Decision No. 269/2001/QD-NHNN Issuing the Rules on Handover, Storage, and Transportation of Cash, Precious Assets, and Valuable Documents

Pursuant to …;

Issuing the Rules on Handover, Storage, and Transportation of Cash, Valuable Assets, and Securities

valuable assets, securities

________________

 

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE BANK OF VIETNAM

Pursuant to the Law on the State Bank of Vietnam No. 01/1997/QH10 dated December 12, 1997, and the Law on Credit Organizations No. 02/1997/QH10 dated December 12, 1997;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 15/CP dated March 2, 1993 on the tasks, powers, and responsibilities for state management of Ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 15/CP dated March 2, 1993 of the Government on the tasks, powers, and responsibilities for state management of Ministries and agencies at the ministerial level;

Pursuant to the Government's Decree No. 87/1998/NĐ-CP dated October 31, 1998 on the issuance, withdrawal, and replacement of banknotes and coins;

At the proposal of the Director of the Issuance and Treasury Affairs Department,

Pursuant to …;:

Article 1. Issued herewith along with this Decision are the "Rules on Handover, Storage, and Transportation of Cash, Valuable Assets, and Securities."

Article 2. This Decision shall take effect fifteen days from the date of signature and replace Decision No. 247/1999/QĐ-NHNN6 dated July 14, 1999 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

Article 3. The Heads of the Office, the Department Heads of the Department of Issue Operations and Treasury, the Directors of the State Bank of Vietnam Branches, the Heads of Units under the State Bank of Vietnam, the Directors of the State Bank of Vietnam Branches in provinces and centrally-administered cities, the Chairmen of the Management Councils, the General Directors (Directors) of credit organizations, and related units are responsible for implementing this Decision.

REGULATIONS

Handover, storage, and transportation of cash, valuable assets, and securities

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(Issued pursuant to Decision No. 269 dated April 1, 2002 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam)

Chapter 1:

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. These rules apply to:

1. State Bank of Vietnam branches, State Bank of Vietnam trading offices (hereinafter referred to as State Bank of Vietnam branches), Central Treasury.

2. Credit organizations operating under the Law on Credit Organizations that have been granted licenses by the State Bank of Vietnam.

3. Customers in transactions involving cash, valuable assets, and securities with the State Bank of Vietnam, credit organizations.

Article 2. In these rules, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Cash: banknotes and coins issued by the State Bank of Vietnam.

2. Valuable assets: foreign currencies, precious metals, precious stones, and other types of valuable assets.

3. Securities: payment drafts, bills of exchange, bonds, and other types of securities as prescribed by law.

Chapter 2:

COUNTING, PACKAGING, AND HANDOVER OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES

PART I

 REGULATIONS ON PACKAGING AND SEALING OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES

Article 3.

1. A bundle of banknotes consists of 10 (ten) stacks of the same denomination. A stack of banknotes consists of 100 (one hundred) notes of the same denomination.

2. A bag of coins consists of 10 (ten) bars of the same denomination. A bar of coins consists of 100 (one hundred) pieces of the same denomination.

3. A package of banknotes consists of 20 bundles of the same denomination.

4. A box of coins consists of 10 bags of the same denomination.

Article 4.

1. Sealing paper for bundles of banknotes: pre-printed with necessary elements, thin paper suitable for each type of currency. Sealing paper for bundles of banknotes of credit organizations has distinct paper color or ink color.

2. On sealing papers for bundles, packages, bags, and boxes of banknotes, there must be clearly printed the following elements: name of the bank; type of currency; quantity (sheets, pieces, bundles, bags) of currency; amount of money; name and signature of the person counting and packaging; date of sealing.

3. The person whose name and signature appear on the sealing paper is responsible for the assets within the sealed bundle, bag, or box.

4. Regulations on sealing packages, bags, and boxes of banknotes of the State Bank of Vietnam:

a. Lead seal for new banknotes;

b. Lead seal with sealing paper for banknotes that have circulated.

Article 5.

1. Packaging and sealing of foreign currencies and securities are carried out according to the regulations for packaging and sealing of cash.

2. Procedures for packaging, counting, handover of precious metals, precious stones, and other valuable assets are specified in a separate document by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

PART II

COUNTING AND HANDOVER OF CASH, FOREIGN CURRENCIES, AND SECURITIES

 

Article 6.

1. All receipts and payments of cash, foreign currencies, and securities of the State Bank of Vietnam or credit organizations must be conducted through the unit's treasury.

2. Receipts and payments of cash, foreign currencies, and securities must be based on accounting vouchers. Before receipt or payment, the legality and validity of the accounting vouchers must be verified.

