police agency of the jurisdiction, a radio transceiver may be installed for linking with the agency's radioelectric system.
2.1.2. Turrets in use, in addition to the above, must comply with the following:
2.1.2.1. General characteristics: they must conform to the armor and cladding specifications indicated in point 2.1.1.3.
2.1.2.2. Embrasures: They must be sealed to prevent their use.
2.1.3. Permanence: the presence of the uniformed agent inside the turret must be with the door closed and permanently, from the entry of personnel until the closing of the treasury at the end of daily activity. The financial entity must immediately report its non-compliance to the respective providing organism, for the purposes of its intervention.
The primary function of the security personnel located inside the booth is to activate the remote alarm button connected to the respective security or police organism.
2.1.4. When it is necessary to complement the booth with a closed-circuit television system to visualize the areas determined in 2.1.1.2.1., a monitor and the necessary cameras that meet the conditions stipulated in points 2.1.5.6.1., subparagraphs a., b. and c., and 2.1.5.6.2. must be installed or, preferably, in accordance with the provisions of point 2.10. The U.P.S. shall be located outside the booth, duly protected from access by unauthorized third parties.
2.1.5. Replacement of the booth by an armored security enclosure and closed-circuit television.
The entities may request the replacement of the booth by an armored security enclosure that meets the minimum requirements established by this standard.
The requests must be submitted no less than 30 days prior to the installation date of the device, informing by note addressed to the General Security Sub-Management of the Central Bank: the address of the premises where it will be installed and, synthetically, the characteristics of the system, with the general location of the security enclosure (point 2.1.5.1), elements inside it (point 2.1.5.4.), standards met by the closed-circuit television equipment and field of view of the cameras (point 2.1.5.6. or preferably point 2.10.). After evaluation of the system, the General Security Sub-Management shall decide accordingly.
Unless otherwise indicated by the Central Bank, they must refrain from sending plans or sketches in accordance with the provisions of point 6.4.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 5
The substitute system (security enclosure and closed-circuit television) must remain installed and in proper operating condition at the premises in question and must comply, at a minimum, with the security standards indicated below:
2.1.5.1. The control of the system must be located in an armored enclosure or booth whose dimensions must be of adequate measurements. Whenever possible, this enclosure should be located away from the entity's accesses.
2.1.5.2. The enclosure must be of reinforced concrete with a resistance of no less than H-17 (170 Kg. per cm2), in accordance with IRAM Standard 1.666, with a minimum thickness of 15 cm or of solid masonry with a thickness of no less than 30 cm. The entire structure must be in accordance with the construction code of the installation site. Its construction with another material that complies with RENAR Test Standard No. 1 (resistance to impacts of 7.62 mm NATO Normal caliber ammunition) will also be accepted. Walls exposed to possible attacks must be lined with anti-ricochet material on their exterior face. Masonry walls are exempt from this requirement. It must have a certification supporting the construction characteristics of the enclosure, signed by a licensed professional or, if another material is chosen, by RENAR or its international equivalent.
If transparent surfaces are used, they must have the same ballistic resistance as indicated, with the corresponding documentation supporting it, as indicated above.
2.1.5.3.1. It must be armored, in accordance with RENAR Test Standard No. 1 (resistance to impacts of 7.62 mm NATO Normal caliber ammunition) or its international equivalent, with their respective records. Its exterior face must be lined with anti-ricochet material.
2.1.5.3.2. It must have a window of transparent armored material, with equal ballistic resistance, of at least 30 cm per side.
2.1.5.3.3. It must have a special security lock that allows opening from either side, even with the key inserted.
2.1.5.3.4. Identification: it must have numbering in accordance with the provisions of point 2.1.1.2.5.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 6
2.1.5.4.1. It must have a wired remote alarm button, located near the monitor viewing area, with minimal probability of accidental operation.
2.1.5.4.2. Ventilation shall be achieved by incorporating the booth into the air conditioning system, if it exists, or by electric "forced" alternative extraction and/or injection air fans, with the controls stipulated in point 2.1.1.4.2.
2.1.5.4.3. It must have a self-contained breathing apparatus that ensures an air reserve of at least 30 minutes, with a mask that protects the main mucous membranes of the face against the irritating effects of chemical agents.
2.1.5.4.4. It must have the possibility of communicating with the internal network of the premises and with the police station. At the entity's discretion, with prior coordination and authorization from the security or police organism of the jurisdiction, a radio transceiver may be installed for liaison with the organism's radioelectric system.
2.1.5.4.5. The temperature shall be maintained, as far as possible, at an average of 22º C, so that the system equipment has an adequate level of reliability.
The enclosure must be occupied, with the door closed, by a member of Security or Police Forces or of a private security company. If deemed necessary, the entity may incorporate an operator and/or supervisor of the system.
They shall be conveniently instructed for the operation of the entire system and shall perform exclusively permanent surveillance tasks from the entry of personnel until the closing of the vault at the end of the daily activity.
2.1.5.6.1. It must meet the necessary suitability and reliability requirements, complying at a minimum with any of the following standards: VDS, CE, DIN, ISO or those applicable to it. Likewise, the systems must comply with the provisions established for CCIR or PAL standards.
The minimum technical characteristics are those set forth below:
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 7
a. Black and white cameras.
(1) Horizontal resolution: 380 lines.
(2) Light sensitivity: 0,2 lux.
(3) Back light: with backlight luminosity conditions.
(4) Auto iris lens: with variable luminosity conditions.
(5) Phase adjustment: ± 90º.
b. Color cameras.
(1) Horizontal resolution: 330 lines.
(2) Light sensitivity: 0,8 lux.
(3) Back light: with backlight luminosity conditions.
(4) Auto iris lens: with variable luminosity conditions.
(5) Phase adjustment: ± 90º.
c. Monitors.
(1) Black and white.
- Horizontal resolution: at least 800 lines at the center of the screen.
(2) Color.
- Horizontal resolution: 400 lines at the center of the screen.
(3) Screen dimension.
- With 1 image: 9 inches minimum.
- With 2 and up to 4 images: not less than 12 inches.
- With more than 4 images: greater than 14 inches.
d. Multiplexer or Quad.
(1) Minimum horizontal resolution: 768 x 480 pixel.
(2) On-screen indication of camera number and date-time (in 24-hour format).
2.1.5.6.2. It must have power supply by U.P.S. (uninterruptible power source) or battery bank with charger source, according to the system's current type, that allows operation in the event of a power cut automatically, or with an automatically started generator set, whose location is adequately protected from intruder access.
2.1.5.6.3. It must have, at a minimum, fixed-location cameras that adequately observe:
a. Entry of the public and personnel to the financial institution and their exit from it.
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 8
b. Customer service teller windows.
c. Door of the main vault and/or mobile teller vault.
2.1.5.6.4. It will have no fewer than one monitor with image partitioning (QUAD or multiplexer) or another programmable one for permanent control of the system.
2.1.5.7. Permanent lighting of the lenses must be ensured in the event of a power supply cut.
2.1.5.8. When the mandatory verification is carried out, it will be checked that the installed system complies with what this standard determines.
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 9
2.2. Remote alarm, with controls suitable for activating it safely and with minimal possibilities of accidental operation.
2.2.1. Remote alarms must conform to what was published by Communication "C" 2200 of 7 August 1985 (General Directive No. DRNC 05-93 of the Secretariat of Communications of the Nation).
