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Previous Question Law
Previous Question Law
1st mid
1.Banker's lien is an implied pledge, discuss?
Answer : A banker's lien is indeed an implied pledge, and it arises as a legal
right that allows a bank to retain possession of a customer's property, usually
valuable assets or documents, as security for an existing debt or obligation.
Here's a discussion on the concept:
1.Implied Nature: A banker's lien is considered an implied pledge because it is
not explicitly agreed upon in a contract but is assumed to exist as a customary
practice in banking relationships. It is recognized by common law and is
typically not explicitly mentioned in banking agreements.
2.Security for Debt: The primary purpose of a banker's lien is to provide
security for an outstanding debt or liability owed by the customer to the bank.
The bank can exercise this lien to recover its dues in case the customer defaults
on their obligations.
3.Assets Held: The assets subject to a banker's lien can include cash deposits,
securities, valuable documents, or any other property held in custody by the
bank. The bank retains possession of these assets until the debt is settled or
the customer fulfills their obligations.
4.Right of Setoff: In addition to retaining possession of assets, a bank with a
lien may also have a right of setoff. This means that the bank can use the
customer's deposits in one account to offset or pay off debts in another
account held by the same customer. This can be especially relevant for
accounts held by the same customer within the same banking institution.
5.Legal Basis: The legal basis for a banker's lien varies by jurisdiction, and the
specifics of how it can be exercised may differ accordingly. Generally, it is
grounded in common law principles and is recognized as a part of the banking
industry's customary practices.
6.Exercise of Lien: To exercise a banker's lien, the bank typically needs to notify
the customer of the intent to use the lien and the reasons for doing so. The
process may also involve legal procedures to ensure fairness and transparency.
7.Limitations and Regulations: While a banker's lien is a valuable tool for banks
to secure their interests, there are usually legal limitations and regulations in
place to protect the rights of customers. These limitations vary by jurisdiction
and are designed to prevent abuse of the lien by the bank.
In summary, a banker's lien is an implied pledge that allows a bank to retain
and use a customer's assets as security for an outstanding debt or obligation. It
is a fundamental concept in banking law and practice, ensuring that banks can
protect their interests while adhering to established legal standards and
regulations.
2. Can a Banker encash a fixed deposit receipt before its due data? Explain
Answer : Typically, a banker cannot encash a fixed deposit receipt before its
due date without the account holder's consent. Fixed deposits are financial
instruments with a predetermined maturity date, and the funds are locked in
for a specified period, often with higher interest rates than regular savings
accounts.
However, in some cases, early withdrawal or encashment may be allowed, but
it often comes with penalties or a reduction in the interest rate earned. The
specific terms and conditions for early encashment would be outlined in the
fixed deposit agreement signed by the account holder.
In summary, bankers usually require the account holder's permission to encash
a fixed deposit before its due date, and any premature withdrawal is subject to
terms and penalties defined in the agreement.
3. What is payment in due course? give three examples of payments not
made in due course.
Answer : Payment in due course refers to the legal and proper payment of a
financial instrument like a check, promissory note, or bill of exchange. When a
payment is made in due course, it is made in accordance with the prescribed
legal requirements and is typically considered valid and dischargeable.
Here are three examples of payments not made in due course:
1. Post-dated check cashed before the specified date: If someone cashes a
post-dated check before the date written on the check, it would be
considered a payment not made in due course, as it doesn't adhere to
the agreed-upon terms.
2. Payment on a dishonored check: If a check is issued, but there are
insufficient funds in the account to cover it, and the check is
subsequently dishonored, any payment made using this check would not
be considered in due course because it's not legally valid.
3. Payment without proper endorsement: For certain financial instruments
like promissory notes or bills of exchange, they may require specific
endorsements or signatures for proper transfer and payment. If such
endorsements are missing or not done correctly, the payment would not
be in due course.
In all these examples, the payments do not meet the legal requirements or
agreements specified for the respective financial instruments, making them
not in due course
4.describe the essentials of a valid endorsement with example?
Answer : The essentials of a valid endorsement on a negotiable instrument
(like a check or promissory note) include:
1.It must be written on the instrument.