Cash, foreign currencies, and securities received or paid out must match the total amount (in figures and in words) on the accounting voucher, time (date, month, year) on the accounting voucher, treasury ledger, and treasury book; the accounting voucher must bear the signatures of the depositor (or recipient) and the cashier or custodian of the treasury.

Article 7. Each accounting voucher for receipt or payment of cash, foreign currencies, and securities of the State Bank of Vietnam must be accompanied by a list or a receipt for cash, foreign currencies, and securities. The list must be kept for two years.

Article 8. When receiving or paying out cash, foreign currencies, and securities, accurate counting must be performed.

The depositor of cash, foreign currencies, and securities must witness the bank's counting process.

The recipient of cash, foreign currencies, and securities must recount before leaving the bank's payment counter.

Article 9.

1. Receipts and payments of cash between State Bank of Vietnam branches, credit organizations, and customers (collectively referred to as customers) must be counted by sheet (for banknotes) or piece (for coins) and follow the prescribed procedures.

Credit organizations and customers may agree to apply the method of receiving cash by sealed bags.

2. The General Director (Director) of credit organizations shall specify the procedures for receipt and payment of cash to customers (including when applying new technology) and the procedures for receiving cash by sealed bags.

3. The Head of the Department of Issue Operations and Treasury shall specify the procedures for receipt and payment of cash applicable to the State Bank of Vietnam.

Article 10.

1. Handover of cash according to transfer orders between the Central Treasury and State Bank of Vietnam branches, and vice versa; between Central Treasuries; and between State Bank of Vietnam branches shall be counted by bundles of ten stacks, fully sealed.

Within thirty working days, the State Bank of Vietnam branch receiving the cash must establish a Counting Committee and complete the sheet-by-sheet count, with the transferring unit sending representatives to witness; in cases of trust in the receiving party, the transferring unit may authorize the receiving unit in writing to organize the Counting Committee.

In case there is a witness, the branch of the State Bank may hand over bundles of banknotes containing ten stacks, still sealed as received, to credit institutions within the same province or city; the counting of this amount shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article.

2. The handover and receipt of cash between the branch of the State Bank and credit institutions, and vice versa; between credit institutions within the same province or city shall be counted according to bundles of banknotes containing ten stacks, still sealed.

In case a credit institution counts the number of banknotes it has received, it must establish a Counting Committee and complete the counting within fifteen working days, with the transferring unit appointing a witness; in cases of trust in the receiving party, the transferring unit shall authorize in writing the receiving unit to organize the Counting Committee.

3. Metallic currency shall be handed over and received in bags containing ten bars, still sealed, in the cases provided for in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

4. Newly printed banknotes shall be handed over and received in sealed packages or boxes with lead seals from the Bank Note Printing Factory in the cases provided for in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

5. The handover and receipt of cash within credit institutions shall be regulated by the General Director (Director) of the credit institution.

Article 11.

1. Foreign currency receipts and payments between credit institutions and customers; between credit institutions; between the branch of the State Bank and credit institutions shall be counted by sheet and in accordance with the established procedures for cash receipts and payments.

The handover and receipt of foreign currency within credit institutions shall be regulated by the General Director (Director) of the credit institution.

2. The handover and receipt of negotiable instruments shall be conducted as follows:

a. Between credit institutions, the branch of the State Bank and customers; between the State Bank and credit institutions; between credit institutions, the counting by sheet and the implementation according to the established procedures for cash receipts and payments shall be carried out.

b. Between the Bank Printing House and the Central Treasury, between the Central Treasury and the branch of the State Bank, between branches of the State Bank, between Central Treasuries, the following shall apply:

- Newly printed negotiable instruments shall be handed over and received in sealed packages as with cash or bundles still sealed (if not a full package); negotiable instruments that have been circulated shall be handed over and received in bundles containing ten stacks, still sealed by the branch of the State Bank, in cases where a bundle of one thousand sheets is not complete, they shall be handed over and received by sheet.

The branch of the State Bank upon receipt must establish a Counting Committee by sheet before disbursing to credit institutions or customers.

- Negotiable instruments that have reached their circulation period: shall be handed over and received in bundles still sealed by the branch of the State Bank or by sheet (in cases where less than one thousand sheets).

Chapter 3:

MANAGEMENT OF CASH, PRECIOUS ASSETS, NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS AND TREASURY

Article 12. The Branch Manager of the State Bank, the Central Treasury Manager, the Credit Institution Manager (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Manager) shall be responsible for organizing and managing, ensuring the safety and confidentiality of all cash, precious assets, negotiable instruments, and treasury operations at their respective units. The Manager shall manage and hold the key to one lock of the outer door of the treasury; directly open and lock the door to supervise the issuance, receipt, and storage of assets in the treasury.

