How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a Schengen Visa?
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a Schengen Visa?
One of the most common questions asked by Pakistani travellers is: How much bank balance is required for a Schengen visa?
There is an important point to understand first: there is no single fixed bank balance that applies to every Schengen visa applicant. Schengen countries have their own reference amounts for financial means, and the assessment can depend on the length and purpose of the trip, accommodation arrangements, return travel and the reliability of the applicant's financial resources. The European Commission's guidance states that applicants must have sufficient means of subsistence for the intended stay and for returning to their country of origin or residence.
This means that simply having a particular amount of money in a Pakistani bank account does not automatically meet the requirement.
For example, the European Commission's reference table lists Germany at €45 per day per person, while France currently requires €65 per day when a hotel booking is presented and €120 per day when no hotel booking is presented. These examples demonstrate why there cannot be one universal "Schengen bank balance" figure for every applicant.
Is There a Fixed Schengen Visa Bank Balance?
No. There is no universal rule saying that every Pakistani applicant must have a particular amount such as €5,000, €10,000 or a specific number of Pakistani rupees.
The financial assessment is linked to the actual circumstances of the proposed trip.
The relevant factors can include:
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The country being visited
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Number of days in the Schengen Area
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Purpose of travel
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Accommodation arrangements
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Cost of the trip
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Return or onward travel
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Whether another person is sponsoring the trip
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Applicant's regular income
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Applicant's employment or business circumstances
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Reliability and source of the funds
The European Commission's visa guidance says that consulates should assess both the amount of sufficient financial means and the reliability of the resources presented, taking into account factors such as the length and purpose of the journey and the applicant's circumstances.
Therefore, bank balance should be viewed as part of the overall financial picture rather than as a magic minimum amount.
How Much Money Is Required Per Day?
Some Schengen countries publish reference amounts that can be used to assess sufficient means of subsistence.
The European Commission's reference table currently lists different amounts for different countries. For example:
| Schengen country | Reference amount |
|---|---|
| Germany | €45 per day |
| France with hotel booking | €65 per day |
| France without hotel booking | €120 per day |
| Belgium with private accommodation | €45 per day |
| Belgium with hotel accommodation | €95 per day |
| Estonia | €70 per day |
These figures are country-specific reference amounts, not a universal Schengen bank-balance requirement.
The applicable amount should always be checked for the country responsible for the visa application because national requirements can change.
Example: Germany
Germany provides a useful example of why applicants should not rely on internet claims about a universal Schengen bank balance.
The European Commission's reference table lists €45 per day per person for Germany.
For a simple illustration, if the applicable reference amount were calculated for a 10-day stay:
€45 × 10 days = €450
However, this calculation should not be interpreted as meaning that an applicant only needs €450 in the bank.
The actual financial assessment can also take account of accommodation, travel arrangements, return travel and the reliability of the applicant's financial resources.
Germany's Federal Foreign Office also states that sufficient funds must be available for the stay and return journey and explains that the amount depends on the type and length of the stay rather than being governed by one universal fixed daily rate in every situation.
Example: France
France uses a different reference system.
According to the official France-Visas information, a traveller staying in a hotel must be able to justify €65 per day when presenting a hotel reservation. If no hotel reservation is presented, the amount is €120 per day. For a partially covered hotel booking, €65 applies to the period covered by the booking and €120 to the remaining period.
For example, for a 10-day trip with a hotel booking covering the entire stay:
€65 × 10 days = €650
Again, this is a reference calculation and should not be treated as a universal Pakistani bank-balance requirement.
The actual visa assessment can involve the complete financial circumstances and supporting evidence.
Why You Should Not Believe a Universal "€5,000 Rule"
You may find websites, agents or social-media posts claiming that Pakistani applicants need a specific amount such as €5,000, €7,000 or €10,000.
There is no single Schengen-wide rule establishing one of these amounts as the required bank balance for every applicant.
The official European framework instead requires sufficient means for the intended stay and return, while individual Member States establish reference amounts. The European Commission's reference table itself demonstrates that the amounts differ between countries.