2.2.2. The systems must comply with the provisions of the National Communications Commission.
2.2.3. The doors of armored vaults must have opening sensors connected to the remote alarm system.
2.2.4. Improper activation of the alarm system.
In order to avoid the inconveniences caused to security and police agencies, the deployment of elements and general intervention readiness, financial institutions must prevent, through negligence, the alarm system from being activated without criminal acts occurring.
To this end, they must adopt all necessary measures so that remote alarms (Article 1, subsection b) of Decree 2.525/71 and Article 1, section "B", subsection b) of Decree 1.284/73) and external alarms (Article 1, section "A", subsection c) of Decree 1.284/73) are equipped with sensors and controls suitable for activating them safely and with minimal possibilities of accidental operation.
2.2.5. Cases deserving special consideration will be evaluated by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, which will decide on the matter.
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 10
2.3. Armored vault (cement and steel) in the basement or at ground level, separated from party walls, fireproof and resistant to violation by mechanical elements or oxyhydrogen torch. It will have, at a minimum, a main door equipped with the locks described in 2.3.1.3.
Entities may request from the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic its replacement by:
2.3.1. A mobile teller vault, in accordance with the following:
Applications must be submitted no less than 30 days prior to the date of opening of the premises.
The substitute element (mobile treasury box) must comply, at a minimum, with the safety standards indicated below:
2.3.1.1. Outer shell made of steel plate no less than 1/4" (6.35 mm) thick and inner shell made of steel plate no less than 2 mm thick; the interior of this chamber shall contain a block of steel alloy casting with a uniform hardness of no less than 450 Brinell, highly resistant to oxyhydrogen torch, mechanical perforations and high-power impacts, covering the entire surface of the shell with a single piece, or one piece per side, with its tongue-and-groove or interlocking joints, in a thickness of 40 millimeters. Its total solid thickness must be at least 125 millimeters, including the cast armor, steel plates and refractory material.
2.3.1.2. Door consisting of an outer steel plate with a thickness of no less than 5/8" (15.9 mm) and a cover of solid thickness in steel plate no less than 3/16" (4.75 mm) and, inside that chamber, a block of steel alloy casting with a uniform hardness of no less than 450 Brinell, highly resistant to oxyhydrogen torch, mechanical perforations and high-power impacts of a single piece, in a minimum thickness of 60 mm, covering the entire surface of the door. The total solid thickness required is a minimum of 160 millimeters including the cast armor, steel plates and insulating refractory material.
2.3.1.3. It must have a hermetic seal through an effective and uniform contact of the door on its frame along its entire perimeter and shall be achieved by means of a machined profile, preferably of stainless steel or with anti-corrosive treatment, formed by no less than two steps of perfect fit on its contact surface. The locking system shall consist of movable bolts designed in such a way that it remains closed and secured even in the event of cutting of the hinge axes. These shall ensure the correct closing of the door and its contact with the double step to prevent heat produced by a fire from filtering inside, destroying or carbonizing its contents.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 11
In no case may mechanical adjustment deficiencies be concealed with puttying and/or painting of the facing profiles, nor with the conditioning of closing stops, screws, bands or shims of any kind.
It must have 2 numerical combination locks (for the individual stop of two movement guides of the bolts) of the indirect axis model, of four discs with 100,000,000 combinations, with key change by key from its interior platform, which does not allow removing its rear cover without first setting the key in use, guaranteeing the secrecy of the code in use: provided with anti-spy dial and protection device or protruding collars that prevent forcing their axes; or electronic locks that provide similar performance and comply with UL 2058 standards or those applicable to them.
Likewise, it must be provided with a triple time lock, of 120 hours minimum action.
2.3.1.4. It must have at least an interior treasury for the safekeeping of the main stocks, equipped at a minimum, with a numerical combination lock of 1,000,000 keys, possibility of changing keys, with adjustable delay of 5 or more minutes.
2.3.1.5. The doors of mobile treasury boxes located in basements must have a hermetic compression system.
2.3.1.6. An opening sensor connected to the remote alarm system must be installed on its door.
2.3.1.7. Entities that have been authorized by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic to operate with mobile treasury box, whose characteristics do not conform to the specifications contained in the preceding points, may continue using them when they meet the following minimum requirements:
2.3.1.7.1. Solid thickness of the shell no less than 100 mm but with the armor determined above.
2.3.1.7.2. Door plate with a total solid thickness no less than 130 mm but with the armor specified in point 2.3.1.2.
2.3.1.7.3. The locks: in accordance with what is specified in this standard.
2.3.2. A modular treasury, whose characteristics comply with the provisions for cement and steel vaults. For this purpose, the General Security Submanagement shall determine the suitability of the alternative product, with the technical advice it deems pertinent.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 12
2.4. Special locks, latches, bolts, chains, iron or steel shutters, bars and bulletproof peepholes, as applicable, in all access points to buildings (doors, windows, skylights, internal courtyards, etc.).
Financial entities may request authorization to replace iron or steel bars and shutters on glazed surfaces that border the exterior, with an adequate installation of electronic sensors connected to the alarm system, which provide an alert upon intrusions and meet the minimum requirements established in this standard.
Entities that have 24-hour surveillance service are exempt from complying with the legal requirements mentioned above.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of installation of the device, informing by note to the General Security Submanagement of the Central Bank: the address of the house where it will be installed, the characteristics of the sensors and alarm device to which they will be connected. After evaluation of the system, the General Security Submanagement will decide accordingly.
Unless otherwise indicated by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, they must refrain from sending plans or sketches as stipulated in point 6.4.
The substitute system (sensors connected to the alarm system) must remain installed and in proper working condition at the premises in question and must comply, at a minimum, with the safety standards set forth below:
2.4.1. The sensors must meet the necessary suitability and reliability requirements, complying at a minimum with any of the following standards: VDS, CE, DIN, ISO or those applicable to them.
2.4.2. They must be connected to the alarm system linked to the security or police agency of the jurisdiction or, if a proprietary alarm center is available, with permanent staffing and communication with said agency, it may be linked to the latter, bypassing the former.
2.4.3. Their distribution and location must be carried out in such a way that the areas of action overlap in order to detect any entry of intruders.
2.4.4. Their operation must be ensured in the event of a power cut from the public grid.
2.4.5. When the required verification is carried out, it shall be checked that the installed system complies with the provisions of this standard.
With respect to entities that already have similar systems installed at the time this provision is issued, when the semi-annual verification provided for in Article 2 of Law 19.130 is carried out, it shall be verified that they conform to the characteristics set forth herein.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 13
In cases where situations not contemplated in this regulation arise, the entities shall make a detailed submission addressed to the General Security Sub-Management of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, which shall evaluate and resolve accordingly, with the advice it deems pertinent.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 14
2.5.1. This service consists of stationing an officer when the entity has a teller area, from the entry of personnel until the closing of the vault at the end of daily activity, who must monitor, through direct observation or through a closed-circuit television system: the accesses to the premises, the customer service teller windows and the entrance to the vault. When it is not possible to monitor all these sectors, closed-circuit television cameras or the necessary officers shall be added to ensure permanent observation of these areas, an option that shall be at the discretion of the entity.
2.5.2. It shall be considered effectively adopted when it is covered with active-duty personnel, provided by the competent security or police agency of the jurisdiction.
