[PASSED] Access to Basic Banking and Lending

[Simone Republic]

Motivation

This is largely written in response to "banking deserts" and other under-served areas, and to encourage the use of more advanced technologies, such as payment apps (instead of cheques), and for remittances to be handled by banks rather than potentially more expensive remittance agents.

Note that "banking deserts" refer largely to rural areas or poor areas that are underserved due to either their remote location or the fact that a branch may not be profitable for a bank. It is not specifically referring to a developing country but more addressing the problems of developed countries, the US in particular.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banking_desert

The solution is distinctly not from the US: the concept of "basic bank account" is from India's “Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account” (BSBDA) which now has 520 million customers.
https://www.rbi.org.in/commonperson/Eng ... px?Id=1289

This is also an indirect replacement of GA94 (at least conceptually to me) as the cumbersome microcredit procedures are largely replaced these days by payment apps, devolved finance and personal loan apps, although these two resolutions are not mutually exclusive. It pushes micro-credit down to the individual state level.

Category: Regulation/consumer protection (this seems to fit best, as it protects consumers' access to banking)

Final call draft

The World Assembly (WA),

Believing that a bank account is key to improving the living standards of WA inhabitants by offering access to modern financial services for free, avoiding pricier alternatives such as pawn shops or check cashing outlets, and broadening access to micro-credit;

The WA hereby enacts as follows:

1. Definitions.
   
   1. "Bank" means an entity that offers savings and lending products to inhabitants and SMEs in a WA state. This includes similar entities such as credit unions.
   2. "Cash" includes physical coins, notes, as well as other physical monetary instruments used by that WA state.
   3. "Inhabitant" includes anyone with a clear rationale for a bank account in that state. This includes, as examples, citizens, residents, guest workers, seafarers, refugees, and diplomats.
   4. "Inhabitant" excludes any not deemed legally competent in that WA state.
   5. "Microcredit" is defined to include loans of relatively small amounts to inhabitants and SMEs to help them achieve their financial or personal targets. such as developing new businesses.
   6. "SME" means small and medium sized enterprises. This includes sole proprietors and smaller enterprises as defined by that WA state.
   7. Terms not defined herein shall be defined by that WA state.
2. Basic bank account ("basic account" or "account"). A basic account must include the following features:
   
   1. Savings and deposits;
   2. Cash withdrawals;
   3. Cheque issuance and deposits;
   4. Convenient payment mechanisms such as various apps;
   5. Microcredit facilities (as defined in clause 6);
   6. Domestic interbank and intrabank transfers;
   7. Remittances to or from other WA states.
3. Features.
   
   1. Each basic account (and related services) is provided free of charge. This does not affect margins or spreads for loans, foreign exchange, or other products outside of a basic account provided by the bank.
   2. No minimum deposit balance is required to open or maintain a basic account.
   3. If a state has reasonable levels of Internet access, a basic account must be accessible both online and offline.
   4. Sub-clauses (2)(b) or (2)(c) do not apply if that WA state does not use cash or cheques, respectively.
4. Availability.
   
   1. Each inhabitant and each SME in a WA state is entitled to at least one basic account.
   2. Each WA state is to determine how basic accounts are provided, such as through which particular banks or if such accounts are the obligations of all banks.
5. Know your customer requirements (KYC).
   
   1. No one may be denied from opening a basic account due to their circumstances, such as having a previous criminal record or having no fixed abode.
   2. An inhabitant having a duly issued identity document from that WA state (or a committee of the WA) is deemed to satisfy the KYC needs for opening a basic account.
   3. The preceding sub-clauses do not prohibit a bank from conducting additional KYC if the customer desires a deeper relationship, such as getting a loan from that bank, or for the bank to decline such a deeper relationship.
6. Microcredit.
   
   1. A bank that provides basic accounts shall also provide microcredit loans via such accounts to inhabitants and SMEs.
   2. Each WA state may determine if microcredit loans are provided at market rates, or if subsidised loans are available, as well as the underwriting standards, terms, and conditions for such microcredit loans.
   3. Each WA state is required to incentivise banks to promote microcredit services to their customers.
7. Other services.
   
   1. A bank may also provide loans or other services to customers via a basic account.
   2. The WA reserves the right to further regulate lending under clause (6) or sub-clause (7)(a).
8. Technology.
   