Article 13. The Head of the Accounting Department (or Chief Accountant) shall be responsible for managing and supervising the issuance, receipt, and storage of assets in the treasury, with the duties of:

- Organizing the accounting of cash, precious assets, negotiable instruments according to the accounting-statistical system; guiding and inspecting the opening and recording of books by the cashier and the treasury custodian;

- Managing and holding the key to one lock of the outer door of the treasury, directly opening and locking the treasury door to supervise the issuance, receipt, and storage of assets in the treasury;

- Inspecting and reconciling figures between accounting books and the books of the cashier and the treasury custodian to ensure accuracy;

- Directly participating in periodic or spot inventory checks to ensure consistency between actual cash balances and accounting books and the books of the cashier and the treasury custodian; signing confirmation of actual cash balances on the cash book, tracking sheets for each type of asset, inventory sheets, and warehouse cards.

- At the Central Treasury, the Head of the Accounting Department of the Issuance Business Division and Treasury or the Head of the Central Treasury Accounting Department shall perform tasks as prescribed in this Article.

Article 14. The treasury custodian shall be responsible for ensuring absolute security for all types of assets stored in the treasury.

1. The treasury custodian shall be responsible for:

- Accurately, promptly, and fully executing the issuance and receipt of cash, precious assets, and negotiable instruments according to the orders of the competent authority, valid and lawful accounting vouchers;

- Opening cash books; tracking sheets for each type of money and each type of asset; warehouse cards; other necessary books; recording and preserving books and papers completely, clearly, and accurately;

- Organizing the neat and scientific arrangement of cash and assets in the treasury, ensuring cleanliness in the treasury;

- Managing and holding the key to one lock of the inner door of the treasury protecting the assigned assets, locks of the treasury room doors, and storage equipment in the treasury (safes, iron cabinets).

2. The treasury custodian of the State Bank branch shall store cash belonging to the Issue Reserve Fund and gold, silver, and precious metals.

The Central Treasury has several custodians: the Issue Reserve Fund custodian, the precious asset custodian, and the negotiable instrument custodian. Each custodian shall be responsible for the assets within their assigned scope and perform the duties as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Auxiliary custodians assist the treasury custodian in counting, packaging, stacking, and transporting cash, precious assets, and negotiable instruments.

Article 15.

1. The cashier of the State Bank branch, the cashier of the credit institution shall be responsible for ensuring absolute security for all types of cash belonging to the Operational Reserve Fund, foreign currencies, and negotiable instruments; implementing cash, foreign currency, and negotiable instrument receipts and payments according to valid and lawful accounting vouchers; managing and recording the cash book and other necessary books completely, clearly, and accurately.

2. If the State Bank branch has a separate treasury to store the Operational Issue Reserve Fund, foreign currencies, and negotiable instruments, the cashier shall also serve as the treasury custodian for the assigned assets. In this case, the cashier shall enjoy the rights and benefits of a treasury custodian.

3. The treasury department of credit organizations shall have one or more cashiers. Each cashier is responsible for assets within the scope assigned; among which, one cashier shall concurrently serve as the custodian of the cash warehouse or there shall be a dedicated cash warehouse custodian.

Article 16. The Head of the Currency and Treasury Department at the branch of the State Bank, the Head of the Central Cash Warehouse Operations Department, or the Head of the Treasury Department of credit organizations shall have the following responsibilities:

- Directing and inspecting operations related to the safe management of the treasury;

- Organizing the issuance, receipt, storage, and transportation of cash, valuable assets, and negotiable instruments in accordance with regulations;

- Participating in inspections, inventory checks, and asset handovers in the treasury.

Article 17. The bank examiner shall be responsible for counting, sorting, packaging, stacking, and transporting cash, valuable assets, and negotiable instruments.

Article 18. Security personnel in the cash warehouse shall have the following responsibilities:

- On-site inspection of conditions ensuring safety for the issuance and receipt of assets in the cash warehouse and during stacking and transportation activities according to authorized orders; monitoring security work in the cash warehouse during working hours;

- Controlling and supervising individuals allowed to work in the cash warehouse; having the authority to inspect and review individuals entering and exiting the cash warehouse when there are suspicions;

- Inspecting compliance with regulations governing entry and exit from the cash warehouse;

- Proposing and recommending measures to organize security in the cash warehouse to the Director.

In cases where a dedicated security officer is not appointed, the cash warehouse custodian shall concurrently perform this role.

Article 19.

1. The cash warehouse custodians, cashiers, and bank examiners at the branches of the State Bank and the Central Cash Warehouse must meet the qualifications specified by the state and be managed under the Regulations on Civil Servants and Officers of the State Bank.

2. The Chairman of the Board of Management, General Manager (Director) of credit organizations shall base on the qualifications for bank examiners, cashiers, and cash warehouse custodians of the State Bank and other relevant laws to establish qualification standards for bank examiners, cashiers, and cash warehouse custodians within their system.