2.5.3. In the event that the security or police agency has difficulties in providing the service, it shall be replaced by a legally authorized private security company.
2.5.4. When the security or police agency is in a position to resume providing the service, it shall notify the entity and coordinate the date on which the replacement shall take effect.
2.5.5. Notwithstanding the provisions of point 2.5.2., after an evaluation of its own surveillance and custody needs, entities may reinforce the additional police service with third parties and/or personnel from their organizational structure, always within the framework of the legal provisions in force for these purposes, and the determination of the proportions of the final composition of the service shall be at their discretion. The provision of these private security services carried out in premises where the public is present shall be performed without carrying firearms.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 15
2.6. Night watchman services and internal and external nighttime lighting, when necessary.
The premises of financial entities must have the necessary lighting that facilitates observation of their interior from the outside, as permitted by their building characteristics.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 16
2.7. Place or enclosure for important operations, away from public view, when the characteristics of the premises permit.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 17
All premises of the entities must have auxiliary treasury boxes that meet the minimum specifications detailed below or other alternative elements, with a lock and delay mechanism, that perform a similar function, located in the customer service teller line, for the purpose of temporarily storing the surplus funds they hold there. The number of auxiliary treasury boxes or alternative elements as well as the determination of the surplus funds, in accordance with the provisions of point 2.9., shall be determined by the entity, according to its operational needs.
2.8.1. Be solidly fixed to the floor or to a resistant structure at its installation location, by means of two steel bolts no smaller than 1/2" (12,7 mm) in diameter, removable only from the inside.
2.8.2. Steel plate body, with a minimum thickness of 1/8" (3,2 mm).
2.8.3. Steel plate door with a total thickness of no less than 5/16" (7,9 mm) with its perimeter edges machined, for a perfect fit in its opening, and a maximum tolerable gap of 1 mm (if there is another compartment, the door shall have the same characteristics). Hinges arranged inside the box with axes of a diameter no less than 16 mm, mounted in such a way that they are not accessible from the outside.
2.8.4. The closing mechanism shall control solid, cylindrical bolts (not less than 22 mm in diameter) or flat bolts on their front face that allow a minimum entry of 10 mm into the door frame, controlled by two three-dial combination locks, 1.000.000 combinations, with an automatic relocking device, with an adjustable delay mechanism of at least 5 minutes and, in the case of having only one combination lock, another lock operated by double-bit keys and double turn, with no fewer than 6 plate combinations.
The installation of an electronic closing system that complies with UL 2058 or those applicable to it and that has the following minimum characteristics shall be permitted:
System with a keypad of 1.000.000 combinations, possibility of two accesses, adjustable delay of at least 5 minutes and automatic relocking system.
The bolts shall enter not less than 10 mm into the door frame.
The lock shall contain an internal memory that prevents its operation unless the corresponding code is correctly entered and always with a minimum delay of 5 minutes.
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 18
2.8.5. "Anti-fishing Mailbox" system that does not allow cash to be removed through its opening.
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 19
2.9. Security measures at teller windows or at the entrance to the entity.
All offices of financial entities must adopt, at teller windows that operate with cash or at the public entrance to the premises, any of the security measures detailed below.
At teller windows:
2.9.1. The maximum amount that may be kept at each teller window, outside the auxiliary treasury cash drawer, shall be $ 10.000,00 (TEN THOUSAND PESOS) or its equivalent in foreign currency. The maximum sum for head offices shall be $ 25.000,00 (TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND PESOS) per teller window.
2.9.2. Devices that hinder access to money during an assault.
When any of these devices is used, the necessary steps shall be taken to place, in clearly visible locations, notices that clearly indicate the characteristics of the installed element, adding all warnings that each entity deems pertinent and that help preserve the physical integrity of customers and employees.
At the public entrance to the entity:
2.9.3. Airlock or revolving door systems that prevent the entry of armed persons.
When processing the authorization or relocation of an office or branch, entities must submit a sworn declaration to the General Security Sub-Management of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, detailing the option or options adopted at their teller windows. With respect to offices already in operation, they must adopt any of the alternatives indicated, within 90 (NINETY) calendar days from the date of publication of this regulation and shall report as set forth above.
Version: 1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 20
All offices of the entities must have closed-circuit television cameras and recording equipment, for the purpose of recording images that allow the identification of persons and contribute to the investigation of criminal acts.
This closed-circuit television shall be installed independently of the other security elements required by the regulation or, if the option is to replace the teller booth with an armored security enclosure and closed-circuit television (point 2.1.5.), the same equipment described below may be used.
With respect to offices already in operation that do not have this device, entities with up to 200 (TWO HUNDRED) branches shall adopt this system at a rate of 5% of the total number of offices per month, starting 90 calendar days after the publication of this regulation. For those entities with more than 200 branches, they shall arrange the installation of this device at a rate of at least 10 (offices) per month. It is noted that no new authorizations will be granted if they do not comply with this regulation.
At least 30 days prior to the installation date of the system, they must inform by note addressed to the General Security Sub-Management of the Central Bank: the address where it will be installed; location of the controls, recording equipment and backup power source; standards with which the closed-circuit television equipment complies and the visual field of the cameras; attaching the brochures and data necessary for its evaluation and approval.
The system must remain installed and in proper operating condition at the location in question and comply, at a minimum, with the standards indicated below:
a. Entry of personnel and the public into the financial entity. Its location must allow reliable identification of the persons entering the entity; for this purpose, the means must be arranged so that there is an adequate relationship between the lens and the focal distance to the target in order to obtain sufficient details, in accordance with what is required. The recording of its images shall be permanent from the entry of personnel until the closing of the vault, at the end of the daily activity.
b. Teller windows. They shall be installed immediately behind the teller line in such a way that they allow reliable identification of the persons who approach or cross it; for this purpose, the means must be arranged so that there is an adequate relationship between the lens and the focal distance to the target in order to obtain sufficient details, in accordance with what is required. The recording of its images will be permanent from the entry of personnel until the closing of the vault, at the end of the daily activity.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 21
c. Access to the vault. It must allow reliable identification of the persons who approach the vault door; for this purpose, the means must be arranged so that there is an adequate relationship between the lens and the focal distance to the target in order to obtain sufficient details, in accordance with what is required. The recording of its images will be permanent from the entry of personnel until the closing of the vault, at the end of the daily activity.
The cameras mentioned below may operate independently of the rest of the system.
d. Interior of the vault. If the institution has this construction, a camera will be installed inside it for viewing the premises, located in such a way that access by third parties is difficult. It must allow its activation at will, by means of a special device or a code entered by authorized personnel, when its observation is required. The monitoring of these cameras will be carried out from the place determined by the entity. Recording is not mandatory.
e. Automated teller machines at the entity's headquarters operating 24 hours (point 5.1.3.2.) and those located inside the hall with operation subject to public service hours (point 5.1.3.1.), to reliably identify those who approach and operate the machine; for this purpose, the means must be arranged so that there is an adequate relationship between the lens and the focal distance to the target in order to obtain sufficient details, in accordance with what is required. The camera must be concealed or located in such a way that access by third parties is difficult. A device may be installed that turns on the camera and records moving or still images (photographs), upon any operation, with permanent indication of date and time. Provision must be made for recording no fewer than three images each time an operation is performed. The recording will be carried out permanently, according to operating hours, and its image storage medium must be located in a remote place, outside the automated teller machine.
