Friday, June 28, 2013

Investable Balance (NIF) (7/14)

Account Analysis consists of balances and fees which comprise a basic math calculation. There are 14 balances that I refer to as "Remember the Math". I will discuss all 14 in 14 different posts.

Investable Balance (NIF)


The investable balance is the amount available for the bank to invest after the deduction of any reserve requirement so it's the net investable funds (NIF) available.

Investable Balance is one of the numbers used to calculate/audit the Earnings Allowance sent by the bank on an 822 file.  Some calculations call for the Available Balance * (1-RR), where RR is the Reserve Requirement, but the NIF is already that net value.

Lucky Number 7


In the math thus far, Investable Balance is the 7th balance on the Compensation side of the Account Analysis equation referred to as "Remember The Math":

         Average Positive Collected Balance
 less DDA Balance Reserve Requirement
         Investable Balance (NIF)

Because the Investable Balance may be used to calculate the Earnings Allowance and/or determine the minimum account balance needed to offset service charges it is one of the 14 key balances in Account Analysis.

Happy Analyzing!  

Friday, June 14, 2013

AFP Code or BSID Code

What is the difference between an AFP Code and a BSID Code?


This is a common question from Treasury staff either for their own understanding or to help them explain the difference (or what either one may be) to their Bank Relationship Rep/Manager.

On an EDI 822 file, you will usually see both an AFP and a BSID Code.  I say "usually" because the standard does allow for a bank to send both or only one of the two so long as correct formatting rules are followed.

AFP Service Codes


Formerly called TMA (Treasury Management Association) Service Codes, an AFP Code is a 6 digit code used to categorize and create an apples-to-apples comparison for bank service fees across various banks.  Recently, the AFP developed Global AFP Codes which are 8 digit codes used to categorize and compare international bank services.  Although the 6 digit domestic codes are still in wide use, we have seen some banks send global codes on Account Analysis files.  

For an AFP Code, the first and second pair of digits denotes a classification with the last two digits further classifying the bank service within that group.  Also, the code does allow for undefined services if a bank service does not fit any one category perfectly.  However, shoving too many services into an undefined bucket is counterproductive.  Once you become familiar with AFP Codes, you'll be able to at least identify a service grouping quickly from the first two digits.

An apples-to-apples comparison of one's bank services across different banks is only possible if the AFP Codes are mapped correctly.  For example, if 3 Treasury Analysts are mapping 1 bank service they each may decide on 3 different AFP codes determining on opinion and/or expertise alone.  Mapping of AFP Codes may be more of an art than a science but, when done as accurately as possible, it allows the account holder to analyze their bank service fees by category to determine many different things; level of activity, fee comparison, and/or number of undefined bank services which seem to fall through the cracks for reporting purposes.

BSID Code 


A Bank Service Identification (BSID) Code is an alphanumeric bank proprietary code.  Unlike the AFP, BSID codes are developed and assign to services by each individual bank so it does not offer an apples-to-apples comparison across banks but it does allow you to quickly identify a code when speaking with your bank rep about your bank fees.  

For a BSID Code, it allows the most benefit to track individual bank service fee history overtime and its level of activity.  BSID Codes do not require mapping since this is handled by the bank and sent through on the Account Analysis statement.  What I have found is that the paper statement usually doesn't include the BSID code so they are more likely to appear on an EDI 822 Account Analysis statement.  

Unlike AFP Codes, from the account holders perspective, there is no rhythm or reason to the assignment of BSID codes.  As it relates to an EDI 822 file, BSID codes are supposed to remain static.

How does this relate?


Of course, an AFP code and/or a BSID code may be found on an EDI 822 file.  Both classify bank services into comprehensible groupings to at least one party.  Both assist in the analysis and reporting of bank service fees.  And, both strive to make a bank service easy to identify with the Global AFP Codes opening the door to include international services as well.   It seems no topic is ever too elementary to write about when we all have specialized knowledge in select areas.  

Happy Analyzing!