2. The endorser's signature must be present.
3. It must be an unconditional order or promise.
4. It must be made by the holder of the instrument.
Example: Let's say John holds a $1,000 check payable to him and wants to
endorse it to Mary. To create a valid endorsement, John should sign the back of
the check and write "Pay to the order of Mary." This meets the essential
requirements, making it a valid endorsement.
5.A cheque for Tk 50000 which had been crossed originally carries below the
crossing the words crossing cancelled and signed by the drawer and is
presented for cash payment on the counter, how would you deal with this
solution?
Answer :In this situation, where a crossed cheque originally carrying crossing is
presented with the words "crossing cancelled" and signed by the drawer, you
should handle it as follows:
1. Examine the Cheque: Carefully examine the cheque to ensure that the
words "crossing cancelled" and the drawer's signature appear below the
original crossing.
2. Verify Drawer's Signature: Verify that the signature of the drawer
matches the authorized signature on the cheque.
3. Verify Identity: If you have any doubts about the presenter's identity, ask
for identification to confirm that they are the rightful payee.
4. Payment: If all the above checks are satisfactory, and the cheque appears
to be genuine, you can process it for cash payment.
However, it's important to note that the cancellation of crossing usually means
that the cheque can be paid at the counter and is no longer restricted to the
payee's bank account. Always exercise caution and follow your institution's
procedures to prevent any potential fraud or unauthorized payments.
Final
1. a) Define the term "banker" and "customer". What are the relationship
between banker and customer?
Answer : A "banker" is a financial institution or person authorized to provide
banking services, such as accepting deposits, lending money, and facilitating
financial transactions. A "customer" is an individual or entity that utilizes the
services offered by a bank, including opening accounts, making deposits, taking
loans, or engaging in other financial activities. The relationship between a banker
and a customer is primarily a contractual one, where the banker provides
financial services, and the customer entrusts their funds or seeks financial
solutions from the banker. This relationship is governed by various legal and
ethical responsibilities, including confidentiality and fiduciary duties.
b) What are the risks that a banker runs in opening a current account without
obtaining a suitable introductory reference?
Answer : The risks a banker runs in opening a current account without obtaining
a suitable introductory reference primarily revolve around the potential for
fraudulent or illegal activities. Without a reference, the banker may not have
enough information about the customer's financial history, reputation, or
trustworthiness, which can lead to the following risks:
Money laundering: The account may be used for illicit activities, such as money
laundering, without the banker's knowledge.
Fraud: The customer may engage in fraudulent activities, resulting in financial
losses for the bank.
Default on overdrafts: Without a reference, the bank may grant overdrafts to
customers who cannot repay them, causing financial losses.
c) What exactly is the difference between current, savings and fixed deposit
accounts?
Answer : The main differences between current, savings, and fixed deposit
accounts are as follows:
Current Account:
Purpose: Designed for frequent transactions and everyday banking needs.
Interest: Typically, little to no interest is earned on the balance.
Liquidity: High liquidity as funds can be withdrawn without restrictions.
Minimum Balance: Some may require a minimum balance, while others do not.
Overdraft: Often allows for overdraft facilities.
Savings Account:
Purpose: Intended for saving money over time and earning modest interest.
Interest: Earns interest on the account balance, though rates are relatively low.
Liquidity: Easily accessible, but may have some withdrawal limitations.
Minimum Balance: Usually requires a minimum balance, but it's lower than in
current accounts.
Overdraft: Typically doesn't offer overdraft facilities.
Fixed Deposit Account:
Purpose: For long-term savings with a fixed tenure.
Interest: Offers higher interest rates compared to current or savings accounts.
Liquidity: Funds are locked in for a predetermined period; early withdrawals may
incur penalties.
Minimum Balance: Requires a lump sum deposit for a fixed term.
Overdraft: Does not offer overdraft facilities; the money is locked in until
maturity.
Each type of account serves different financial needs, offering varying levels of
liquidity and interest-earning potential.
2.a) Explain the term 'collecting banker'. What are his duties and
responsibilities in the collection of his customer's cheque?
3. Prompt collection: The collecting banker makes efforts to collect the funds as
quickly as possible, as per banking regulations and customer instructions.
Timely presentation and follow-up are important.
4. Endorsement: The collecting banker may endorse the cheque with their
bank's stamp or endorsement, indicating that they are collecting it on behalf of
their customer.
