Allameh Tabataba’i University Strategic Recommendations for  Administrative Bodies

Allameh Tabataba’i University Strategic Recommendations for Administrative Bodies

Requirements of International Correspondent Banking Relations in Iran's Economy

Author
Department of Business Economics, Allameh Tabataba'i University
Abstract
International correspondent banking relations in Iran's economy take shape within the context of a highly centralized and monopolistic global financial system—a system wherein reference currencies, market geographies, payment and settlement networks, prudential regulatory bodies, and even financial messaging networks (such as SWIFT) are predominantly controlled by a limited number of major economies and large banks. This centralization constrains countries' capacities to conduct financial and commercial transactions to restricted markets operating under rigorous rules, carrying heightened significance for Iran, particularly amid the challenges of sanctions and sensitivities surrounding money laundering. Analysis indicates that establishing correspondent relations requires fulfilling standard financial reporting requirements, adhering to prudential supervision, and possessing a reliable credit rating, which determines the costs of collateral, guarantees, and operational fees. Correspondent relations can manifest in diverse forms, including cooperation based on credit ratings, agency agreements relying fully on collateralized funds, or relationships based on the coverage of intermediary banks. Furthermore, the fundamental difference between payment services and credit operations determines the level of risk and resource commitment of the correspondent bank. The report's conclusion emphasizes the necessity of charting a realistic roadmap for Iran's gradual integration into the global financial system, coupled with institutional flexibility and regulatory compliance to mitigate the risks of asset blockage, seizure, and restricted access.
Keywords