What is a tested telex in modern banking terms?
A tested telex is an authenticated bank-to-bank message. The “tested” component refers to the sender authentication process that allows the receiving side to confirm the message came from the stated bank. It is a communications channel used to confirm instructions, acceptance, or other trade-related notices, and it is often referenced as legacy wording alongside modern SWIFT equivalents.
Is tested telex a way to transfer money?
No. Telex is messaging. Settlement happens through correspondent banking rails, meaning the actual movement of funds is booked between banks through their nostro and vostro accounts or other approved clearing arrangements. A message can instruct or confirm, but it does not, by itself, move value.
What does “supports fund transfers if settlement happens through a correspondent bank” mean?
It means your receiving account must be in a bank that can receive the payment through standard correspondent pathways, and the sending bank must be able to settle across its correspondent network. In practice, the payment leg is executed through correspondent accounts and standard payment messages (for example, SWIFT MT103 customer transfers or bank-to-bank settlement messaging). The telex message, where used, is a confirmation or instruction layer, not the settlement rail.
What does it mean for the sending bank to be “solvent”?
In banking terms, you are taking counterparty credit and settlement risk on the sending institution. A solvent sending bank is one that is not in resolution, not under liquidity stress that prevents settlement, not subject to sanctions or payment restrictions, and capable of honoring its obligations through its correspondent network. Even a valid message is not useful if the sending bank cannot actually settle, is cut off from correspondent lines, or is restricted by compliance controls.
What are legitimate use cases for receiving a tested telex?
Common legitimate cases include trade finance communications (for example, LC pre-advice or authenticated confirmations), counterparty onboarding where a bank requires authenticated messaging from a foreign institution, and operational confirmations tied to a defined commercial contract. If the “purpose” is vague, investment-related, or detached from a real transaction, it will not pass screening.
Can you guarantee that a bank will open the account or accept telex traffic?
No. Account opening and messaging capability are always subject to the bank’s compliance approval, risk appetite, and operational constraints. Many banks have retired telex entirely and will only support authenticated SWIFT channels. We align the channel and verification method with what the bank will actually support before proceeding to any test messaging.
What does the setup process look like?
First we confirm the commercial purpose, the sending side requirements, and your entity profile. Next we run KYC and sanctions screening inputs and route you to a regulated banking relationship for onboarding. Once approved, we confirm the exact recipient details and verification path for authenticated messaging, and we coordinate a test message process where required.
What do you need from me to move fast?
Provide a complete KYC pack, the exact wording or template requested by the sending side, and the sending bank identity. Ambiguity slows everything down. Clean documents, clear commercial rationale, and consistent counterparties move the file through compliance faster.
Are you a bank or a payment processor?
No. Financely provides coordination and routing for account setup and messaging enablement through regulated banks and approved partners. We do not take deposits, do not intermediate funds, and do not guarantee settlement outcomes.