What is a confirming bank in a Letter of Credit?

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  1. What is a confirming bank in a Letter of Credit (LC)?
    • A confirming bank in a letter of credit is a bank that adds its confirmation to the credit, undertaking to pay the beneficiary (seller/exporter) if the conditions of the LC are met. This provides an additional layer of assurance to the beneficiary.
  2. Why is a confirming bank important in a Letter of Credit transaction?
    • A confirming bank enhances the payment security for the beneficiary by assuming the payment obligation. This is especially valuable when dealing with an unfamiliar or less creditworthy issuing bank.
  3. What is the difference between an advising bank and a confirming bank in a Letter of Credit?
    • While an advising bank informs the beneficiary about the LC, a confirming bank goes a step further by adding its confirmation to the credit, making a direct payment commitment.
  4. Can a confirming bank refuse to confirm a Letter of Credit?
    • Yes, a confirming bank has the discretion to refuse confirmation. This decision may be influenced by factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuing bank or if the terms of the LC are not acceptable to the confirming bank.
  5. How does a confirming bank get compensated for its services?
    • A confirming bank typically charges a confirmation fee for adding its commitment to the LC. This fee is negotiated between the confirming bank and the beneficiary.
  6. Can the beneficiary choose the confirming bank in a Letter of Credit transaction?
    • In some cases, the beneficiary may suggest a confirming bank. However, the final decision often rests with the issuing bank, which may choose a confirming bank based on its relationships and policies.
  7. What happens if the issuing bank defaults in a confirmed Letter of Credit?
    • If the issuing bank defaults, the confirming bank becomes obligated to honor the credit. The beneficiary can then look to the confirming bank for payment.
  8. Is a confirming bank obligated to pay even if discrepancies exist in the documents?
    • A confirming bank is obligated to pay if the discrepancies in the documents are not material and do not affect the essence of the transaction. However, if there are significant discrepancies, the confirming bank may seek guidance from the issuing bank.
  9. Can the confirming bank refuse payment in a Letter of Credit transaction?
    • The confirming bank is obligated to pay if the conditions of the LC are met. However, it may refuse payment if there are substantial discrepancies in the documents or if fraud is suspected.
  10. How does the role of a confirming bank impact the cost of a Letter of Credit?
    • Confirming a Letter of Credit typically incurs additional costs, such as confirmation fees. The cost varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction, the creditworthiness of the issuing bank, and the terms of the LC.

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