   1. Each WA state is required to incentivise the use of technology in banking, such as online banking and payment apps, to reduce costs for bank customers.
   2. Each WA state is required to make reasonable efforts to make it more convenient for vulnerable inhabitants to bank, such as using more facilities friendly to those with physical challenges.
9. Jurisdiction. Each WA state is responsible for interpretation and enforcement of this resolution.

Char count: 4,241

[Simone Republic]

Draft 3

 

The World Assembly (WA),

Noting that some vulnerable WA inhabitants may lack access to banking facilities, leaving them at the mercy of check cashing services, remittance agents, and other expensive alternatives;

Affirming previous resolutions on helping those underbanked, such as GARs 474, 625 and 686;

Believing that improved technologies offer opportunities to further help those in need;

The WA hereby enacts as follows:

1. Definitions.
   
   1. "Authority" means one or more government entities designated by a WA state to enforce and interpret this resolution.
   2. "Bank" means any institution in that state providing at least basic retail banking services such as savings and loans, and duly regulated by that state. For this resolution, this includes offline and online banks as well as firms with similar functions such as credit unions.
   3. "WA organs" mean any of the sub-committees of the WA.
2. Scope. This resolution covers all sapient “inhabitants” of that state, excluding those not legally competent. In this resolution, this definition of "inhabitants" cover anyone who meets any of the following criteria:
   
   1. A citizen, national, resident, or subject of that state;
   2. A representative of a WA organ;
   3. A diplomat from another state accredited to that state;
   4. An authorized guest worker (or holding an employment visa) in that state, regardless of duration;
   5. A long-term visitor to that state, such as for studies, health care, or retirement;
   6. An applicant for asylum or refugee or protected status in that state, or anyone holding such status;
   7. Seafarers on ships that travel under the flag of that state; or
   8. Anyone else deemed as an inhabitant by the authority of that state.
3. Basic account. Each authority must ensure that each inhabitant of that state, as well as each small and medium sized business (incorporated or otherwise) of that state wholly owned by inhabitants of that state, can open at least one “basic account” at a bank in that state. The "basic account" must offer at least all of the following services, both offline and online:
   
   1. Basic savings facilities, such as savings and fixed term deposits carrying interest;
   2. Overdraft and loan facilities, subject to that bank's discretion regarding credit standing;
   3. Ability to write and deposit checks and similar instruments issued in that state;
   4. Convenient access to at least one major payment mechanism prevalent in that state, such as debit cards, QR code systems, or payment apps;
   5. Ability to send funds to, and receive funds from, any other bank account in the same state;
   6. Ability to regularly remit funds to one or more designated foreign bank accounts.
4. Service standards. Each authority must ensure the following levels of service apply to all basic accounts:
   
   1. No minimum deposit balance is required to open a basic account.
   2. No bank may impose conditions on opening a basic account, such as the purchase of other products from the bank.
   3. If a state uses multiple currencies in its domestic affairs, the facilities stated in clauses (3)(a) to (3)(e) shall cover all such currencies.
   4. No service fee may be imposed by the bank for providing the services in clauses (3)(a) to (3)(e).
   5. Reasonable service fees and spreads for converting foreign currency may be imposed by the bank for providing the service in clause (3)(f), and to cover the cost of foreign transaction costs, subject to review by the authority.
5. Minimum access. Each authority must ensure that access to a "basic account" is available to all inhabitants, regardless of circumstances regarding the said inhabitants, such as, merely as examples:
   
   1. previous records of criminality;
   2. homelessness or having a nomadic lifestyle;
   3. statelessness or carrying only identification issued by a WA organ;
   4. residency in a geographically isolated area of that state;
   5. any other factor deemed an impediment by the authority.
6. Assistance.
   
   1. Each authority is to make its best efforts to assist more vulnerable inhabitants of that state, such as the elderly or those with physical disabilities, in accessing bank facilities.
   2. Each authority is to tailor specific regulations appropriate for that state, such which bank provides basic accounts to particular audiences or particular sub-national regions of a WA state.

Char count: 4,376.

[Tigrisia]

This is also a replacement of GA94 as the cumbersome microcredit procedures are largely replaced these days by payment apps, devolved finance and personal loan apps.

Please be aware of the importance of microcredits for people in developing nations, often not having access to payment apps. Therefore, we advise against the repeal of GA94.