It's important to note that the specific duties and responsibilities of a collecting
banker may vary depending on the bank's policies and the terms of the
customer's account agreement. The role of a collecting banker is critical in
ensuring the efficient and secure collection of funds on behalf of their
customers.
4. Bank Drafts: A bank draft, also known as a banker's draft or cashier's check,
is a financial instrument issued by a bank, guaranteeing payment to a specified
payee. It is often used for secure payments.
Paying bankers, the banks responsible for honoring cheques and other
negotiable instruments, are provided with certain statutory protections to
ensure the efficient functioning of the financial system and safeguard against
fraudulent activities. Some key statutory protections include:
1. Protection against forgery: Paying bankers are protected against liability for
payments made on forged or altered instruments as long as they act in good
faith and exercise ordinary care in the processing of the instrument.
Example: Sarah receives an account payee cheque from her friend, John, for
$500. She deposits this cheque into her bank account at Bank X.
2. Transmission to Clearing House: The depository bank (Bank X) electronically
transmits the cheque information to the appropriate clearing house. The
clearing house acts as an intermediary for processing ACH transactions and
facilitates the transfer of funds between banks.
Example: Bank X sends the cheque information to the ACH clearing house.
Example: The clearing house confirms that the cheque from John to Sarah is
marked "account payee."
4. Funds Transfer: After verification, the clearing house instructs the payer's
bank (John's bank) to transfer the specified amount (in this case, $500) from
John's account to Sarah's account at Bank X. The payment is made
electronically.
Example: The clearing house instructs John's bank (Bank Y) to transfer $500
from John's account to Sarah's account at Bank X.
5. Confirmation: Both the depository bank (Bank X) and the payer's bank (Bank
Y) receive confirmation of the successful transaction. The funds are now
available in Sarah's account.
Example: Bank X receives confirmation that $500 has been credited to Sarah's
account.
6. Final Settlement: The clearing house ensures that the payer's bank (Bank Y)
transfers the necessary funds to the depository bank (Bank X) to settle the
transaction.
The entire process occurs electronically, reducing the time and cost associated
with traditional paper-based cheque clearing methods. Account payee cheques
are processed through ACH in a secure and efficient manner, ensuring that the
funds reach the intended recipient's account. It's important to note that
specific ACH procedures and timelines may vary by country and financial
institution.
7. **Prepaid Cards**: Prepaid cards are used for online shopping and
transactions, and they can be recharged with a specific amount of money.
6. **Digital Divide**: The digital divide between urban and rural areas makes it
difficult to ensure equitable access to E-Banking services.
3. a) "Banking facilities are being reached to the rural people through Mobile
banking". Do you agree? If yes, describe the services of mobile banking in
Bangladesh
Yes, I agree that banking facilities are being extended to rural areas in
Bangladesh through mobile banking. Mobile banking has played a significant
role in increasing financial inclusion and providing access to banking services in
remote and underserved regions of the country. Mobile banking services in
Bangladesh offer a range of features and benefits, including:
3. **Mobile Recharge**: Users can top up their mobile phone credit through
mobile banking, ensuring connectivity in areas with limited access to physical
recharge locations.
4. **Bill Payment**: Mobile banking allows users to pay utility bills, such as
electricity, water, gas, and internet bills, conveniently from their mobile
devices.
7. **Savings and Deposits**: Some mobile banking services offer savings and
deposit accounts, allowing customers to save and earn interest on their money.
8. **Loan Applications**: Users can apply for small loans through mobile
banking apps, which is particularly beneficial for small and micro-entrepreneurs
in rural areas.
10. **Fund Management**: Mobile banking apps may provide features for
investment, financial planning, and portfolio management.
Mobile banking services in Bangladesh are typically offered by banks and non-
bank financial institutions, and they are often operated through mobile apps or
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes. These services have
become a vital tool for expanding financial services to rural populations, where
access to traditional brick-and-mortar banks can be limited. Mobile banking has
contributed to greater financial inclusion, improved access to credit, and
enhanced convenience for individuals living in remote areas.
b) In present time Agent banking rises in the remote area of Bangladesh.