Article 20. It is prohibited to appoint the spouse, father, mother, child, brother, sister, or half-sibling (including the spouse's or partner's siblings) of the Director or Deputy Director as a cashier or cash warehouse custodian. It is also prohibited to assign couples, parents, children, or full siblings to jointly hold keys to the cash warehouse door; to jointly participate in inventory checks and counting of cash, valuable assets, and negotiable instruments; or to work together on a vehicle or convoy transporting special goods.

Article 21. Provisions on delegations of authority for those involved in managing cash, valuable assets, negotiable instruments, and cash warehouses:

1. The Director may delegate authority in writing to Deputy Directors to manage cash, valuable assets, negotiable instruments, and cash warehouses for a specific period. The person delegated is responsible to the Director for the management of cash, valuable assets, negotiable instruments, and the cash warehouse according to this Regulation and in accordance with the law.

2. The Head of the Accounting Department may delegate authority in writing to Deputy Heads to manage cash, valuable assets, negotiable instruments, and cash warehouses for a specific period (the document must be approved by the Director). The person delegated is responsible to the Head of the Accounting Department and the Director for the management of assets and the cash warehouse according to this Regulation and in accordance with the law.

3. Each time the cash warehouse custodian needs to take leave, travel on business, attend meetings, or study, they must submit a written request and obtain approval from the Director. The Director will issue a written appointment for a replacement and organize an asset inventory and handover. The replacement is responsible for ensuring absolute confidentiality and safety of assets and normal operational activities during the assigned period.

4. Upon expiration of the delegation period and upon returning assets, the person delegated must report on the management of cash, valuable assets, negotiable instruments, and the cash warehouse to the delegator. The person delegated may not further delegate authority to another person.

The replacement for the cash warehouse custodian shall also comply with the provisions of Clause 4 of this Article.

5. The General Manager of credit organizations shall stipulate the Director's delegation of authority (branch, Trading Office, Representative Office...) regarding the management of cash, valuable assets, negotiable instruments, and cash warehouses in special circumstances such as the absence of leadership or a shortage of leadership staff.

Chapter 4:

STORAGE OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS

PART I. ARRANGEMENT AND STORAGE OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES AT THE COUNTER AND IN THE CASH DEPOSITORY

Article 22.

1. Persons assigned to enter the cash counter or the cash depository must wear protective clothing without pockets or transaction uniforms without pockets.

2. Unassigned persons shall not be allowed to enter the cash counter or the cash depository.

3. The cash counter and the cash depository must have internal regulations established by the Director.

Article 23.

1. At the end of each working day, all cash, valuable assets, and securities must be stored in the cash depository.

The safekeeping of cash, valuable assets, and securities during lunch break (if applicable) shall be regulated by the General Director (Director).

2. Valuable assets stored in the cash depository must be classified, counted, packed, and sealed according to standards, and arranged neatly and scientifically.

3. In the State Bank's cash depository: cash, valuable assets, and securities must be separately arranged in different areas within the storage room or in separate storage rooms.

4. During the period when a cash depository has not been constructed, credit organizations may store cash, valuable assets, and securities in a secure safe. The Director (or Head of Accounting Department) and the cashier each manage and keep the key to one lock of the safe. The General Director (Director) of the credit organization shall specify detailed and unified procedures within the system to enhance asset security in this situation.

Article 24. The General Director (Director) of the credit organization shall establish specific conditions and procedures for receiving and returning assets to customers; clearly define the responsibilities of relevant departments (accounting, treasury) to ensure asset safety at units providing physical asset storage services, securities storage services, or safe rental services for domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

PART II

USE AND SAFEKEEPING OF CASH DEPOSITORY KEYS

Article 25. Each lock on the door of the cash depository, storage room, safe, and iron cabinet must always have two keys: one for daily use and one as a backup. The key to the numbered lock is a combination of a code number and a positioning key (if applicable).

Article 26. Each individual responsible for keeping the key to the cash depository door must safely store the daily-use key in a personal safe placed at their workplace.

Article 27.

1. The daily-use keys of any safes or cabinets in a storage room must be kept in a small iron box stored in one of the safes located in that storage room.

2. The keys to the storage room and the safe storing the keys mentioned in Clause 1 of this Article; the daily-use keys of safes and cabinets storing assets at the counter shall be kept like the daily-use keys of the cash depository door.

Article 28.

1. Each time keys to the cash depository are handed over, the giver and receiver shall directly hand over the keys and sign the Cash Depository Key Handover Book. For numbered locks, when handing over the key to the cash depository door, the receiver must change the code.

2. Special cases (due to using different types of numbered locks) of credit organizations shall be regulated by the General Director (Director).

