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BANKERS TUTORIAL · CAIIB · TOPIC & REVISION GUIDE

Topic guide: Tracing the two legs of an FX swap

An FX swap exchanges currencies on one date and reverses them on another under agreed terms. Learn to trace both legs, distinguish temporary currency funding from an outright forward and identify the cash-flow obligations that remain.

01 / 03Learn with a clear direction

2 min read Original learning material · Prepared 14 Oct 2026

This is an independent topic guide, not the official syllabus. Compare it with the current paper outline and rules published by the examination authority.

01 / UNDERSTANDING

Learning objectives

Study paired exchanges, currency availability, far-leg obligations and rollover dependence. Compare an FX swap with an outright forward by listing their cash flows. The objective is to explain the instrument through its two dates and two currencies, rather than infer its purpose or risk from the word swap alone.

02 / UNDERSTANDING

The concept in context

An FX swap combines a near exchange and an opposite far exchange of the same currency pair, with the amounts and rates determined by its terms. It can alter the timing of currency availability. Understanding its funding purpose requires following each currency separately across both dates rather than interpreting only the later exchange.

03 / UNDERSTANDING

A worked learning case

A fictional bank needs foreign currency now but expects a foreign-currency receipt later. It uses an illustrative FX swap to obtain that currency on the near date and reverse the exchange later. The receipt is delayed, so the analyst identifies the far-leg obligation and the new funding need rather than assuming the original transaction solved every future cash requirement.

ORIGINAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE

Try it before you check.

Why must an FX swap funding analysis include the far leg?

Show the answer and reasoning

The reversal creates future currency obligations as well as the initial funding benefit.

Examining only the near leg records the currency obtained today but omits what must be delivered at the reversal. The far date, amounts and rates determine the later cash requirement. Delayed underlying receipts or unavailable rollover can expose a mismatch, so both currency timelines should be assessed together throughout the transaction.

Two traps to watch for.

  • Treating swap points as a guaranteed future spot-rate prediction.
  • Ignoring the far-leg obligation after recording the near-leg receipt.

YOUR TOPIC-SPECIFIC LEARNING MAP

Your revision map

  1. Draw separate timelines for both currencies.

  2. Label the near and far exchanges with opposite directions.

  3. Test the result if the matching foreign receipt is delayed.

Explain the idea, apply it to a new situation, then check what changed in your reasoning.

BANKERS TUTORIAL · SOURCE NOTES

Keep the source alongside your notes.

Official links provide subject context and authoritative reference material. This guide’s explanation, scenario and question are original Bankers Tutorial learning content.

  1. iibf.org.in https://iibf.org.in/caiib-certified-associate-IIBF
  2. iibf.org.in https://iibf.org.in/documents/RulesSyllabus/2026/FlagshipCourses/60%20-%20CAIIB_24.07.25_Change_Final%20Website_23.02.2026.PDF
  3. www.rbi.org.in https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewMasDirections.aspx?id=10485

For CAIIB preparation, check the current official notice before relying on changing dates, rules or examination requirements.

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