2.10.2.1. It must meet the necessary suitability and reliability requirements, complying at least with any of the following standards: VDS, CE, DIN, ISO or those applicable to it. Likewise, the systems must comply with the provisions of the CCIR or EIA standards.
The minimum technical characteristics are those set forth below:
a. Black and white cameras.
(1) Horizontal resolution: 500 TV lines.
(2) Light sensitivity: 0.05 lux on image sensor.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 22
(3) Back light: with backlight luminosity conditions.
(4) Auto iris lens: with variable luminosity conditions.
(5) Phase adjustment: ± 90º.
b. Color cameras.
(1) Horizontal resolution: 500 TV lines.
(2) Light sensitivity: 0.3 lux on image sensor.
(3) Back light: with backlight luminosity conditions.
(4) Auto iris lens: with variable luminosity conditions.
(5) Phase adjustment: ± 90º.
c. Video recorder (time-lapse) or digital recording equipment.
(1) Permanent recording of date and time.
(2) Self-cleaning video head (only for video recorder).
(3) VHS cassette system (only for video recorder).
(4) Horizontal resolution: 380 TV lines.
(5) The digital recording system must not allow any editing on the equipment itself.
d. Quad or four-input video multiplexer (no more than four CAMEOS per screen).
(1) Minimum horizontal resolution: 768 x 480 pixels.
(2) On-screen indication of camera number and date-time.
(3) Must operate in real time.
2.10.2.2. It must have power supply by U.P.S. ON LINE (uninterruptible power source) or battery bank with charger source, depending on the system's current type, which allows operation in the event of a power outage automatically, or with an automatically starting generator set, whose location is adequately protected from intruder access.
2.10.2.3. Controls: monitoring and/or recording may be carried out locally or remotely, in which case there must be no loss of the information captured at the source.
2.10.2.4. Image recording:
a. It must have a video recorder device (time lapse type) or digital recording equipment (without editing possibility) that permanently records, at a minimum, the images from the cameras as described in point 2.10.1., with constant indication of date and time, from the entry of personnel until the closing of the vault at the end of the daily activity. This equipment must be protected from access by unauthorized persons.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 23
b. The image file storage medium (video cassettes or back-up tapes or hard or floppy disk or CD) will be kept with the recorded material for a minimum of 22 days of operations. The recordings corresponding to the automated teller machines must be kept for no less than 60 consecutive days. In the event of a possible incident being recorded, the medium with that information must be removed from continuous recording and safeguarded separately for a period of 365 days, at a minimum, under conditions to provide a copy to the Justice when required.
c. Analog video cassette tapes may be re-recorded up to a maximum of five (5) times, and must be replaced upon reaching this limit.
2.10.2.5. Permanent lighting of the objectives must be ensured in the event of a power supply cut.
2.10.2.6. Entities that, at the promulgation of this regulation, had installed closed-circuit television in accordance with the provisions of Communication "A" 2687 and that have the approval of this Central Bank, may use the equipment already adopted.
2.10.3. When the required verification is carried out, it will be checked that the installed system complies with the provisions of this regulation.
2.10.4. Cases not contemplated herein that merit particular consideration for requesting exemption from the installation of the security closed-circuit television (locations in small towns; with low risk index; etc.) will be evaluated by the General Security Sub-Management which, if appropriate, will decide accordingly.
Version: 1st. Communication "A" 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 24
All premises and offices of financial institutions must adopt the minimum security measures for the safekeeping of cash mentioned below.
These measures are independent of the others required by this regulation and must begin to be installed from the promulgation of this regulation, at a rate of 20% of the total premises and offices in operation per month; for this purpose, they will inform the General Security Sub-Management by note of the program for adoption of the device with details of the branches and offices involved. It is noted that no new authorizations (licenses or relocations) will be granted if they do not comply with this regulation.
Financial institutions shall arrange that the safekeeping of the main stocks be carried out in the armored treasury within an inner treasury that, for concrete and steel vaults and modular vaults, meets specifications similar to those determined in point 2.8. and, for mobile safe-deposit boxes, the inner drawer, both with a device (dual time lock, combination and delay or electronic locks that fulfill a similar function) that only allows its opening, at a minimum, thirty minutes after the start of the public service hours; outside this enclosure, the cash necessary to start the day's operations will be kept.
Version: 1st. Communication "A" 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 25
Minimum security devices for finance companies, credit banks and savings and loan associations for housing or other real estate.
The minimum security measures that finance companies, savings and loan associations for housing or other real estate and credit banks must adopt, in each of their premises, shall be the following:
3.1. When the cash kept does not exceed $ 22,000.00:
3.1.1. Mobile safe-deposit box that meets the specifications detailed in point 2.3.1., except for the triple time lock and the remote alarm.
3.1.2. Teller deposit box in the public service boxes, in accordance with the specifications detailed in point 2.8. and in accordance with the provisions of point 2.9.
3.1.3. External alarm, with controls suitable for activating it safely and with minimal possibilities of accidental operation. It must have connections to the openings of the premises and to the treasury.
3.1.4. Special locks, latches, bolts, chains, iron or steel shutters, bars and bulletproof peepholes, as applicable, in all access points to the buildings (doors, windows, skylights, inner courtyards, etc.).
Entities may request authorization to replace the iron or steel bars and shutters on glass surfaces bordering the exterior with an adequate installation of electronic sensors connected to the alarm system, which provide an alert upon intrusions and meet the minimum requirements established in this regulation.
Entities that have a 24-hour surveillance service are exempt from complying with the legal requirements mentioned above.
Applications must be submitted no less than 30 calendar days prior to the date of installation of the device, informing by note addressed to the General Security Sub-Management of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic: the address of the premises where it will be installed, the characteristics of the sensors and the alarm device to which they will be connected. After evaluation of the system, the General Security Sub-Management will decide accordingly.
Unless otherwise indicated by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, they must refrain from sending plans or sketches as stipulated in point 6.4.
The substitute system (sensors connected to the alarm system) must remain installed and in proper working condition in the premises in
Version:1st. Communication "A" 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 26
question and must comply, at a minimum, with the security standards indicated below:
3.1.4.1. The sensors must meet the necessary suitability and reliability requirements, complying at a minimum with any of the following standards: VDS, CE, DIN, ISO or those applicable.
3.1.4.2. They must be connected to the alarm system.
3.1.4.3. Their distribution and location must be carried out in such a way that the areas of action overlap in order to detect any entry of intruders.
3.1.4.4. Their operation must be ensured in the event of a power supply cut from the public grid.
3.1.4.5. When the required verification is carried out, it will be checked that the installed system complies with the provisions of this regulation.
With respect to entities that already have similar systems installed when this provision is issued, when the semiannual verification provided for in Article 2 of Law 19.130 is carried out, it shall be verified that they conform to the characteristics set forth herein.
In cases where situations not contemplated in these regulations arise, the entities shall make a detailed presentation addressed to the General Security Submanagement of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, which shall evaluate and resolve accordingly, with such advisements as it deems pertinent.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 27
3.2. When the hoarded cash exceeds the sum of $ 22,000, the following minimum measures must be arranged complementarily or supplementarily:
3.2.1. Elevated armored turret, booth or cabin, allowing panoramic surveillance. When the characteristics of the premises make elevated installation impossible, its construction outside the premises -also elevated- near the main entrance door or inside the premises at ground level shall be allowed, in that order.