Article 29. Sealing of the backup key to the cash depository door shall be witnessed by the key holders and supervisory staff, recorded in a protocol, and signed on the seal. The backup key box shall be sent to the branch of the State Bank or another credit organization's cash depository on the same day. The receiving unit shall be responsible for securely preserving the sealed backup key box in its own cash depository.

The Central Cash Depository shall send the backup key of the cash depository door to the nearest branch of the State Bank. The branch of the State Bank shall send the backup key of the cash depository door to the state credit organization.

The backup key box of the cash depository door has two locks, with the Director and the cash depository manager each managing one lock; the keys shall be kept like the daily-use keys of the cash depository door.

Article 30. Backup keys to the storage room, safe, and iron cabinet shall be sealed and stored in the Director's safe like the backup key to the cash depository door.

Article 31. The backup key box can only be opened in the following situations:

1. Loss of the daily-use key or need to open the cash depository door in an emergency while the key holder is absent.

2. Adding backup keys for new locks or changing the code.

3. Removing backup keys from replaced locks.

4. Checking and inventorying backup keys upon written order from a superior authority.

When opening the backup key box, it must be witnessed directly by the Director, Head of Accounting Department, cash depository manager, and supervisory staff. Each time the backup key box specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article is opened, there must be a document approved by the Director.

Article 32. It is strictly prohibited to make additional copies or photocopies of keys. If a lock or key to the cash depository door is damaged and needs repair or replacement, a document approved by the Director is required. Repair or replacement shall be carried out by a locksmith from the bank or the Bank Mechanical Company under the supervision of the key holder or authorized person. Under no circumstances should external locksmiths be hired to repair locks or make keys for the cash depository.

Article 33. Staff assigned the responsibility of safeguarding and using keys must ensure the confidentiality and security of the keys entrusted to them.

1. They must not lose, damage, or destroy the keys. Absolutely no one else should be allowed to see, hold, or keep the keys.

2. Keys must not be taken outside the office premises.

3. If the daily-use key is lost, the person who lost the key must immediately report to the Director in writing, specifying the reason, time, and place of loss. If the key to the cash depository door is lost, the Director must immediately report to the local police and the higher-level bank. Subsequently, a protocol regarding the loss of the key and procedures to obtain the backup key box for use must be established. Replacement of the lock must be completed within no more than 36 hours.

Article 34. Under no circumstances should a situation arise where due to staff reassignment or any other reason, all keys to the cash depository doors fall into the hands of one person. If such a situation occurs (considered as all cash depository door keys being exposed or lost), the Director shall bear full responsibility as if they themselves had exposed or lost the keys to the cash depository door.

Article 35. Keys to the cash storage room door, vaults, safes, iron cabinets... that are not properly stored according to the regulations set forth herein shall be considered as having been leaked or lost. Upon leakage or loss of keys, new locks or new codes must be installed. The person responsible for leaking or losing the keys must seriously self-criticize and compensate for the cost of installing new locks; they may also face administrative disciplinary action or be subject to legal provisions.

Article 36. In emergency situations, if there is a shortage of one or two key holders, the Director may permit the use of spare keys; in extremely urgent cases, the Director may authorize forced entry to save assets and report to the higher-level bank promptly.

PART III

 ENTERING AND EXITING THE CASH STORAGE ROOM

Article 37. Persons permitted to enter the cash storage room when performing duties:

1. The Director and members responsible for holding the keys to the cash storage room door.

2. The Governor and Deputy Governors of the State Bank of Vietnam inspecting cash storage rooms within the banking sector.

3. The Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of credit organizations inspecting cash storage rooms within their systems.

4. Heads of Business Departments handling issuance and cash management entering the State Bank's cash storage system to perform assigned tasks.

Staff authorized in writing by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam to enter and inspect cash storage rooms within the banking sector. Staff authorized in writing by the General Director of credit organizations to inspect cash storage rooms within their organizations.

5. Branch Directors of the State Bank, staff authorized in writing by Branch Directors of the State Bank to inspect cash storage rooms of credit organizations within their province or city.

6. Staff supervising the entry and exit of assets, inspecting cash storage rooms according to work plans approved by the Director.

7. Staff assigned the task of organizing and stacking, transporting assets stored in the cash storage room.

8. Members of the Asset Inventory Committee conducting regular and surprise inspections.

9. Supervisory staff and technical staff, workers tasked with repairing, installing, maintaining equipment and locks in the cash storage room, who have been granted permission by the Director based on a request.

Article 38. Cases where entry into the cash storage room is allowed:

1. Executing orders, vouchers for the withdrawal or deposit of cash, valuable assets, and securities.

2. Depositing cash from operational funds, foreign currencies, and securities into the cash storage room for safekeeping or withdrawing them for daily use.