Elucidate the 3 features and activities of Agent banking
Agent banking is indeed on the rise in remote areas of Bangladesh, and it plays
a crucial role in extending financial services to underserved populations. Here
are some of the key features and activities of agent banking in Bangladesh:
**Features:**
**Activities:**
1. **Cash Handling:** Agents facilitate cash transactions, allowing customers
to deposit and withdraw money from their accounts. This is crucial for those
who rely on physical currency in their daily financial transactions.
Agent banking has emerged as a valuable tool for financial inclusion in remote
areas of Bangladesh and other regions with similar challenges. It leverages
technology and local entrepreneurship to provide essential banking services to
those who need them most, fostering economic development and poverty
reduction.
The Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO) plays a vital role in a bank's
risk management and overall financial stability by ensuring that the bank
effectively manages its assets and liabilities. Here's how the ALCO committee
helps reduce the risk of a bank:
In summary, the ALCO committee plays a critical role in reducing the risk of a
bank by proactively managing interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and other
financial risks. It helps the bank maintain a stable and resilient financial
position while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and strategic
objectives. Effective ALCO operations contribute to the overall safety and
soundness of the bank.
d)According to the Section-28 under bank company act-1991, what are the
restrictions on loans and advances for a bank
1. **Credit Limit for Single Borrower:** According to Section 28, a bank cannot
extend loans and advances to a single borrower or a group of related
borrowers that exceed 25% of the bank's total capital fund. This is intended to
prevent overconcentration of credit risk with a single borrower or related
group.
2. **Credit Limit for Directors and Their Firms:** The section also stipulates
that a bank cannot provide loans and advances to its directors or the firms
where they have a substantial interest (directly or indirectly) that exceed 15%
of the bank's total capital fund. This restriction aims to prevent conflicts of
interest and ensure that lending to directors is done prudently.
3. **Aggregate Credit Limit:** Section 28 limits the total amount of loans and
advances that a bank can extend to any borrower or group of related
borrowers to 50% of the bank's total capital fund. This is a safeguard against
excessive exposure to individual borrowers or groups.
These restrictions are put in place to mitigate credit risk, prevent insider
lending practices, and maintain the financial stability of banks in Bangladesh.
Banks are expected to adhere to these limitations and ensure compliance with
Section 28 of the Bank Company Act, 1991 to promote sound banking practices
and safeguard the interests of depositors and stakeholders.
These protections are essential for maintaining the trust and efficiency of the
banking system. They encourage banks to conduct transactions promptly and in
good faith while providing a legal framework to safeguard bankers who act in
accordance with established banking practices. It's important to note that
these protections are subject to certain conditions and safeguards, and
negligence on the part of the banker can lead to the loss of protection under
the Act.
b) Is the banker's action legally justified in the following cases? Give reasons.
i. Cheque, dated-February 2013 presented on 1 March, 2013.
The legal justification for a banker's action in the cases involving post-dated
checks depends on the specific circumstances and the applicable legal
provisions. In general, banks have the discretion to accept or refuse to honor
post-dated checks, and the outcomes can vary. Here's an assessment of the
legality of the banker's actions in each of the given cases:
- Legally Justified: The banker's action in this case is generally legally justified.
According to the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 in India, a post-dated check
is valid, and a banker may choose to honor it before the date mentioned on the
check. However, the banker should exercise due diligence and make sure that
the check has not been issued with fraudulent intent or without proper
authorization.
- Legally Justified: In this case, the banker's action is also generally legally
justified. The check is post-dated, but the banker may choose to honor it after
the date mentioned on the check. However, the banker should ensure that the
check is genuine and the customer has not issued a stop payment instruction
before the presentation date.
- Not Legally Justified: In this case, the banker's action is not legally justified.
The check is being presented before the date mentioned on it. According to the
Negotiable Instruments Act, a post-dated check cannot be honored before the
date mentioned on the check. The banker should refuse payment and can ask
the presenter to come back on or after the date of the check.
- Legally Justified: In this case, the banker's action is legally justified. The
check is post-dated, and the banker may choose to honor it after the date
mentioned on the check. As long as there are no other irregularities, the
banker can accept and process the check on or after the date specified.
It's essential for both the banker and the customer to be aware of the rules and
regulations regarding post-dated checks, and they should act in accordance
with the applicable laws to ensure a smooth and legally sound banking
transaction.
c) What are the duties and responsibilities of the bank to the collection of his
customer's cheque?