3.2.1.1. The characteristics of the turrets to be installed shall be those specified in point 2.1.1..
3.2.1.2. The turrets in use must comply with the provisions of point 2.1.2..
3.2.1.3. The permanence of the agent inside the turret shall conform to the provisions of point 2.1.3..
3.2.1.4. When it is necessary to complement the turret with a closed-circuit television to view any of the areas determined in point 2.1.1.2.1., a monitor and the necessary cameras must be installed, meeting the conditions stipulated in points 2.1.5.6.1., subsections a., b. and c., and 2.1.5.6.2. or preferably, as determined in point 2.10. The U.P.S. shall be located outside it, duly protected from access by unauthorized third parties.
3.2.1.5. The entity may request the replacement of the armored turret with a security enclosure and closed-circuit television as provided in point 2.1.5.
3.2.2. Remote alarm, with controls suitable for activating it safely and with minimal possibilities of accidental operation, in accordance with the provisions of point 2.2.
3.2.3. Additional police service or surveillance personnel authorized by the competent authority.
This service consists of stationing an officer in the turret or security enclosure, from the entry of personnel until the closing of the vault at the end of the daily activity, who must monitor, through direct observation or through closed-circuit television: the accesses to the premises, the customer service teller windows and the entrance to the vault. When surveillance of all these sectors is not possible, the closed-circuit television cameras or the necessary officers shall be added to ensure permanent observation of these areas, an option that shall remain at the discretion of the entity.
3.2.4. The mobile vault-cash box shall conform to that specified in points 2.3.1. and 2.11.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 28
3.2.5. Night watchman services and internal and external nighttime lighting, when necessary, in accordance with the provisions of point 2.6.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 29
It shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree “R” 2625/73 and its amendments.
In due course, the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic shall inform the update of the maximum amounts to be transported for each mode of transfer.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 30
Financial entities that install automated teller machines must conform to the specifications and minimum security measures determined in each case.
Such provisions are of a minimum nature, and the adoption of other precautions they deem necessary shall remain at the exclusive discretion and responsibility of the financial entities, as arising from the security studies they carry out, in order to ensure the protection of the valuables hoarded in each automated teller machine and of the respective users.
5.1.1.1. Automated teller machines must meet the constructive security requirements specified by ANSI-UL 291 standards, and must have the manufacturer's certification accrediting such requirement. The door of the valuables container must have a combination and delay lock. ATMs remote from the entity, operating 24 hours, are exempt from installing the delay.
5.1.1.2. The automated teller machine must be solidly fixed to the floor, by means of four steel bolts no smaller than 1/2” (12.7 mm) in diameter, removable only from inside.
5.1.1.3. The glass used in the construction of the modules must allow observing the interior of the enclosure ("lobby") from the outside, in order to detect possible criminal acts, whether against the machine or with respect to the user.
5.1.1.4. The lighting of the automated teller machine shall provide sufficient clarity to allow observing at all times the movements occurring internally and externally.
5.1.1.5. All wiring necessary for the operation of the automated teller machine must reach it through conduits with adequate protection and with the necessary electrical safeguarding to prevent possible accidents.
5.1.1.6. Automated teller machines must be connected to the remote alarm system with the corresponding security or police unit, whether this is for exclusive use, belonging to the entity or to the site where they are installed. In those sites that have a security center communicated with the security or police agency, it shall be accepted that the ATM is connected to said center. If there is permanent surveillance, only a local alarm shall be required.
The alarm systems referred to in the previous paragraph shall be implemented through vibration (seismic), temperature
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 31
and door opening sensors of the valuables container, activated through keys, for which purpose the pertinent keypad must be available.
In rear-loading ATMs, which have passive infrared sensors in the areas designated for the loading and unloading of valuables, the installation of temperature detectors may be omitted.
ATMs or self-service terminals located within the financial institution, operating during public service hours, are exempt from complying with this section.
5.1.1.7. In cases where situations not contemplated in these regulations arise, financial institutions shall make a detailed presentation addressed to the General Security Sub-Management of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, which shall evaluate and resolve accordingly, with the advice it deems pertinent.
5.1.2.1. Full-service automated teller machines (ATMs) (includes banknote dispenser and deposit acceptance): require security in the valuables container and in the perimeter of their location.
5.1.2.2. ATMs with banknote dispenser ("cash dispenser" - do not accept deposits): require security in the valuables container and in the perimeter of their location.
5.1.2.3. Self-service terminals (includes deposit acceptance): require security in the valuables container and in the perimeter of their location.
5.1.2.4. Self-inquiry terminals (do not dispense banknotes or accept deposits): the adoption of security measures shall be at the discretion of the institution.
5.1.3.1. Within the premises of the financial institution, operating subject to public service hours:
The valuables container of these ATMs does not require armored protection; its security shall be provided by the enclosure or through closed-circuit television (CCTV).
No valuables shall be stored outside of business hours.
They must have the device provided for in point 2.10.1. subsection e. and record images during public service hours.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 32
5.1.3.2. At the premises of the financial institution operating 24 hours:
They shall have an operating enclosure ("lobby"), with an access door equipped with an electromechanical lock activated by magnetic card. - Those ATMs prepared for operation from mobile units are excepted.
Institutions that have ATMs in operation, without an operating enclosure ("lobby") and that were duly authorized by this Central Bank, are exempt from installing this enclosure.
The transparent panels bordering the institution must comply with the provisions of point 2.4. If the institution has surveillance services outside of business hours, this requirement may be omitted.
They must have a device that allows recording images in accordance with what is described in point 2.10.1. subsection e.
Front-loading ATMs installed in enclosures ("lobby") must have an access door from the institution, for the loading and unloading of valuables. The public access door must be able to be locked during this operation. For those that do not have an operating enclosure ("lobby"), the loading and unloading of valuables shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree "R" 2625/73 and its amendments.
5.1.3.3. Away from the institution operating 24 hours:
5.1.3.3.1. Sites with perimeter and/or internal security (shopping centers, minimarkets at service stations, companies, factories, subway stations, etc.):
If the place has CCTV, a camera shall observe the ATM and the user.
They must be installed in such a way that the ergonomics of the ATM provide certain privacy to the customer, not allowing the observation of the monitor and keypad by third parties.
If installed outdoors, it must be provided with an enclosure that provides protection to the valuables container.
5.1.3.3.2. Semi-open sites (service station forecourts, etc.):
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 33
They must have an enclosure ("lobby") to carry out operations, similar to what is described in point 5.1.3.2. first paragraph.
They must facilitate the adjacent parking of the armored cash transport vehicle, reducing the route of the valuables carrier to carry out its loading.
5.1.3.3.3. Open sites (public squares, operations from mobile units, etc.):
They require a solid construction for their fixation, in such a way as to prevent their removal.
They must allow the nearby parking of the cash transport vehicle.
5.1.3.3.4. The loading and unloading of valuables shall be carried out with the custody provided by legislation and regulations for the transport of money in accordance with the provisions of Decree "R" 2625/73 and its amendments.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 34
5.2. Minimum security measures in premises designated for the provision of certain services by financial institutions and in companies of their clients.
Institutions that install premises designated for the provision of the services detailed below must comply with the specifications and minimum security measures determined in each case.