3. Inspecting the cash storage room as stipulated in Clause 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Article 37 of this Regulation, inventorying assets, and other periodic or surprise inspections as provided for in Article 56 of this Regulation.

4. Cleaning, stacking, and rearranging the storage room.

5. Repairing, installing, and checking equipment in the cash storage room.

6. Rescuing assets in the cash storage room during emergencies.

7. Entering and exiting assets for special services such as the preservation of valuable items; entering and exiting special goods of the State Bank and other credit organizations deposited overnight.

Article 39. Each time entering the cash storage room must be registered in the Cash Storage Room Entry Register. When entering, the Cash Storage Room Manager enters first; when exiting, the Cash Storage Room Manager exits last. Opening and closing the locks on the cash storage room doors follow the principle of one person at a time and in the correct order: when opening the cash storage room door, the Director, Head of Accounting Department, and Cash Storage Room Manager; conversely, when closing the cash storage room door, the Cash Storage Room Manager, Head of Accounting Department, and Director. Upon leaving the cash storage room, all individuals must sign the Cash Storage Room Entry Register to confirm.

Article 40.

1. Before unlocking, security personnel and key holders of the cash storage room must carefully observe the condition of the lock and the cash storage room door.

a. If suspicious signs are noticed, they must be fully recorded before unlocking.

b. If signs of intrusion by criminals are observed, the scene must be preserved intact for police inspection and documentation; only then should the lock be opened to enter the cash storage room.

2. Before leaving the cash storage room

a. Check the items needed to be taken out.

b. Recheck the safety equipment systems.

c. The Cash Storage Room Manager and security personnel must conduct a final check before closing the cash storage room door.

PART IV

 GUARDING AND PROTECTING THE CASH STORAGE ROOM, COUNTERS

Article 41. At the end of working hours, the counter and doors in the cash storage area must be locked. Apart from security forces and personnel assigned to monitor safety equipment (if any), no one may remain alone in the workplace within the bank premises (bank premises combined with cash storage room) without authorization. If overtime work is required, at least two people must be present, with written permission from the Bank Director and notification to the security department.

Article 42. The cash storage room must be guarded and protected continuously to ensure 24-hour security. The State Bank of Vietnam and credit organizations must closely cooperate with local police forces to develop security plans for the cash storage room.

Branch cash storage rooms of the State Bank and Central Cash Storage Rooms have police forces providing protection.

Article 43. Personnel responsible for protecting the cash storage room must be accountable for its security within their designated scope.

Chapter 5:

TRANSPORTATION OF SPECIAL GOODS

Article 44. Special goods as defined in this Chapter include: cash, valuable assets, and securities. The organization of transportation of special goods must follow the procedure: starting from receiving, packaging and sealing the assets and storage means; loading onto vehicles; transporting along the road to the receiving location; delivering the goods and completing all handover procedures before concluding.

Article 45.

1. The Issuance and Cash Management Department is responsible for organizing the transportation of special goods from the currency printing factory, airport, port, railway station to the Central Cash Storage Room; from the Central Cash Storage Room to branch banks and vice versa, between Central Cash Storage Rooms, and between branch banks.

2. Exporting foreign currency abroad requires an Order from the Governor of the State Bank (for foreign currency of the State Bank) or an Order from the General Director (Director) of credit organizations (for foreign currency of credit organizations).

3. The General Director (Director) of credit organizations specifies the authority to issue Orders for transferring cash between branches and regulates the transportation of special goods within the system.

Article 46. When handing over and transporting special goods, the escort must have a power of attorney from the competent authority. For exporting foreign currency abroad and depositing it into an account, the escort must have a power of attorney from the Governor of the State Bank (for foreign currency of the State Bank) or the General Director (Director) of credit organizations.

Article 47. Special goods transportation must use dedicated vehicles or specialized transportation means. In cases where other means are used, the decision shall be made by the General Director (Director) of the credit organization, and procedures for transportation, protection, and safety measures shall be stipulated.

In urgent situations or when the volume and value of transported assets are large, and for long-distance transportation, other means such as airplanes, trains, ships must be hired, decided upon by the Governor of the State Bank (for assets of the State Bank) or the General Director (Director) of the credit organization.

Article 48.

1. Special goods must be packed and sealed during transportation.

2. Persons organizing and participating in transportation must strictly keep confidential the time, route, type of goods, quantity, value, and transportation means.

3. Individuals without assigned tasks are not allowed to travel on special goods transportation vehicles.

Article 49. Transportation of special goods must be conducted during daylight hours (except in special cases such as train or airplane transportation), avoiding handover at night.