”Authority” means an entity (or entities) designated by a WA state ("state") to implement and interpret this resolution.

We recommend to rephrase "an entity (or entities)" to "any entity".
We believe that the interpretation is mostly done by legislators and not state entities. Therefore, we recommend to drop "to implement".

”Banks” means any institution in that state providing at least basic retail banking services such as savings and loans, and duly regulated by that state. For convenience, this includes offline and online banks as well as institutions with similar functions such as credit unions, savings and loan associations, and building societies.

"For convenience" is, at least in our opinion, not necessary. Instead, we recommend to rephrase "this includes" to "this includes, but is not limited to"

[*]Basic account. Each authority must ensure that each inhabitant of that state, as well as each small and medium sized business (incorporated or otherwise) of that state wholly owned by inhabitants of that state, can open at least one “basic account” at a bank in that state. The “basic account” must offer at least the following services:

We believe that "basic accounts" should also cover offline services. Otherwise, people that don't have access to means of electronic forms of payment, are not able to use electronic means, or, for whatever reason, prefer offline services, are discriminated against.

[Arctic Lands]

This draft's scope is limited to underdeveloped nations (feudal and capitalist ones) and doesn't recognise the existence of socialist countries, where banking as a business is abolished in favor of equitable planned distribution of resources. Should it pass, it will violate the very economic basis of many WA nations, thus we suggest to exclude countries which have abolished banking from its provisions.

[Mesogiria]

This draft's scope is limited to underdeveloped nations (feudal and capitalist ones) and doesn't recognise the existence of socialist countries, where banking as a business is abolished in favor of equitable planned distribution of resources. Should it pass, it will violate the very economic basis of many WA nations, thus we suggest to exclude countries which have abolished banking from its provisions.

Why would it be a problem for a state that does not have for-profit banking institutions to abide by this resolution?

[Simone Republic]

Please be aware of the importance of microcredits for people in developing nations, often not having access to payment apps. Therefore, we advise against the repeal of GA94.

I'll see what happens to the feedback on GA94 repeal. The two are not mutually exclusive so I can introduce this resolution without repealing GA94.

We recommend to rephrase "an entity (or entities)" to "any entity".
We believe that the interpretation is mostly done by legislators and not state entities. Therefore, we recommend to drop "to implement".

This is actually largely administrative IRL, such as Fed/OCC in the US or FCA in the UK, BaFin in Germany. I can just say "enforce". This resolution is pretty standalone and does not really involve any WA entities anyway.

"For convenience" is, at least in our opinion, not necessary. Instead, we recommend to rephrase "this includes" to "this includes, but is not limited to"

OK

We believe that "basic accounts" should also cover offline services. Otherwise, people that don't have access to means of electronic forms of payment, are not able to use electronic means, or, for whatever reason, prefer offline services, are discriminated against.

I clarified saying both "offline and online"

[Tigrisia]

Thank you for addressing our concerns.

For the Tigrisian Delegation
Ambassador Thomas Salazar
Head of Mission

[Arctic Lands]

Why would it be a problem for a state that does not have for-profit banking institutions to abide by this resolution?

Because states that have no banking can't provide access to banking.

[Mesogiria]

Because states that have no banking can't provide access to banking.

That's somewhat different from having abolished banking as a for-profit venture, though, isn't it?

[Simone Republic]

Why would it be a problem for a state that does not have for-profit banking institutions to abide by this resolution?

Because states that have no banking can't provide access to banking.

There's issues around the Optionality Rule (2024 GAS 1) which means I am not going to include anything that has broad optionality in the entire resolution.

Note that not-for-profit banking is still banking under this proposal.

[Imperium Anglorum]

E Mortimer Wellesley. Interest emerges from time preferences and discounted value, not some magical capitalist plot. People still need places to put their money as do states still need places to save for investment. Accumulation of capital – as in productive assets – from investment doesn't get upended from a socialist system. All solutions to economic models that can be reached by a social planner are also valid outcomes from competitive markets (and vice versa). This is just the second welfare theorem.

[Simone Republic]

Draft 2 and bump. Most revisions are relatively minor simplifications of terms.