Such provisions are of a minimum nature, and the adoption of other precautions deemed necessary is at the exclusive discretion and responsibility of the financial institutions, in order to ensure the protection of the valuables handled and of the respective users.
5.2.1. The branches intended to carry out the activities of:
Collection of public services, taxes and fees,
Collection of taxes at facilities operating within branches of the Dirección General Impositiva, and
Sale of fiscal securities and receipt of judicial deposits
must operate in constructions specially adapted to their operations that possess, at a minimum, the following characteristics:
5.2.1.1. Not be located in an open place and be positioned in such a way that its rear part rests on a solid wall.
5.2.1.2. Have a receiving mailbox (teller deposit mailbox) or an auxiliary treasury box, which comply with the minimum specifications contained in point 2.8.
5.2.1.3. The maximum sum that may be kept outside the receiving mailbox or auxiliary treasury box, for the conduct of the branch's operations, is $ 3.000,00 (three thousand pesos) per teller. This amount will be updated, when applicable, by Communication "B".
5.2.1.4. The removal of valuables must be done with the participation of the valuables carrier involved in the transfer, who must be the holder of the numerical combination code and/or key that allows their extraction from inside the unit.
5.2.1.5. During inactive hours, no sum whatsoever may remain stored in the receiving mailbox or in the auxiliary treasury box.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 35
5.2.1.6. For the transfer of valuables, the provisions of the regime of Decree "R" 2625/73 and its amendments must be strictly observed.
5.2.1.7. When the branch also performs "paying" functions, it must be provided with the minimum security measures set forth in section 2. for banks and savings banks or in point 3.1. or 3.2., as applicable, for finance companies, savings and loan associations for housing or other real estate, and credit unions.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 36
5.2.2. Entities that install branches intended to carry out the activities of payment of salaries and pension benefits must observe the minimum security measures detailed below:
5.2.2.1. The premises must be an enclosed area with a single direct access point to the place where payment is made; if other accesses exist, they must be kept closed for entry while this activity lasts.
5.2.2.2. If the entity does not have the possibility of installing a mobile teller-vault that complies with the rules detailed in point 2.3.1., or another product with equal features but with ANSI-UL 291 certification or equivalent, it must provide for the use of an auxiliary treasury box, for temporary storage, which must meet the minimum characteristics set forth in point 2.8., and may not have the "anti-fishing mailbox".
5.2.2.3. Have an additional police officer, with a handheld radio transmitter linked to the police station of the jurisdiction, inside the premises and another one(s), which may be from a private security company, located as needed.
5.2.2.4. If the premises where the branch operates has a remote alarm system, the radio transmitter provided for in point 5.2.2.3. will not be necessary.
5.2.2.5. While the operations for which this branch was installed are being carried out, no other activity unrelated to it may be carried out simultaneously.
5.2.2.6. Outside operating hours, no sum whatsoever may be stored, unless the branch has all the minimum security measures determined in section 2.
5.2.2.7. The transport of cash shall conform to the provisions of Decree "R" 2625/73 and its amendments.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 37
5.2.3. Branches that entities install at client companies to carry out the activities provided for in Section 8, Chapter II of Circular CREFI-2 (Communication "A" 2241), must operate in constructions specially adapted to their operations, located in closed places and possessing the following minimum security measures:
5.2.3.1. Remote alarm.
5.2.3.2. A security booth meeting the characteristics contained in point 2.1. or the closed-circuit television provided for in point 2.1.5., with an armored security enclosure, which may be located at any suitable site of the client company.
5.2.3.3. Security measures at the customer service teller windows, in accordance with the provisions of point 2.9.
5.2.3.4. The security closed-circuit television must be installed and kept in good working order, in accordance with the provisions of point 2.10.
5.2.3.5. For the storage of valuables during operating hours, an auxiliary treasury box must be installed that meets the minimum characteristics mentioned in point 2.8.
5.2.3.6. Outside operating hours, no sum whatsoever may be stored; if operational reasons require keeping stored funds or valuables outside hours, in place of the auxiliary treasury box a mobile teller-vault must be installed that complies with the provisions of point 2.3.1. and in accordance with the provisions of point 2.11., with the installation of any of the mentioned elements being at the free choice of the entities, whatever the operational conditions.
5.2.3.7. Have an additional police officer or private security company.
5.2.3.8. The transport of cash shall conform to the provisions of Decree "R" 2625/73 and its amendments.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 38
5.3.1. The round-the-clock deposit receiving box must be located in the internal part of the building occupied by the entity and be firmly fixed to a solid floor.
5.3.2. The component parts of the safe must have on all their faces armor, hermetic sealing, and fireproof and drill- and fracture-resistant insulation, whether by oxyhydrogen torch and/or mechanical means.
5.3.3. The safe must be equipped internally with devices that prevent the extraction of valuables deposited through the collection slot. This must be of the smallest dimensions permitted by the operation.
5.3.4. The door of the receiving safe that allows access to its interior must be constructed with characteristics of greater resistance than the rest of the device, as must its corresponding lock housing and bolts.
5.3.5. The door referred to in the previous point must have two locks; one of which must be of numerical combinations, with four discs with automatic key change and a device that makes violation impossible, with protruding necks on its axes that prevent forcing its displacement inward or outward, and the other of laminated combinations with a key of at least two toothed profiles of different configuration.
The access door to the collection slot must have, in its corresponding lock housing, a mechanism that prevents the removal of the key if said door is not properly closed. The key must be difficult to reproduce and without any type of identification.
Electronic locks that provide similar performance and comply with UL 2058 standards or those applicable to them will be accepted.
5.3.6. Entities must adopt the measures that make it possible to show, to the acting verifying official, a certificate issued by the manufacturer stating that the safe meets the requirements established in this regulation. Said certificate must also state the technical specifications of the materials used and construction details of the referred device.
5.3.7. The collection slot must have adequate nighttime lighting, and the fixtures providing it must be duly protected.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 39
6.1. Declaration of the minimum security measures adopted, when communicating the authorization or relocation of a house or dependency of a financial entity.
6.1.1. When completing Form 2522 "Initiation of activities or relocation (head office, parent company or subsidiary)", or the note to authorize or relocate the dependencies provided for in Sections 7, 8 and 9 of Chapter II of Circular CREFI - 2 (Communication "A" 2241), entities must declare that all minimum security measures established in the applicable legal and regulatory context will be adopted.
6.1.2. The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic will promote the request for verification to the competent security or police agency.
6.1.3. Once the indicated formal communications have been made, the entity must coordinate with the intervening agency the precise date of the verification to be executed, and the intermediate periods must be secured that contemplate the administrative time required for the processing of the Verification Record, in accordance with the planned authorization date and related communications, thus avoiding any circumstance that would prevent it.
6.1.4. If at the time of verification, the premises or dependency is under construction or with any of the prescribed minimum security measures not fully adopted, evidence must be shown that reliably determines that they will be implemented (execution contracts, purchase orders, factory certificates or others considered appropriate), an aspect that the official will record in the respective record. In these cases, the General Security Submanagement will evaluate and resolve accordingly.
6.1.5. With a copy of Form 2522 or of the notes mentioned in point 6.1.1., a note must be submitted addressed to the General Security Submanagement, in accordance with the attached models, which will have the character of a sworn declaration, signed by the head of the security area and a legal representative of the entity, with details of the minimum security measures to be adopted and the operations to be carried out. With this submission, the replacement requests and reports must be sent, containing the documents detailed in the annex.
