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

What is a clearing account used for in a financial institution?

1. Conducting customer transactions

2. Managing customer assets

3. Conducting internal and bank-to-bank transactions

4. Providing loans to customers

The correct answer is: Conducting internal and bank-to-bank transactions

A clearing account is specifically utilized in the context of facilitating internal and bank-to-bank transactions. This type of account acts as a temporary holding area that allows financial institutions to process and settle numerous transactions efficiently and accurately before finalizing them in the appropriate major accounts. Such transactions typically include activities like wire transfers, check deposits that are yet to be cleared, and other interbank operations that require reconciliation. By using a clearing account, institutions can manage their daily cash flow more effectively, allowing for precise tracking of incoming and outgoing funds. In comparison, conducting customer transactions typically involves accounts that hold customer funds directly, while managing customer assets pertains to investment or savings accounts, rather than transfer or settlement functions. Providing loans revolves around credit rather than transaction clearing, which further distinguishes the function of a clearing account.