Secure bank-to-bank communication for confirmations, notifications, and transaction verification.

🔐 What Is SWIFT MT199?

A SWIFT MT199 is a generic free-format interbank communication message used by financial institutions to exchange information securely across the SWIFT network.

It is not a payment or financial instrument.
It is a communication tool used to:

• Confirm important instructions

• Notify a correspondent bank

• Request or provide clarification

• Verify transaction details

• Follow up on compliance or KYC

In simple terms:

MT199 = Secure banking conversation through SWIFT.

✅ Why MT199 Is Important

Banks use MT199 whenever written, authenticated communication is required for a transaction.

An MT199 creates traceable and official proof of communication inside the global banking system.

✅ Who Uses MT199?

• Commercial banks

• Investment banks

• Correspondent banks

• Treasury departments

• Trade finance departments

• Compliance teams

Most commonly, MT199 is used during LC, SBLC, BG, wire transfers, or due diligence procedures.

✅ Examples of MT199 Usage

✅ Confirming receipt of funds
✅ Confirming LC or SBLC transmission
✅ Asking for clarification on transaction details
✅ Requesting beneficiary verification
✅ Sending compliance or AML notification
✅ Answering bank correspondence
✅ Providing SWIFT reference number
✅ Confirming that a financial message is authentic

If banks need to “talk” securely, they use MT199.

✅ Key Benefits

• 100% secure: uses SWIFT authentication

• Traceable: every message has a reference

• Fast: real-time exchange between banks

• Global: used in all SWIFT-connected countries

• Verifiable: proofs can be shown to auditors, regulators, and clients

This is why MT199 is preferred over email or fax — it removes doubt and increases trust.

✅ MT199 vs MT799

MT199 = general communication
MT799 = proof of funds / pre-advice / financial intent

✅ When MT199 Is Requested

A bank may send or request an MT199 when:

• A Letter of Credit has been issued or amended

• An SBLC needs confirmation

• A correspondent bank asks for formal notification

• The beneficiary needs to prove that communication occurred on SWIFT

• The bank is verifying transaction details before release of funds

Every message provides official evidence through SWIFT.

✅ Why It Matters in Trade Finance

International trade involves:

• Multiple banks

• Different time zones

• Compliance checks

• Risk of fraud

• Cross-border regulations

MT199 ensures that anything important is confirmed by SWIFT, not by email, not by guesswork.

Professional traders, suppliers, and buyers rely on MT199 as part of their documentation trail.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is MT199 a payment?
No. It is a communication message only.

2. Does MT199 prove funds?
No — for proof of funds or pre-advice, MT799 or MT760 is used.

3. Can MT199 confirm an LC or SBLC?
Yes, banks often send MT199 to confirm an issuance or transmission.

4. Is MT199 secure?
Yes. It is encrypted and authenticated through the SWIFT network.

5. Can it be shown as evidence?
Yes. MT199 is official bank documentation.

✅ Conclusion

The SWIFT MT199 is one of the most important communication tools in global banking.
It brings clarity, security, and trust to international transactions by allowing banks to exchange official messages instantly and securely.

In cross-border trade, an MT199 can be the difference between a delayed transaction and a confirmed one.