6.1.6. When the security or police agency of the jurisdiction, having received the communications within the established deadlines, cannot carry out the verification before the authorization date, the General Security Submanagement of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic will evaluate whether the information in the sworn declaration complies with current legal regulations and, if no opposing non-compliances are found, the entity may initiate activities under its responsibility.
6.1.7. At the time of carrying out the mandatory verification, it will be confirmed that the declared measures have been effectively adopted; otherwise, it will give
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 40
rise for the Central Bank to initiate the corresponding actions for non-compliance with what was stated in the corresponding declaration.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 41
6.2. Self-grouping, in the paragraphs provided in article 1 of Decree 1.284/73, of finance companies, credit unions and savings and loan associations for housing or other real estate.
The entities mentioned in the heading must inform in which of the paragraphs contained in article 1 of Decree 1.284/73 each of their houses is included, taking into account that such self-grouping does not necessarily have to be homogeneous, but must be assigned individually according to the operations of each house. Thus, the case of a head office located in paragraph "A" and its subsidiaries in "B", or vice versa, is admitted.
Likewise, they must immediately notify any modification that alters the declared grouping.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 42
6.3. Reporting of criminal acts and incidents caused to the detriment of financial institutions.
The Central Bank needs to have, for the fulfillment of the task assigned to it in the matter, the information relating to all criminal acts and incidents suffered by financial institutions in which the minimum prevention measures established by Law 19.130 and its Decrees and regulatory norms have been affected.
For this reason, in the event of any act of that nature occurring in the buildings they occupy or during the transfer of money, they must send to the General Security Submanagement, within five (5) days of its occurrence, a detailed report of the event, with special indication regarding the behavior, on the occasion, of the security devices adopted, information that, given its confidential nature, must be provided with the necessary reservations.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 43
6.4. Abstention from sending plans or sketches to the Central Bank.
Unless otherwise indicated, financial institutions must refrain from sending any type of plans, sketches or other graphics that refer to the layout and/or distribution, general or particular, of the premises where they carry out or plan to carry out their activities, especially those related to the areas that comprise the prevention and/or protection devices.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 44
The National Registry of Weapons (RENAR) requires that financial institutions seek due advice from that body before proceeding with the acquisition, modification or deregistration of any of the elements covered by the National Law on Weapons and Explosives No. 20.429 and Law No. 24.492, Decrees Nos. 395/75, 252/94, 64/95 and 821/96, whose texts are provided for a fee by said entity.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 45
6.6. Possession of certificates of suitability and/or replacement. Financial institutions must adopt the measures that make possible the presentation of the certificates that prove that the specifications of the minimum security devices instituted by virtue of Law 19.130 and its Decrees and regulatory norms satisfy the stipulated requirements. Likewise, when the replacement or exemption of some of such measures has been authorized, they must have the pertinent conformity issued by the General Security Submanagement of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic.
Such elements must be shown to the verifying official each time they are required and, on the matter, the following must be taken into account:
6.6.1. Financial institutions must adopt the necessary measures to keep at each of their offices a copy of the certificates that demonstrate the suitability of the minimum security measures implemented, required by current legislation and regulations.
6.6.2. As financial institutions are considered responsible for their presentation, if they do not have the aforementioned certificates at the time of verification, they must send them to the intervening body within the following fifteen (15) calendar days.
6.6.3. Security or police bodies must send to this Institution the records corresponding to the verifications they carry out, when the financial institutions have shown them the corresponding certificates of suitability, or once the period set in the preceding point has elapsed. In all cases they must record on the aforementioned form, if from the elements presented, it emerges that the security measures do not satisfy the requirements considered minimum by current legislation and regulations or, as the case may be, the eventual non-compliance incurred.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 46
6.7. Expert appraisals of suitability of security elements.
In the absence of certificates that prove the constructive or manufacturing suitability of the different security devices that financial institutions have implemented or whose use is foreseen, the expert appraisals of suitability that may be necessary may be carried out by organizations or companies specialized in the matter, endorsed by a licensed professional, previously informing the Central Bank.
For this purpose, it is necessary that the pertinent reports or inquiries be addressed to the General Security Submanagement, indicating the element that will be subjected to appraisal, the organization or company that will carry it out, the professional acting, the place where it will be carried out and the method that will be applied.
Version:1a. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 47
6.8. Persons responsible for the security of the financial institution.
Although all members of the financial institution must be responsible for security in the area of their work competence, its highest authorities (Board of Directors - General Management) will have primary responsibility for compliance with all legal and regulatory security requirements and may delegate authority for the execution of all aspects inherent to the matter to a hierarchical official whom they designate for that purpose.
This designation must fall on a person who possesses sufficient suitability and experience in security matters, enabling them to adequately apply the requirements of current regulations.
In order to cover the leaves or momentary absences of that official, the entity must determine and inform who will replace them during those periods.
When circumstances require the replacement of designated officials, the change must be communicated in due time to the General Security Submanagement of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 48
6.9. Security plan. Financial institutions must prepare in writing and implement an annual security plan, which shall be of a confidential nature, approved and signed by their highest authorities, containing at a minimum:
6.9.1. Mission and functions of the Security Chief and the highest authority to whom they must report.
6.9.2. Rules for the prevention of criminal acts and for the protection of persons and valuables.
6.9.3. Training programs for all employees of the institution on the security responsibilities incumbent upon them, as well as on the conduct to adopt upon detecting a non-violent criminal act and during or after robberies and/or assaults suffered by the institution's premises, in order to alert, prevent the degradation of evidence, reduce risks and facilitate the subsequent identification of the criminals.
6.9.4. Implementation of electronic surveillance and alarm means at the entrance to the premises, at the access to the vault area, etc..
6.9.5. Rules for keeping valuables (main and secondary).
6.9.6. Instructions for the opening and closing of the vault.
6.9.7. Procedures for entering and leaving the institution, at the beginning and end of the work activity.
6.9.8. Measures and instructions to prevent deception for the commission of criminal acts.
6.9.9. Measures for the protection of vital information to prevent unauthorized third parties from becoming aware of confidential data that could be used to commit crimes.
6.9.10. Program for the control, operation and maintenance of security devices.
6.9.11. Instructions and orders for security posts.
6.9.12. Provisions for the acquisition of security elements.
6.9.13. Any other aspect of interest.
This security plan must be in a condition to be presented upon request of the General Security Submanagement of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, with an updated status of its effective compliance.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 49
B.C.R.A. MINIMUM SECURITY MEASURES IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Annex 1 to point 6.1. of Section 6. Complementary provisions.