2. **Forgery of Endorsement:**
- If the payee's endorsement has been forged, and C bank was not aware of
this forgery when it accepted the cheque, C bank may not be held liable for the
forgery. The responsibility for verifying the authenticity of endorsements lies
with the bank where the cheque is initially presented.
4. **Customer's Liability:**
- A customer who opens an account with a bank is generally responsible for
the instruments they deposit. If A's account with C bank was credited with the
amount of the cheque, and A subsequently withdrew the funds, C bank may
seek to recover the amount from A if it is determined that the cheque was
forged.
5. **Caveat Emptor Principle:**
- The principle of "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) applies to negotiable
instruments. If C bank acted in good faith and conducted its business in
accordance with banking norms, it may be protected against the claim of the
drawer.
6. **Legal Recourse:**
- The drawer may have legal recourse against the person who forged the
endorsement, and in some cases, against the bank where the cheque was
initially deposited (B bank). However, C bank's liability, if any, would depend on
the specific facts of the case and whether the bank fulfilled its obligations
diligently.
A sound lending policy is crucial for a bank to manage its loan activities
efficiently and minimize risks. Here are some key factors that contribute to a
sound lending policy:
1. Purpose of Loan: Banks should analyze whether the loan purpose aligns with
the bank’s scope and policies. The purpose must be viable, generate adequate
profit for the borrower, and ensure sufficient cash flow for loan repayment.
2. Safety: Safety is paramount. Banks should prioritize safety while sanctioning
loans. Sacrificing safety for higher returns can be detrimental in the long run.
3. Social Responsibility: Banks must consider the social impact of loans.
Responsible lending ensures positive contributions to society.
4. Business Ethics: Ethical practices are essential. Banks should adhere to ethical
standards while evaluating loan applications.
5. Spread and Risk Diversification: Diversifying loan portfolios across various
sectors and risk levels helps mitigate risk.
6. National Interest: Lending decisions should align with national economic goals
and priorities.
7. Recovery Possibility: Banks should assess the likelihood of loan recovery based
on the borrower’s financial health.
8. Liquidity: Maintaining liquidity ensures the bank can meet its obligations even
during economic downturns.
9. Profit and Profitability: Loans should contribute to the bank’s profitability
while balancing risk.
10. Business Solvency: Banks must evaluate borrowers’ solvency to prevent
defaults.
11. Adequate Security: Collateral and security measures protect the bank’s
interests.
Remember, a well-defined loan policy guides individual loan decisions and
shapes the overall loan portfolio of a bank.
e) Define problem loan. How can a bank handle problem loan?
A problem loan is a term used in banking and credit markets to describe a loan
that faces challenges due to non-payment or other issues. These loans are also
known as nonperforming assets. In simpler terms, a problem loan is one that
poses a challenge for the lender, either due to delinquency or other repayment
difficulties.
The central bank serves several critical objectives to ensure the stability and
well-being of an economy:
1. Inflation Control:
o A central bank aims for a low and stable rate of inflation. By managing the
money supply and interest rates, it strives to keep inflation in check.
o Stable prices benefit consumers, businesses, and investors, fostering economic
confidence and growth.
2. Employment and Growth:
o The central bank seeks high, stable real growth and a healthy employment
rate in the economy.
o By influencing interest rates and monetary policy, it supports job creation and
sustainable economic expansion1.
3. Market Stability:
o Central banks promote a stable financial market and ensure the soundness of
financial institutions.
o Their oversight helps prevent crises and maintains investor confidence
The central bank plays a crucial role in a country’s economic and financial
system. Let’s delve into its functions:
1. Regulator of Currency:
o The central bank is responsible for printing currency notes. In India,
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has the sole right to print money of all
denominations except the 1 rupee note.
o It ensures the availability and stability of currency in the economy.
2. Banker and Advisor to the Government:
o The central bank acts as a fiscal agent for the government. It manages the
deposits of both central and state governments.
o It provides financial advice to the government on matters related to monetary
policy and economic stability.
3. Lender of Last Resort:
o The central bank serves as the lender of last resort for financial institutions.
During crises, it provides emergency liquidity to banks and other financial
entities.
o This function helps maintain financial stability and prevents systemic collapses.
