Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) Practice Exam

Which SEC Code requires written or similarly authenticated authorizations?

1. CTX

2. ARC

3. IAT

4. BAC

The correct answer is: IAT

The correct choice is the IAT (International ACH Transaction) SEC Code, which requires written or similarly authenticated authorizations. This is important because the IAT is specifically designed for cross-border transactions, which often involve additional compliance and regulatory considerations than domestic transactions. To ensure accountability and compliance with both the originating and receiving countries' legal standards, written or authenticated authorizations are necessary. This requirement protects all parties involved in the transaction by confirming that the transaction is legitimate and authorized by the sender. The other SEC Codes do not require this level of authorization. For example, CTX (Corporate Trade Exchange) is often used in commercial transactions, where authorizations may be managed differently and do not necessitate the same formality as IAT. ARC (Accounts Receivable Certificate) is related to converted checks and has its own specific authorization processes that do not mandate written authorizations in the same way. BAC (Banking Account Credit) does not have the same stringent authorization requirements as IAT. Thus, understanding the requirements of each SEC Code is crucial for compliance and accurate transaction processing in the ACH network.