As its trading businesses have mushroomed-to well beyond the size of its investment bank-clients have become increasingly confused about whether the firm is an agent or a competitor.

In its simplest form, a bank could appoint someone like a shopkeeper or mobile-airtime reseller as an agent who collects deposits and pays out withdrawals.

Drawing on its global experience, the Bank will serve as fiscal agent to ensure strong fiduciary control and accounting assurance that the funds will reach their intended destiny, Bank officials said.