Therefore, applicants should not transfer a large amount of money into their bank account simply because an agent says a particular balance is necessary.
Does a Large Bank Balance Guarantee a Visa?
No.
Having substantial savings does not by itself guarantee that a Schengen visa will be issued.
The financial evidence is considered together with other parts of the application, including the purpose of the trip, accommodation, travel plans and the applicant's overall circumstances.
The European Commission's guidance specifically refers to assessing the reliability of the financial resources presented.
For this reason, a consistent and explainable financial profile can be more meaningful than simply showing a large balance immediately before submitting an application.
What Bank Statement Should Pakistani Applicants Provide?
The exact statement period and format depend on the Schengen country and application route.
Official France-Visas guidance, for example, identifies personal bank statements among acceptable proof of funds and also refers to recent salary slips and other financial evidence.
A Pakistani applicant may therefore need to provide financial evidence such as:
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Personal bank statements
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Salary slips
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Employment evidence
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Business documents
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Pension evidence where applicable
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Sponsorship documents where relevant
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Accommodation evidence
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Travel documents
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Other evidence of legitimate financial resources
The exact checklist should always be taken from the official destination-country instructions.
Is a Three-Month Bank Statement Enough?
There is no single Schengen-wide rule that makes the same bank-statement period mandatory for every applicant.
Some visa authorities specify a particular period in their own checklists.
For example, France-Visas refers to personal bank statements for the last three months in its general information about proof of funds.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that a three-month statement automatically satisfies every Schengen country's requirements.
Instead, check the current document checklist for the specific country where the application will be lodged.
What If Your Bank Balance Is Low?
A low balance does not automatically produce a universal refusal rule, because financial assessment depends on the actual trip and the applicant's circumstances.
However, the applicant must be able to demonstrate sufficient and reliable financial means for the intended stay and return.
If the trip is expensive but the applicant has very limited documented resources, the financial evidence may not adequately demonstrate the ability to fund the trip.
The important issue is therefore whether the financial evidence makes sense in relation to the proposed journey.
What If Your Bank Balance Suddenly Increases?
Applicants should be prepared to explain significant or unusual deposits.
A sudden large deposit shortly before a visa application can raise questions about the source and reliability of the funds, particularly if it does not correspond with the applicant's normal income or financial activity.
The European Commission's guidance says that consulates should assess the reliability of the financial resources presented and take the local context into account.
This is why applicants should provide truthful and verifiable information about their money rather than attempting to create an artificial bank balance for a visa application.
Can a Sponsor Pay for the Trip?
Yes, sponsorship can be relevant to a Schengen application where another person or organization is genuinely covering some or all of the travel expenses.
The European Commission's visa guidance specifically recognizes sponsorship and private accommodation as factors that can be taken into account when assessing sufficient financial means.
However, sponsorship does not mean that applicants can ignore the destination country's document requirements.
Depending on the circumstances, the application may require evidence from both the applicant and sponsor.
Can a Family Member's Bank Statement Be Used?
A family member's financial documents may be relevant where that family member is genuinely sponsoring the applicant.
For example, a spouse, parent or other eligible sponsor may provide financial support where the applicable visa procedure allows it.
However, the applicant should not simply attach another person's bank statement without explaining the financial relationship and sponsorship arrangement.
The exact evidence required should be checked with the responsible Schengen mission.
Does Accommodation Affect the Required Funds?
Yes, accommodation can affect the amount or type of financial evidence considered in some countries.
France provides a clear example. The official France-Visas guidance specifies €65 per day when a hotel reservation is presented and €120 per day when no hotel reservation is presented.
This demonstrates that financial requirements can be linked to accommodation arrangements.
Applicants should therefore consider accommodation evidence together with their financial documents.
Does a Return Ticket Matter?
Yes.
Financial assessment can include the applicant's ability to finance the return journey.
The European Commission's guidance states that applicants need sufficient means for leaving the territory and that, where a transport ticket has not been presented, the consulate can consider whether the applicant has sufficient financial means to acquire one.
This means that the cost of returning to Pakistan should not be ignored when assessing the financial strength of a visa application.
