International cash management is a field that helps smooth the process of moving money between countries. The cash manager is in charge of setting up accounts in local currencies within areas or interest and moving necessary money into and out of foreign countries. This requires the manager to understand the intricacies of local and international banking laws as they apply to any country in which the company has money. In addition, international cash management systems work with people in different countries that use the same financial system, such as when a bank operates in multiple nations.
Cash management is a field that has come into prominence in the 21st century. Most of the aspects of cash management were around before that, but the need for a dedicated department to handle them was rarely a necessity. With improvements to the speed and reliability of worldwide communication and data networks, the call for fast and more knowledgeable people became a priority.
Most cash management revolves around business accounts. For an individual, the services are available in smaller forms with most banks; only a person that constantly needed to move large sums of his own money would need anything more extensive. In the business realm, cash management is much like a very advanced form of bank account. The systems involved are the same—checking, savings, and money transfers—, but the scope is much greater. The accounts deal with much larger sums than many banks are comfortable moving around.
When the process involves banking in other countries, it becomes international cash management. Along with the standard tasks, an international manager has to work with other countries' money in addition to his home nation's currency. When two countries have different bank procedures, the manager will negotiate terms to keep the accounts safe and stable for use in both countries. In addition, the manager will keep tabs on the value and use of the local currencies to make sure the company’s money is being spent appropriately.
Along with the business field, international cash management also describes the systems used by institutions that handle money in different countries. This form of cash management applies to individuals and businesses equally, as it is part of the institution’s services. Most international cash management systems are operated by banks that have presences in multiple countries. These systems range from automatic teller machines (ATMs) that will dispense local money to tellers who can issue local bank checks in exchange for foreign ones.