The World Assembly (WA),

Noting that some vulnerable inhabitants may lack access to banking facilities, leaving them at the mercy of check cashing services, remittance agents, and other high cost alternatives;

Affirming previous resolutions on helping those underbanked, such as GARs 474, 625 and 686;

Believing that more updated technologies offer opportunities to further assist those in need;

The WA hereby enacts as follows:

1. Definitions.
   
   1. ”Authority” means an entity designated by a WA state ("state") to enforce this resolution.
   2. ”Banks” means any institution in that state providing at least basic retail banking services such as savings and loans, and duly regulated by that state. For convenience, this includes offline and online banks as well as institutions with similar functions such as credit unions, savings and loan associations, and building societies.
   3. "WA organs" mean any of the sub-committees of the WA.
2. Scope. This resolution covers all sapient “inhabitants” of that state, excluding those not legally competent. This definition of "inhabitants" cover anyone who meets any of the following criteria:
   
   1. A citizen, national, resident, or subject of that state;
   2. A representative of a WA organ or diplomat from another WA state accredited to that state;
   3. An authorized guest worker (or holding an employment visa) in that state, regardless of duration;
   4. A long-term visitor to that state, such as for studies, medical treatment, or retirement;
   5. An applicant for asylum or refugee or protected status in that state, or anyone holding such status;
   6. Seafarers on ships that travel under the flag of that state; or
   7. Anyone else deemed as an inhabitant by the authority of that state.
3. Basic account. Each authority must ensure that each inhabitant of that state, as well as each small and medium sized business (incorporated or otherwise) of that state wholly owned by inhabitants of that state, can open at least one “basic account” at a bank in that state. The “basic account” must offer at least the following services, both offline and online:
   
   1. Basic savings facilities, such as savings and fixed term deposits carrying interest;
   2. Overdraft and loan facilities, subject to that bank's discretion regarding credit standing;
   3. Ability to deposit checks, money orders, and similar instruments issued in that state;
   4. Convenient access to at least one major payment mechanism prevalent in that WA state, such as debit cards, QR code systems, or payment apps;
   5. Ability to conveniently use electronic banking services;
   6. Ability to send funds to, and receive funds from, any other bank account in the same WA state;
   7. Ability to regularly remit funds to one or more designated foreign bank accounts.
4. Service standards. Each authority must ensure the following levels of standard apply to all basic accounts:
   
   1. No minimum deposit balance is required to open a basic account.
   2. No bank may impose conditions on opening a basic account, such as the concurrent purchase of other products from the bank.
   3. If a state uses multiple currencies in its domestic affairs, the facilities stated in sub-clause (3)(a) shall cover all such currencies.
   4. No service fee may be imposed by the bank for providing the services in sub-clause (3)(a) to (3)(f).
   5. Reasonable service fees and spreads for converting foreign currency may be imposed by the bank for providing the service in sub-clause (3)(g), and to cover the cost of foreign transaction costs, subject to review by the authority.
5. Minimum access. Each authority must ensure that access to a "basic account" is available to all inhabitants throughout that WA state, regardless of circumstances regarding the said inhabitants, such as, merely as examples:
   
   1. previous records of criminality;
   2. homelessness or having a nomadic lifestyle;
   3. statelessness or carrying only identification issued by a WA organ;
   4. residency in a geographically isolated area of that state;
   5. any other factor deemed an impediment by the authority.
6. Assistance. Each authority is required to:
   
   1. promote the use of the latest technologies in order to reduce the cost of banking and to expand access to under-banked inhabitants by reducing the need to conduct branch visits;
   2. assist more vulnerable inhabitants of that state, such as the elderly or those with physical disabilities, in accessing bank facilities.

Char count: 4,665.

[Simone Republic]

Last call. There's some protection guaranteeing guest workers, diplomats, refugees, asylum seekers etc that they have a right to get a bank account while their application is processed (or rejected). Also solves problems with guest workers not getting bank accounts and therefore having to rely on remittance services like Western Union etc., which are generally more expensive.

[Bananaistan]

"There are some issues. Section 2 should be subject to all these being able to reasonably satisfy a financial institution of their identity. I'm sure we don't wish to drive a stake through the heart of anti-money laundering procedures.

"Section 2b and 2g. Why? These may well have no connection whatsoever with a member state, might not be in that country, and might well never intend to step foot in that country yet for some reason they should have a bank account there.

"Section 3 "offline and online" and section 3c. How exactly does on write and deposit an online check?

"Also section 3. "... each inhabitant of that state ... can open ..." What exactly does "can open" mean? If someone live 100 miles away from the nearest bank, does the member state have to build a branch on their doorstep?