Buenos Aires (the date), the undersigned with power and representation for (name of financial institution), declare under oath that on the day (date of opening or relocation of the office or branch as recorded in F-2522 or respective notes), the opening of (number and name of the branch or office - Sec. 7 or 8 – and address) will proceed, with all the minimum security measures established in the current legal regulations detailed below:
| MEASURES | YES | NO |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Guard booth (point 2.1.) | ||
| 1.1. Guard booth with CCTV as a complement (point 2.1.4.) | ||
| 1.2. Security enclosure and CCTV (point 2.1.5.) | ||
| 2. Security CCTV (point 2.10.) | ||
| 3. Remote alarm (point 2.2.) | ||
| 4. Concrete and steel vault (point 2.3.) | ||
| 4.1. Mobile safe (point 2.3.1.) | ||
| 4.2. Modular vault (point 2.3.2.) | ||
| 5. Accesses with protection measures (point 2.4.) | ||
| 5.1. Glazed surfaces with sensors (point 2.4.) | ||
| 6. Additional Police Service (point 2.5.) | ||
| 6.1. Private security (point 2.5.3) | ||
| 6.1.1. Without weapons in public premises (point 2.5.5.) | ||
| 6.1.2. With weapons in security enclosure (point 2.1.5.5.) | ||
| 7. Internal and external lighting (point 2.6.) | ||
| 8. Security measures at teller windows for public attention or at the access to the institution (point 2.9.) | ||
| 9. Transitory valuables storage element (point 2.8.) | ||
| 10. Around-the-clock deposit box (point 5.3.) |
OBSERVATIONS: In an annex, a detailed breakdown of each measure adopted shall be made. The information and replacement requests, copies of the aptitude certificates and the necessary brochures for their evaluation and approval must be attached, as set forth for each case in Appendix 1.
It is expressly stated that we are fully aware of the legal actions arising and that, by virtue of Laws Nos. 19.130, 21.526 and 24.144, they must be applied in the event of non-compliance with any of the minimum security measures reported herein.
Signature of the legal attorney of the financial institution Signature of the Security officer of the financial institution
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Effective:
20.09.99
Page 50
B.C.R.A. MINIMUM SECURITY MEASURES IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Appendix 1 to Annex 1 to point 6.1. of Section 6. Complementary provisions.
| DEVICE TO BE IMPLEMENTED | DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED |
|---|---|
| 1- Replacement of armored vault (cement and steel) with mobile treasure box (point 2.3.1.) | - Copy of the certificate of suitability issued by its manufacturer, stating its construction characteristics in accordance with the specifications contained in points 2.3.1.1. to 2.3.1.6. and its serial number. |
| 2- Replacement of the armored booth with a security enclosure with CCTV (point 2.1.5.) | - Characteristics of the system with general location of the security enclosure (point 2.1.5.1.). - Elements inside it (point 2.1.5.4.). - Brochures of the CCTV equipment (cameras, monitors, video recorder, multiplexer, quad, etc.), showing the standard it complies with (point 2.1.5.6.1.). - Visual field of the cameras (point 2.1.5.6.3.). - Report whether it will have UPS power supply or battery bank with automatic charger (point 2.1.5.6.2.). |
| 3- Protection of glazed surfaces by electronic sensorization (point 2.4.) | - Brochures of the sensors to be installed, showing their characteristics and the standard they comply with (point 2.4.1.). - Alarm device to which they will be connected (point 2.4.2.). |
| 4- CCTV as a complement to the panoramic view of the armored booth (point 2.1.4.) | - Brochures of the CCTV equipment (cameras, monitors, video recorder, multiplexer, quad, etc.), showing the standard it complies with (point 2.1.5.6.1.). - Visual field of the cameras (point 2.1.5.6.3.). - Report whether it will have UPS power supply or battery bank with automatic charger (point 2.1.5.6.2.). |
| 5- Security CCTV (point 2.10.) | - Visual field of the cameras (point 2.10.1.). - Brochures of the CCTV equipment (cameras, monitors, video recorder, multiplexer, quad, etc.), showing the standard it complies with (point 2.10.2.1.). - Report whether it will have UPS power supply or battery bank with automatic charger (point 2.10.2.2.). |
| 6- Security measures in customer service boxes or at the entrance to the entity (point 2.9.) | - Report maximum amount to be kept per box and number of boxes or - Report whether cash dispensers, pneumatic tubes or another alternative device will be installed; in the latter case indicate which one or - Report the device that will prevent the entry of armed persons. |
| 7- Security measures in the hoarding of cash. (point 2.11.) | Report for each case: - Armored treasure (cement and steel): interior treasure complying with point 2.11., 2nd paragraph. - Mobile treasure box: Internal drawer with dual time lock, combination and delay or electronic lock with similar function. |
IN ALL CASES, THE DESCRIPTIVE BROCHURES OF THE DEVICES AND CERTIFICATES OF SUITABILITY MUST BE SIGNED, WITH A CLARIFYING STAMP, BY THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SECURITY AREA OF THE ENTITY.
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 51
B.C.R.A. MINIMUM SECURITY MEASURES IN FINANCIAL ENTITIES
Annex 2 to point 6.1. of Section 6. Complementary provisions.
Buenos Aires (the date), the undersigned with power and representation for (name of the financial entity), declare under oath that on the day (date of activation of the automated teller machine, as stated in the note notifying its installation), the automated teller machine or cash dispenser(s) will be made available for public use at (address), with all the minimum security measures established in the current legal regulations detailed below:
| MEASURES | YES | NO |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Type of Unit: (attach UL-291 certificate) | ||
| - Automated teller machine | ||
| - “Cash dispenser” | ||
| 1.1. Brand | ||
| 1.2. Model | ||
| 1.3. Serial No. | ||
| 1.4. Front or rear loading | ||
| 2. Connection to the alarm system: | ||
| (attach proof of connection to the corresponding alarm system) | ||
| 2.1. Remote | ||
| 2.2. To security central | ||
| 2.3. Local | ||
| 2.3.1. Permanent surveillance | ||
| 3. Sensorization: | ||
| (attach proof of their connection, if not included in the proof of point 2.) | ||
| 3.1. Vibration sensor | ||
| 3.2. Temperature sensor (thermo-velocity) | ||
| 3.3. IRP sensor in the loading enclosure (rear loading) | ||
| 3.4. Door opening sensor of the valuables container | ||
| 4. Combination and delay lock on the door of the Valuables Container (delay, except for those located according to 6.3.) | ||
| 5. Security camera (only for location indicated in 6.1. and 6.2.) | ||
| 6. According to its location: Indicate, in the presentation note, whether the unit is: | ||
| 6.1. Within the entity's premises operating during business hours (customer service hall). | ||
| 6.2. At the entity's premises with street frontage operating 24 hours (clarify if it has a “lobby”). | ||
| 6.3. Away from the entity operating 24 hours (indicate the area where it will be located: shopping center, supermarket, service station, etc., clarifying if it has a “lobby”). |
It is expressly stated that we are fully aware of the legal actions arising and that by virtue of Laws Nos. 19.130, 21.526 and 24.144 they must be applied in the event of non-compliance with any of the minimum security measures reported herein.
Signature of the legal attorney of the financial entity Signature of the security officer of the financial entity
Version: 1st. Communication “A” 2985 Validity:
20.09.99
Page 52
Note from RegAlert. AI assistants can read this document in full, and search 70,000+ more, through the RegAlert MCP connector (https://mcp.regalert.today/mcp). Free with an account. How to connect ChatGPT, Claude or Cursor.
RegAlert holds no document that amends or replaces this one. This is not a check that it is in force: confirm with the regulator.
“Consequently, we send you in annex the text of Chapter XXI of Circular RUNOR 1- 358, which replaces Communication "A" 2687 issued on 17 April 1998.”
More like this from BCRA
BCRA published 13 documents in the last 30 days. We email you each new one the day it's published.
Source: Banco Central de la Republica Argentina — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
In RegAlert: added