“MT799 proof of funds” is a market phrase, not a formal banking product. MT799 is a SWIFT FIN free-format message type used for bank-to-bank narrative communication. The content is policy-driven, qualified, and typically limited to procedural confirmation rather than a payment undertaking.
If a counterparty is trying to treat an MT799 as a substitute for a documentary credit, a standby, a demand guarantee, or an escrow structure, the transaction is already drifting away from standard execution. This guide explains what MT799 verbiage typically states, what it avoids, and how to request a message that is operationally useful without creating unintended liability.
In legitimate workflows, “proof of funds” is a request for comfort around capacity and process, not an enforceable promise. Banks generally distinguish between: (1) relationship confirmation, (2) process confirmation, and (3) a binding undertaking. MT799 verbiage is typically confined to the first two categories, and even then it is often framed as information only.
A bank confirms it maintains a relationship with a named customer, subject to confidentiality and policy. This is low liability and commonly accepted.
A bank confirms it is reviewing a request (for example, issuance of an LC or standby) subject to KYC, underwriting, and internal approvals.
MT799 verbiage is normally drafted to communicate context and process while preserving legal and operational boundaries. The receiving bank reads it as a narrative communication, not as a credit instrument.
| Message Purpose | What The Verbiage Usually Includes |
|---|---|
| Information Only Notice | A clear statement that the message is informational and does not create an undertaking, guarantee, or commitment. |
| Client Relationship | Confirmation of an existing banking relationship, often limited to existence and status of the relationship. |
| Transaction Reference | Reference numbers, names of counterparties (where permitted), and a short description of context. |
| Conditional Language | Explicit qualifiers such as “subject to KYC and AML,” “subject to sanctions screening,” and “subject to internal approvals.” |
| Non-Reliance | Language stating third parties should not rely on the message to make delivery, funding, or credit decisions. |
Banks usually avoid language that a counterparty could argue is a binding assurance of payment, solvency, or funds control. A request that reads like a guarantee often triggers refusal, escalation to legal, or a heavily diluted response.
The fragments below reflect common drafting patterns. They are not a SWIFT template and should not be treated as a copy-paste instruction. In practice, banks use house formats and insert their own qualifiers.
| Clause Type | Illustrative Verbiage |
|---|---|
| Information Only | “THIS MESSAGE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ANY UNDERTAKING, GUARANTEE, OR COMMITMENT BY THE SENDER.” |
| Relationship Confirmation | “WE CONFIRM THAT WE MAINTAIN A BANKING RELATIONSHIP WITH [CLIENT NAME], SUBJECT TO BANK CONFIDENTIALITY, APPLICABLE LAW, AND INTERNAL POLICY.” |
| Process Confirmation | “WE ARE REVIEWING [CLIENT NAME]’S REQUEST IN CONNECTION WITH [TRANSACTION PURPOSE]. ANY ACTION REMAINS SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY DUE DILIGENCE, KYC/AML, SANCTIONS SCREENING, AND INTERNAL APPROVALS.” |
| No Obligation | “NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS AN OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE FINANCING, ISSUE AN INSTRUMENT, OR MAKE PAYMENT.” |
| Non-Reliance | “NO THIRD PARTY MAY RELY ON THIS MESSAGE AS A BASIS FOR EXTENDING CREDIT, DELIVERING GOODS, OR MAKING A PAYMENT DECISION.” |
The fastest path to an acceptable message is a narrow request that aligns with what banks are willing to state. A “prove funds are blocked and transferable” request is not narrow, and it often collapses into weeks of back-and-forth.
If the counterparty needs a binding undertaking, the correct tool is not an MT799 narrative. The correct tool is the instrument that carries an undertaking, supported by the right documentary conditions and a defined execution path. Examples include documentary credits under UCP 600, standbys under ISP98, demand guarantees under URDG 758, or a properly documented escrow or pledged deposit structure.
No. A payment undertaking belongs in a documentary credit, standby, or guarantee. MT799 is typically used for informational bank-to-bank communication, and banks normally include qualifiers that prevent reliance.
Banks generally do not treat an MT799 as the instrument that creates or proves legal encumbrance. Funds control is documented through account control, pledged deposits, escrow arrangements, or bank instruments, all subject to the bank’s documentation and approvals.
A limited bank-to-bank message confirming relationship or confirming that a request is under review, subject to KYC, sanctions screening, and approvals. It supports coordination without drifting into an implied guarantee.
If a counterparty is requesting MT799 proof of funds verbiage, share the exact wording they requested, the transaction purpose, the parties, the timeline, and what the message is meant to accomplish. We will revert with an execution-focused approach and a compliant communications pathway through regulated counterparties.
Request A QuoteDisclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory, investment, or credit advice and it is not an offer or solicitation. Financely is not a bank and does not send SWIFT messages. MT799 messages are transmitted only by banks through SWIFT and are subject to bank policy, confidentiality obligations, and internal approvals. Any financing or instrument issuance is provided solely by regulated counterparties under their own documentation and approvals, and is subject to due diligence, KYC and AML review, sanctions screening, and execution of definitive agreements.
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