"Section 4b. Like any other business, banks are fully entitled to have terms & conditions attaching to doing business with them.

"4c. This is problematic. What exactly does it mean? If many residents in a country use a particular foreign currency in their day to day transactions, does this mean the state uses multiple currencies in their day to day transactions?

"And there I lost the interest to keep reading tbh. Do we really need all this words to say that people should be able to open a bank account of they choose to do so?"

[Simone Republic]

Draft 2

The World Assembly (WA),

Noting that some vulnerable WA inhabitants may lack access to banking facilities, leaving them at the mercy of check cashing services, remittance agents, and other expensive alternatives;

Affirming previous resolutions on helping those underbanked, such as GARs 474, 625 and 686;

Believing that improved technologies offer opportunities to further help those in need;

The WA hereby enacts as follows:

1. Definitions.
   
   1. "Authority" means one or more government entities designated by a WA state to enforce and interpret this resolution.
   2. "Bank" means any institution in that state providing at least basic retail banking services such as savings and loans, and duly regulated by that state. For this resolution, this includes offline and online banks as well as firms with similar functions such as credit unions.
   3. "WA organs" mean any of the sub-committees of the WA.
2. Scope. This resolution covers all sapient “inhabitants” of that state, excluding those not legally competent. In this resolution, this definition of "inhabitants" cover anyone who meets any of the following criteria:
   
   1. A citizen, national, resident, or subject of that state;
   2. A representative of a WA organ;
   3. A diplomat from another state accredited to that state;
   4. An authorized guest worker (or holding an employment visa) in that state, regardless of duration;
   5. A long-term visitor to that state, such as for studies, health care, or retirement;
   6. An applicant for asylum or refugee or protected status in that state, or anyone holding such status;
   7. Seafarers on ships that travel under the flag of that state; or
   8. Anyone else deemed as an inhabitant by the authority of that state.
3. Basic account. Each authority must ensure that each inhabitant of that state, as well as each small and medium sized business (incorporated or otherwise) of that state wholly owned by inhabitants of that state, can open at least one “basic account” at a bank in that state. The "basic account" must offer at least all of the following services, both offline and online:
   
   1. Basic savings facilities, such as savings and fixed term deposits carrying interest;
   2. Overdraft and loan facilities, subject to that bank's discretion regarding credit standing;
   3. Ability to write and deposit checks and similar instruments issued in that state;
   4. Convenient access to at least one major payment mechanism prevalent in that state, such as debit cards, QR code systems, or payment apps;
   5. Ability to send funds to, and receive funds from, any other bank account in the same state;
   6. Ability to regularly remit funds to one or more designated foreign bank accounts.
4. Service standards. Each authority must ensure the following levels of service apply to all basic accounts:
   
   1. No minimum deposit balance is required to open a basic account.
   2. No bank may impose conditions on opening a basic account, such as the purchase of other products from the bank.
   3. If a state uses multiple currencies in its domestic affairs, the facilities stated in clauses (3)(a) to (3)(e) shall cover all such currencies.
   4. No service fee may be imposed by the bank for providing the services in clauses (3)(a) to (3)(e).
   5. Reasonable service fees and spreads for converting foreign currency may be imposed by the bank for providing the service in clause (3)(f), and to cover the cost of foreign transaction costs, subject to review by the authority.
5. Minimum access. Each authority must ensure that access to a "basic account" is available to all inhabitants, regardless of circumstances regarding the said inhabitants, such as, merely as examples:
   
   1. previous records of criminality;
   2. homelessness or having a nomadic lifestyle;
   3. statelessness or carrying only identification issued by a WA organ;
   4. residency in a geographically isolated area of that state;
   5. any other factor deemed an impediment by the authority.
6. Assistance.
   
   1. Each authority is to make its best efforts to assist more vulnerable inhabitants of that state, such as the elderly or those with physical disabilities, in accessing bank facilities.
   2. Each authority is to tailor specific regulations appropriate for that state, such which bank provides basic accounts to particular audiences or particular sub-national regions of a WA state.

Char count: 4,376.

"There are some issues. Section 2 should be subject to all these being able to reasonably satisfy a financial institution of their identity. I'm sure we don't wish to drive a stake through the heart of anti-money laundering procedures.