Does Property Ownership Replace Bank Balance?
Property ownership does not automatically replace financial evidence.
A house, land or other property may provide supporting information about an applicant's financial or personal circumstances, but it does not mean that the applicant can ignore the financial-document requirements of the relevant Schengen country.
The responsible mission decides which documents are required and how the overall application is assessed.
Does Employment Help?
Employment can provide useful evidence of regular income and financial circumstances.
For an employed applicant, documents such as salary slips and employment evidence can help explain where the funds in the bank account come from.
However, employment does not establish one universal bank-balance exemption.
The applicant still needs to follow the relevant country's financial-document requirements.
What About Self-Employed Applicants?
Self-employed applicants can demonstrate their financial circumstances through appropriate business and income documents.
Depending on the destination country's requirements, this can involve business registration documents, tax records, bank statements or other evidence.
The important principle is consistency: the declared income, business activity, bank transactions and proposed travel should present a credible financial picture.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a 7-Day Trip?
There is no universal answer.
The calculation should start with the reference amount applicable to the destination country.
For example, using Germany's €45 daily reference amount:
€45 × 7 = €315
Using France's €65 daily hotel-based amount:
€65 × 7 = €455
Using France's €120 amount when no hotel reservation is presented:
€120 × 7 = €840
These are illustrative calculations based on official country reference amounts. They should not be interpreted as universal bank-balance requirements because the overall assessment can also consider accommodation, return travel, purpose and the reliability of financial resources.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a 15-Day Trip?
The same principle applies to a 15-day stay.
For Germany:
€45 × 15 = €675
For France with a hotel reservation:
€65 × 15 = €975
For France without a hotel reservation:
€120 × 15 = €1,800
Again, these figures demonstrate how different national reference amounts can produce different calculations.
They do not mean that every applicant must keep exactly these amounts in a bank account.
What Is More Important Than a Specific Balance?
Applicants often focus entirely on the final bank balance.
A visa application, however, can involve a broader financial picture.
The consulate may consider:
Regular Income
Does the applicant have a legitimate and understandable source of income?
Account History
Does the financial activity make sense compared with the applicant's stated circumstances?
Trip Cost
Is the proposed trip financially consistent with the applicant's resources?
Accommodation
Is accommodation already paid for, reserved or provided by a host?
Return Travel
Is there evidence of the means to return to Pakistan?
Sponsorship
If someone else is paying, is the sponsorship properly documented?
Source of Funds
Can significant deposits or savings be explained?
These factors help explain why two applicants with the same bank balance can have different financial circumstances.
Can You Keep Money in Multiple Bank Accounts?
If an applicant genuinely maintains multiple accounts, relevant financial evidence may potentially be provided according to the destination country's requirements.
The important point is that the documents should accurately represent the applicant's actual financial position.
Applicants should not move money between accounts simply to create an artificial balance for a visa application.
What If Your Salary Is Low but Your Savings Are High?
The applicant should be able to explain the source of the savings.
Savings accumulated over time can be legitimate, but the financial documents should be consistent with the applicant's circumstances.
If there are unusually large recent deposits, supporting evidence may be needed to explain them.
What If Your Salary Is High but Your Bank Balance Is Low?
A high salary does not automatically mean that an applicant must have a particular amount of savings.
The financial assessment considers the overall circumstances.
However, applicants should ensure that their documents accurately explain their income, expenses and available funds.
Should You Borrow Money for the Visa Application?
Applicants should provide truthful financial information.
Borrowing money temporarily to create an artificial bank balance can create questions about the true availability and source of funds.
The purpose of financial evidence is to demonstrate genuine ability to support the intended trip and return.
Does a Bank Balance Guarantee Approval?
No.
There is no bank-balance figure that guarantees a Schengen visa.
Financial sufficiency is only one component of the application. The relevant authorities also consider the purpose and circumstances of the trip and the supporting evidence submitted.
A visa decision should therefore never be presented as guaranteed merely because an applicant has a particular amount in the bank.
How Pakistani Applicants Can Prepare Their Financial Evidence
A Pakistani applicant can prepare by following a simple process:
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Identify the correct Schengen destination.