4. Monetary Policy Formulation:
o The central bank formulates and implements monetary policies. It adjusts
interest rates, controls money supply, and influences credit availability.
o Its goal is to achieve price stability, economic growth, and financial
equilibrium.
5. Regulator of the Financial Sector:
o The central bank oversees and regulates banks and financial institutions. It
ensures their compliance with rules and regulations.
o It promotes a sound and stable financial system by monitoring activities and
enforcing prudential norms.
Actually the Reserve Bank of India has been assisting the Government of
India by expanding the supply of currency. But, the supply of currency (and
credit) is to be properly regulated for enabling the economy achieve faster
growth with reasonable price stability.
At the same time it can follow the policy of credit restraint for maintaining
price stability and for ensuring proper use of bank credit. For this reason
the Reserve Bank of India has been following a monetary and credit policy
what is known as the policy of controlled expansion of bank credit. Through
it the R.B.I. can undertake the direct financing of development projects by
lending liberally to those institutions which provide development finance.
2nd mid
1. Discuss the significance of "Account Payee" written on the face of a crossed
cheque, for the collecting banker and the paying banker.
Answer : Writing "Account Payee" on the face of a crossed cheque has
significance for both the collecting banker and the paying banker:
For the Collecting Banker:
1. Protection of the Payee: The "Account Payee" crossing signifies that the
cheque amount should only be credited to the bank account of the payee
mentioned on the cheque. It provides an added layer of security by preventing
the cheque from being encashed by someone other than the intended payee.
2. Legal Responsibility: If the collecting banker fails to observe the "Account
Payee" crossing and credits the amount to a different account or allows the
payee to receive cash, they may be held liable for any resulting loss or dispute.
For the Paying Banker (Drawee Bank):
1. Payment Restrictions: The "Account Payee" crossing serves as a clear
instruction to the paying banker not to make a cash payment to the holder of
the cheque. The amount must be credited to the account of the payee
mentioned.
2. Risk Mitigation: By adhering to the crossing, the paying banker minimizes the
risk of making a payment to the wrong person or entity, ensuring that funds are
disbursed as per the payee's instructions.
In summary, "Account Payee" on a crossed cheque is a protective measure that
helps ensure the intended payee receives the funds and reduces the risk of
fraud or misappropriation during the clearing process. It reinforces the
accountability of both the collecting and paying bankers in handling the
cheque.
2.A cheque issued by Mr.A is presented to you on 24 March 2022 and paid.
The cheque is dated 11 March 2022. On 25 March Mrs. A comes to the branch
and gives you a letter stating that Mr. A died on 7 March 2022 and demands
restoration of the amount of the cheque.
Answer : In this scenario, several factors need to be considered:
1. **Date of Death**: Mr. A's death on 7 March 2022, which occurred before
the cheque was dated (11 March 2022), is a significant element.
2. **Cheque Issuance**: The cheque was issued by Mr. A before his death,
which makes it a valid instrument at the time of issuance.
3. **Payment Date**: The cheque was presented and paid on 24 March 2022.
At this time, the bank had no knowledge of Mr. A's death.
4. **Claim by Mrs. A**: Mrs. A's claim for restoration of the cheque amount,
which was paid on 24 March, raises some legal and ethical questions.
Typically, a cheque is a negotiable instrument, and when it's presented and
honored by the bank, the payment is considered final and irrevocable,
assuming there are sufficient funds in the account. In this case, the bank had
no knowledge of Mr. A's death when the cheque was paid, and the payment
was made in good faith based on the date on the cheque.
However, if Mrs. A has a valid legal claim to the funds as part of her inheritance
or if there are specific circumstances regarding the cheque or the account that
require further investigation, the bank may need to work with legal authorities
and Mr. A's estate to address the matter appropriately.
The outcome may vary depending on local laws, the bank's policies, and
specific details surrounding Mr. A's account and the cheque issuance. It's
advisable for the bank to seek legal counsel and follow proper procedures to
handle this situation.
3. "The main risk the banker runs in collecting cheques for a customer is that
of conversion."- Comment.