I'll add "having a valid document of identity", since GA686 already requires that for banking purposes, having a government issued ID is adequate, and a PASA passport for example is a form of ID.

"Section 2b and 2g. Why? These may well have no connection whatsoever with a member state, might not be in that country, and might well never intend to step foot in that country yet for some reason they should have a bank account there.

It's not compulsory to have a bank account.

"Section 3 "offline and online" and section 3c. How exactly does on write and deposit an online check?

In some countries, technically a bank can issue a check on your behalf, sign the check on your behalf, post the check for you to the recipient, and then the recipient receives the check and can then deposit the check either physically or via taking a picture of the check on their phone. It's mostly for universal payments of some kind and to allow access for the less literate.

"Also section 3. "... each inhabitant of that state ... can open ..." What exactly does "can open" mean? If someone live 100 miles away from the nearest bank, does the member state have to build a branch on their doorstep?

How about "can reasonably be expected to open and maintain" a bank account? Conceptually, if you have a fishing village of 100 people that's 100 miles away from the nearest bank, I would expect at least an ATM with cash and check deposit facilities.

"Section 4b. Like any other business, banks are fully entitled to have terms & conditions attaching to doing business with them.

"4c. This is problematic. What exactly does it mean? If many residents in a country use a particular foreign currency in their day to day transactions, does this mean the state uses multiple currencies in their day to day transactions?

There are some places where multiple currencies are prevalent (for example Macau which is Hong Kong dollar, Macanese Patacas plus Renminbi), or in several countries where US dollar circulates alongside the local currency, so it does happen, yeah. I just changed it to "local currency(ies)".

"And there I lost the interest to keep reading tbh. Do we really need all this words to say that people should be able to open a bank account of they choose to do so?"

This has been quite simplified a bit.

[Simone Republic]

This has gone to Draft 4 with some further simplified wording.

[Mesogiria]

Examining the different requirements and restrictions posed by the legislation, I am wondering if it would be allowed for a bank to impose one or more upper limits on the functions of a basic services account?

For example, could a bank limit holders of basic accounts to only having a certain account balance at any one time, or limit the total amount that can transit through the account in a given time period, like a day, week, or month? The bank could, for example, require that any account holder wishing to have more than five hundred Mesogirian silver dollars on deposit at any one time, or who deposits and withdraws more than one thousand silver dollars in one calendar week, or who engages in more than three foreign transfers per month, must upgrade to a higher level of account that calls for maintenance fees, greater scrutiny, or both.

I see also that accounts cannot be closed for several listed reasons, but I am curious what is meant to happen if an account is abused or used for criminal purposes? If a person were to be convicted of aiding a foreign terrorist organization by remitting money to them through a basic account, could the account be suspended or limited to prevent this in future? Could a person who repeatedly attempted to defraud the bank or others by writing bad checks be refused the issue of future checks? Can a bank refuse service to a customer that repeatedly harasses, insults, or attacks their staff, or at least require that customer to interact with the bank only through remote or secured means, so as to fulfill their duty to protect employees from harm? I'm sure I could think of many other ways a person could abuse these services if I sat and pondered it for awhile, but I think you see where I'm going here.

[Cessarea]

Because states that have no banking can't provide access to banking.

There's issues around the Optionality Rule (2024 GAS 1) which means I am not going to include anything that has broad optionality in the entire resolution.

Note that not-for-profit banking is still banking under this proposal.

This is not optionality, it's capability. Some Socialist countries or Communist societies would not be able to abide by this proposal because... Because of course they wouldn't. It'd go against their very economic model. I see no reason not to limit this proposal to capitalist or pseudocapitalist nations exclusively, since that seems to be the context to which it is trying to apply itself.

[Mesogiria]

This is not optionality, it's capability. Some Socialist countries or Communist societies would not be able to abide by this proposal because... Because of course they wouldn't. It'd go against their very economic model. I see no reason not to limit this proposal to capitalist or pseudocapitalist nations exclusively, since that seems to be the context to which it is trying to apply itself.

What would be an economic system or situation where it would be impossible to allow citizens to have bank accounts? Not pointless or irrelevant, but actually impossible.

[Cessarea]

This is not optionality, it's capability. Some Socialist countries or Communist societies would not be able to abide by this proposal because... Because of course they wouldn't. It'd go against their very economic model. I see no reason not to limit this proposal to capitalist or pseudocapitalist nations exclusively, since that seems to be the context to which it is trying to apply itself.