For long-distance transportation, rest stops should avoid crowded areas. If overnight stays are necessary, the vehicle must be parked at the premises of the State Bank, credit organization, or police unit to ensure safety conditions, coordinating guard duty or storing goods in secure storage facilities.

Article 50. Branches of the State Bank and credit organizations receiving notifications about special goods transportation vehicles encountering issues on their local routes must proactively contact and coordinate with police authorities and the security forces of the transportation vehicle to ensure asset safety. If necessary, they must request coordination from the local People's Committee and promptly handle any incidents.

Article 51. When special goods arrive at the receiving location, the receiving unit must mobilize labor force within the unit to quickly transfer the goods into secure storage (including outside working hours or on holidays).

Article 52.

1. During the transportation of special goods, there must be sufficient personnel to control the transportation means, escort, and protect the goods.

State Bank special goods transportation vehicles are protected by armed police; the number of police officers accompanying each vehicle is determined based on the volume, value, and nature of the cargo, ensuring at least two police officers accompany each special goods vehicle.

2. The escort officer is responsible for overall command during transportation, ensuring the safety of special goods; organizing the implementation of handover, transportation, and protection according to the regulations set forth in this regime.

In cases where the volume and value of transported special goods are large and require a convoy with escorts, the Director designates an escort officer as the convoy leader.

Article 53. The protective force or police protecting special goods are responsible for: developing a plan to protect goods, people, and transportation means from the moment of receiving the goods until completion of delivery and safe return to the agency headquarters; complying with transportation regulations under this regime; handling specific incidents that occur, preventing roadside inspections or searches; directly fighting and assigning members of the convoy to cooperate in protecting people, special goods, and transportation means in case of security breaches.

Article 54. The driver is responsible for the technical condition of the transportation means; complying with special goods transportation regulations under this regime; adhering to traffic laws; actively requesting priority passes or purchasing tickets for bridges and ferries to expedite passage.

Article 55. The unit organizing the transportation of special goods must maintain records for each shipment, including personnel allocation, means of transportation, and transportation schedules.

Chapter 6:

INSPECTION, INVENTORY, HANDOVER, AND DISPOSITION OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES

PART I

INSPECTION, INVENTORY, AND HANDOVER OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES

Article 56. Regular inspection and inventory shall be conducted as follows:

1. Comprehensive inspection of cash security and total inventory of cash, valuable assets, and securities twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st at midnight.

2. Inventory of reserve issuance funds and other assets stored in the cash vault once a month, on the first day of each month at midnight.

3. Daily inventory of cash in credit organization funds, issuance branch funds of the State Bank, securities, and valuable assets at the end of the workday.

4. Unannounced inspections shall be conducted in the following circumstances:

a. When changing key holders for the cash vault door.

b. When changing locks or losing keys to the cash vault door.

c. When suspecting unauthorized entry into the cash vault, cash counter, or special goods being transported; discovering discrepancies in asset records during cash vault entry and exit or cash transactions.

d. Upon receipt of inspection orders or documents from authorized bodies as stipulated in Clause 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Article 37 of this regime.

e. Inspection of cash counting and selection processes.

5. The Director has the authority to conduct unannounced inspections and total inventories of cash, fund assets, and securities at any time.

Article 57. When one of the three key holders for the cash vault door (Director, Head of Accounting Department, Cash Vault Manager) changes, a handover of cash, valuable assets, and securities must be conducted. Depending on work requirements and leave times, the Director may decide in writing whether to hand over part or all of the assets.

The recipient must personally examine, inspect, and count the items, and cannot delegate these tasks to others.

Article 58. When conducting regular inventories as prescribed in Clause 1 and 2 of Article 56 of this regime and during handovers of cash, valuable assets, and securities, a Decision by the Director to establish an Inventory Committee shall be issued.

Each time counting various types of cash and securities received in sealed bundles or bags, the Director shall issue a Decision to establish a Counting Committee.

1. Composition of the Inventory Committee or Counting Committee:

- Director: Chairman of the Committee

- Members: Head of Accounting Department (or Chief Accountant), Head of Currency and Treasury Department (Head of Treasury), Internal Auditor (or audit staff).

The Committee may summon additional staff members as decided by the Committee Chairman.

The Council shall prepare a record of inventory or verification and handle excess or shortage of assets in accordance with current regulations.

2. In cases requiring sudden inventory or inspection, a Verification Council must be established, with its members determined by the head of the inspecting or inventorying entity as stipulated, but not fewer than those specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. The end-of-day inventory shall be carried out by the Director, Head of Accounting Department (or Chief Accountant). If absent, each member may delegate authority to a deputy officer or responsible person to conduct the inventory. The Director may mobilize additional staff to assist with the end-of-day inventory. The Control Manager or supervisory staff shall oversee the end-of-day inventory.