Answer : The statement that "The main risk the banker runs in collecting
cheques for a customer is that of conversion" highlights a significant concern in
banking, particularly in the context of collecting cheques. Let's break down the
key points:
1. **Conversion Risk**: Conversion risk refers to the risk that a banker faces
when collecting a cheque on behalf of a customer, and the funds represented
by the cheque are diverted or misappropriated in some way. This could happen
if someone fraudulently endorses or alters the cheque, or if the cheque is
stolen and cashed by an unauthorized party.
2. **Collecting Cheques**: Banks frequently act as intermediaries in the
process of collecting cheques on behalf of their customers. When a bank
collects a cheque, it processes it through the clearing system to ensure that the
funds are transferred from the drawer's account to the payee's account. During
this process, various risks can emerge.
3. **Bank's Responsibility**: Banks have a duty to exercise due diligence in
verifying the authenticity of the cheques they collect and in confirming the
legitimacy of endorsements. However, there's always a risk that a fraudulent or
unauthorized transaction may occur, leading to financial loss for the customer
and potential liability for the bank.
4. **Risk Mitigation**: To mitigate this risk, banks implement various security
measures, including signature verification, stringent procedures for cheque
processing, and anti-fraud measures. Customers are also encouraged to use
secure banking channels, such as electronic transfers, for high-value
transactions.
5. **Legal Implications**: If conversion does occur, it can have legal and
financial implications for the bank. The bank may be held responsible for the
loss unless it can demonstrate that it followed proper procedures and exercised
reasonable care in handling the cheque.
In summary, conversion risk is a significant concern for bankers when collecting
cheques for customers. Banks need to balance the convenience of cheque
collection with the responsibility to protect their customers' funds and
safeguard against fraudulent activities. Effective risk management and
adherence to established procedures are crucial in mitigating this risk.
4. What are the requisites of a valid endorsement? Explain the different
kinds of endorsements with suitable examples.
Answer : To make a valid endorsement on a negotiable instrument like a check,
certain requisites must be met. A valid endorsement ensures the negotiability
and transferability of the instrument. The primary requisites of a valid
endorsement are:
1. **Signature**: The endorser must sign on the back of the instrument. The
signature can be in any form or style, but it should be recognizable as the
endorser's.
2. **Placement**: The endorsement should be made on the back of the
instrument, typically in the designated endorsement area.
3. **Clear Intention**: The endorser must clearly express an intention to
transfer the instrument. The language used should indicate the endorsement is
for negotiation or assignment.
Now, let's explore different types of endorsements with examples:
1. **Blank Endorsement (Endorsement in Blank)**:
- In a blank endorsement, the endorser simply signs their name on the back
of the instrument without specifying a particular payee.
- Example: If John Doe writes a check to Jane Smith, and Jane endorses it by
signing her name on the back without specifying a new payee, it becomes a
bearer instrument, and anyone who holds it can cash it.
2. **Special or Full Endorsement (Endorsement in Full)**:
- In a special endorsement, the endorser specifies the name of the new
payee, effectively transferring the instrument to that specific person or entity.
- Example: If Jane Smith wants to endorse the check to Bob Johnson, she
would write "Pay to the order of Bob Johnson" followed by her signature.
3. **Restrictive Endorsement**:
- A restrictive endorsement limits the further negotiation of the instrument. It
may include conditions or instructions.
- Example: Writing "For Deposit Only" along with the account number is a
common form of restrictive endorsement, indicating that the check should only
be deposited to the endorsed account.
4. **Conditional Endorsement**:
- A conditional endorsement imposes certain conditions for the payment of
the instrument. It makes payment contingent on the fulfillment of those
conditions.
- Example: An endorsement that says "Pay John Doe after he repairs my car"
is a conditional endorsement.
5. **Facultative Endorsement**:
- A facultative endorsement leaves the choice of how to further negotiate the
instrument to the holder. It's neither a blank nor a special endorsement.
- Example: An endorsement that says "Pay to the order of [Blank]" leaves the
payee's name blank, giving the holder the option to fill it in.
6. **Sans Recourse Endorsement**:
- This endorsement disclaims the endorser's liability if the instrument is not
honored. It's often used to limit the endorser's responsibility.
- Example: An endorsement that says "Without recourse, John Doe" signifies
that John Doe won't be held liable if the check bounces.
It's important to note that the type of endorsement used can impact the
negotiability and legal liability associated with the instrument. The choice of
endorsement should align with the intentions of the parties involved in the
transaction.