What would be an economic system or situation where it would be impossible to allow citizens to have bank accounts? Not pointless or irrelevant, but actually impossible.

...Unless Communist societies are supposed to develop worker owned banks (which would deal with non-existant currency), I can't see how they're supposed to offer bank accounts. Same goes for some Socialist States.

[Mesogiria]

...Unless Communist societies are supposed to develop worker owned banks (which would deal with non-existant currency), I can't see how they're supposed to offer bank accounts. Same goes for some Socialist States.

That seems reasonable, yes. The state or the entity within it responsible for complying with WA legislation could organize a financial institution of some kind, as is called for in this resolution, as per 2(d). There may not be much demand for accounts in a country where there is no domestic currency or unit of account, but that just makes it easy to meet that demand. My past experience with the subject of communist and socialist states is that, whether their internal currency is either non-existent or simply regarded as worthless by the rest of the world, they do still of necessity engage in foreign trade with states that do use a currency, or who recognize a commodity standard like gold or silver. Whatever agency within that state handles the accounts involved in the receipt and disbursement of foreign currency could open an office that also handles accounts for domestic citizens.

[Cessarea]

...Unless Communist societies are supposed to develop worker owned banks (which would deal with non-existant currency), I can't see how they're supposed to offer bank accounts. Same goes for some Socialist States.

That seems reasonable, yes. The state or the entity within it responsible for complying with WA legislation could organize a financial institution of some kind, as is called for in this resolution, as per 2(d). There may not be much demand for accounts in a country where there is no domestic currency or unit of account, but that just makes it easy to meet that demand. My past experience with the subject of communist and socialist states is that, whether their internal currency is either non-existent or simply regarded as worthless by the rest of the world, they do still of necessity engage in foreign trade with states that do use a currency, or who recognize a commodity standard like gold or silver. Whatever agency within that state handles the accounts involved in the receipt and disbursement of foreign currency could open an office that also handles accounts for domestic citizens.

I do not particularly support forcing Communist societies to create means to partake in trade with Capitalist ones. I will note that this only happened in real history because of necessity. In NS, this may certainly not be the case, and a far-reaching commandment for the creation of a minimal banking system where one may not be necessary is careless.

[Mesogiria]

I do not particularly support forcing Communist societies to create means to partake in trade with Capitalist ones. I will note that this only happened in real history because of necessity. In NS, this may certainly not be the case, and a far-reaching commandment for the creation of a minimal banking system where one may not be necessary is careless.

Ah, well, I do support it, as I support the liberation of all those oppressed by tyrannical hermit states.

If they want to be perfect communist utopias with no dissent and no outside contact, they're just going to have to let people deposit foreign pennies that fall from the sky at an account with the national post office.

[Cessarea]

I do not particularly support forcing Communist societies to create means to partake in trade with Capitalist ones. I will note that this only happened in real history because of necessity. In NS, this may certainly not be the case, and a far-reaching commandment for the creation of a minimal banking system where one may not be necessary is careless.

Ah, well, I do support it, as I support the liberation of all those oppressed by tyrannical hermit states.

If they want to be perfect communist utopias with no dissent and no outside contact, they're just going to have to let people deposit foreign pennies that fall from the sky at an account with the national post office.

Your presumption of the material conditions of fictional nations is limited.

This now pointless argument aside, I will note to Simone that the proposal must include exceptions in application. It cannot be a proposal that reaches all nations, given its specificity in context. Nothing short of taking this into account in a future draft may change my opinion on this proposal, which so far is negative.

[Mesogiria]

Your presumption of the material conditions of fictional nations is limited.

This now pointless argument aside, I will note to Simone that the proposal must include exceptions in application. It cannot be a proposal that reaches all nations, given its specificity in context. Nothing short of taking this into account in a future draft may change my opinion on this proposal, which so far is negative.

It is no more useful to debate the material conditions of some abstract fictional country that has perfect hermetic communism than it would be to insert optionality into a resolution requiring states to make the practice of murder illegal and to put people who do it in jail because some participant asserted that their citizens were all perfect and wonderful pacifists who would never unlawfully kill one another. If no one would murder in a country, then it should be easy to ban it. If no one wants a bank account in a country, it should be trivially easy to make them available.