Article 59.

1. The Verification Council for the Issuance Reserve Fund, valuable assets, and securities at the Central Treasury shall consist of the following members on an annual basis on January 1st and July 1st:

- Chairperson: Director of the General Supervision Department;

- Members: Directors of the Accounting and Finance Department, and the Issuance Business and Treasury Department.

The Council may summon additional staff to assist, as decided by the Chairperson.

2. The Verification Council of the Issuance Business and Treasury Department shall conduct inventory of the Issuance Reserve Fund, valuable assets, and securities at the Central Treasury at midnight on the first day of each month, consisting of the following members:

- Chairperson: Director of the Issuance Business and Treasury Department or Director of the Central Treasury;

- Members: Heads of the Accounting Department, Treasury Operations Department, and Auditor.

The Council may summon additional staff to assist, as decided by the Chairperson.

PART II

HANDLING SHORTAGE OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES

Article 60.

1. In cases where there is a shortage of cash, valuable assets, or securities as recorded in the Council's inventory or verification report, the individuals named on the sealed packages or bundles of cash, valuable assets, or securities must compensate for 100% of the value of the missing assets. Repeated offenses will result in disciplinary action according to current regulations, and serious cases will be handled under the law. Any surplus cash in bundles will be recorded as business income for the bank named on the bundle.

2. For each credit institution: The General Director (Director) of the credit institution shall base on Clause 1 of this Article to establish procedures within their system for handling surplus or shortage of banknotes in bundles that have been fully sealed and transferred.

Article 61. Upon discovering shortages or surpluses of cash, valuable assets, or securities in the treasury, transaction counters, or during transportation, the Director must decide to conduct a full inventory of all assets. The Director, Head of Accounting, Control Manager, and Head of Currency Department must promptly examine, verify, prepare records, and update ledgers, and hold individuals accountable who were assigned the responsibility of safeguarding the assets, as well as those related parties, to recover the full value of the missing assets in a timely manner.

Cases involving shortages or losses of cash, valuable assets, or securities valued at one million dong or more, or shortages or losses of cash from the Issuance Reserve Fund, must be reported to higher authorities through the vertical system (if applicable); credit institutions must report to the Branch of the State Bank and the Branch of the State Bank must report to the State Bank (Issuance Business and Treasury Department) within 24 hours.

Cases involving theft or robbery of cash, valuable assets, or securities due to criminal intrusion, embezzlement, or abuse (with elements constituting a crime), must maintain the original scene and report to the police.

Article 62. In cases where shortages or losses of cash, valuable assets, or securities arise from errors in receipt, counting, or storage, and upon investigation, there is no evidence of embezzlement or abuse, full compensation for the loss must be made and handled according to current laws. The State Bank shall establish a Council to resolve compensation matters to address material responsibilities.

Article 63. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Science and Technology The Director and individuals responsible for managing, supervising, and ensuring the safety of cash, valuable assets, and securities, if failing to fulfill their duties resulting in shortages or losses in the treasury or allowing subordinates under their management to embezzle or steal assets, shall be subject to disciplinary action according to the law; they must also compensate for any losses of money or assets they are jointly responsible for; in severe cases, they must bear criminal responsibility.

Article 64.

1. Staff and personnel engaged in managing, storing, transporting cash, valuable assets, and securities, and police officers performing protective duties who show outstanding performance and bravery in protecting assets shall be rewarded.

2. Staff and personnel involved in treasury work, if they embezzle or abuse cash, valuable assets, or securities, must compensate for 100% of the value of the missing assets and be dismissed; in severe cases, they must bear criminal responsibility.

3. Staff and personnel involved in treasury work as stipulated in this Regulation shall enjoy duty allowances, hazardous and arduous work allowances, and physical hazard allowances; personal protective equipment shall be provided according to state and industry regulations.

Article 65. The Branch of the State Bank and credit institutions shall organize annual summaries of treasury security work. Credit institutions' reports shall be submitted to the Branch of the State Bank in their area and to superior credit institutions (if applicable). The Branch of the State Bank and credit institutions shall compile and submit reports to the State Bank.

Chapter 7:

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 66.

1. The Director of the Issuance Business and Treasury Department shall be responsible for guiding and supervising the implementation of this Regulation.

2. The Director of the General Supervision Department shall be responsible for guiding and supervising the organization and implementation within the State Bank system. The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the General Director (Director) of credit institutions shall organize supervision of the implementation within their systems.

3. The Inspector General of the State Bank shall be responsible for implementing inspections of the implementation by credit institutions.

Article 67. The transfer of cash between branches of the State Bank or credit institutions and the National Treasury, and vice versa, shall be conducted similarly to the transfer of cash between branches of the State Bank and credit institutions as stipulated in this Regulation.