CHAPTER 10—SPECIALIZED BANK SERVICES
45. Briefly define the terms mutual fund and diversification.
A mutual fund is an investment company that pools money from many savers who have
small amounts to invest. Diversification refers to the distribution of assets in a portfolio
among different types of securities and maturity dates.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 10.2.3 – LO: 10.2.3
46. What is a sovereign wealth fund?
Excess cash of a country that is placed in a fund that is segregated from the country’s official
currency reserves is called a sovereign wealth fund. This money can be invested to generate a
profit for the country.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 10.1.1 – LO: 10.1.1
47. What are the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)? Name the functions of the IFC.
The World Bank is a partner in strengthening economies and expanding markets around the
world, particularly in developing countries. The World Bank makes loans to these counties
and expects the loans to be repaid. The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group; it
promotes private investments in developing countries. Functions of the IFC include financing
private sector projects in developing countries, helping private companies in developing
countries obtain financing in international markets, and providing advice to businesses and
governments.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 10.1.1 – LO: 10.1.1
48. Name and briefly describe three common personal health insurance policies available in the United States.
Traditional health insurance allows holders to visit any doctor or hospital they want;
premiums tend to be higher than for other plans. A health maintenance organization (HMO)
is a health-care system that organizes doctors and hospitals in a network; members must use
doctors and hospitals that belong to the network and must pay a set fee that gives them access
to the HMO’s services. A preferred provider organization (PPO) is a network of doctors and
hospitals that agree to provide care at a reduced cost to members; they are not as restrictive as
HMOs.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 10.2.2 – LO: 10.2.2
49. Describe the function and purpose of a zero-balance account (ZBA).
A ZBA is an account that starts each business day at a zero balance and is related to a central
account. Throughout the day, transactions are debited or credited as payments are made or
received. At the end of the day, they are reconciled with the central account and are returned
once again to a zero balance. ZBAs ensure that funds do not stand idle in multiple accounts
and eliminate the need for the customer to monitor accounts and initiate account transfers.
BNKG.CFFT.3.LO: 10.3.2 – LO: 10.3.2
50. Define the terms estate, will, and executor. Describe the steps that are usually involved in the settlement of an estate.