Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist Certification (CAMS) Practice Exam

What defines a Downstream Correspondent Clearer?

1. A financial institution with no banking services

2. A client receiving services from other banks

3. A bank that offers loans to consumers

4. A client that only provides domestic banking services

The correct answer is: A client receiving services from other banks

A downstream correspondent clearer is defined as a client that receives services from other banks. This role typically involves engaging in transactions where one financial institution relies on another, often larger or more established bank, to handle certain services or clear transactions on their behalf. This relationship is important in the context of banking and finance, as it allows smaller institutions to provide a wider range of services to their clients without needing the infrastructure to handle everything independently. Other options do not accurately represent what a downstream correspondent clearer is. For example, a financial institution with no banking services is not relevant since a correspondent clearer must have some banking functions to facilitate transactions. Similarly, a bank that offers loans to consumers focuses specifically on lending rather than correspondent services. Lastly, a client that only provides domestic banking services has a limited scope that does not encompass the broader network and international connections typical of correspondent banking. Thus, it is the defining characteristic of receiving services from other banks that aligns perfectly with the role of a downstream correspondent clearer.