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Check the official visa requirements.
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Determine the length of the trip.
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Find the destination country's financial reference amount.
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Calculate the applicable daily amount where relevant.
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Add accommodation and travel considerations.
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Review personal bank statements.
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Gather salary or business evidence.
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Prepare sponsorship evidence if applicable.
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Make sure significant deposits can be explained.
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Check the required statement period.
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Organize the documents clearly.
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Submit truthful information.
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Follow the official application route.
Important Difference Between "Bank Balance" and "Proof of Funds"
These two terms are often used as though they mean exactly the same thing.
They do not necessarily mean the same thing.
Bank balance is the amount visible in an account at a particular point in time.
Proof of funds is broader. It can include bank statements, salary slips, financial records, sponsorship evidence and other documents demonstrating that the applicant genuinely has sufficient resources.
France-Visas, for example, describes proof of funds as evidence showing the applicant's ability to travel and meet expenses and lists personal bank statements and salary slips among possible evidence.
Therefore, applicants should focus on presenting credible proof of their overall financial circumstances rather than trying to reach an arbitrary internet-recommended balance.
Final Answer: How Much Bank Balance Is Required?
There is no single fixed bank balance for a Schengen visa from Pakistan.
The amount depends on the Schengen country responsible for the application and the applicant's individual circumstances.
Official reference examples include:
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Germany: €45 per day per person in the European Commission reference table.
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France: €65 per day with a hotel booking and €120 per day without a hotel booking.
These amounts should not simply be converted into a Pakistani rupee bank-balance target.
The stronger approach is to demonstrate genuine, reliable and sufficient financial resources that are consistent with the length, purpose and cost of the proposed trip, together with accommodation and return-travel arrangements.
For Pakistani applicants, the safest way to determine the applicable amount is to check the current official requirements of the specific Schengen country that is responsible for the application.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Pakistani citizens applying for a Schengen short-stay visa must demonstrate sufficient financial means for the intended trip and return journey. The exact financial requirement depends on the destination country, duration and purpose of the stay, accommodation arrangements, and individual circumstances.
Required Documents
Applicants may be asked for recent bank statements and other evidence showing reliable financial means. Depending on the destination and circumstances, supporting evidence can include salary slips, employment or business documents, proof of accommodation, travel arrangements, sponsorship documents, and evidence of other legitimate financial resources. The exact document list must be checked with the relevant Schengen mission.
Fees
There is no separate Schengen visa fee based on the applicant's bank balance. The standard short-stay Schengen visa fee is separate from the financial-means requirement.
Processing Time
Financial assessment forms part of the visa application process. The European Commission states that normal Schengen visa processing is generally 15 days, but processing may be extended to up to 45 days when additional examination or documents are required.WHEN TO APPLY:A Schengen visa application can generally be submitted up to 6 months before the intended journey and should normally be submitted at least 15 days before travel. Applicants should allow additional time for appointment availability and possible requests for further documents.
Application Method
Apply through the embassy, consulate, or officiall
Validity Period
A Schengen short-stay visa generally permits stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject t
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify the Schengen country that is your main destination.
- Check the current visa requirements of that country's official mission.
- Determine the purpose of your trip.
- Determine the number of days you plan to stay.
- Check the destination country's financial reference amount.
- Determine whether accommodation is already booked or provided by a host.
- Calculate the applicable daily financial reference amount where one is published.
- Consider the cost of your return journey.
- Consider accommodation costs not already covered.
- Consider food and daily living expenses.
- Consider local transportation expenses.
- Review your available personal funds.
- Obtain recent bank statements from your bank.
- Keep the statements consistent with your declared financial circumstances.
- Prepare recent salary slips if applicable.
- Prepare employment evidence if you are employed.
- Prepare business evidence if you are self-employed.
- Prepare pension or other legitimate income evidence where applicable.
- Prepare sponsorship evidence if another person is financing the trip.
- Prepare accommodation evidence.
- Prepare travel itinerary documents where required.
- Prepare evidence of the return journey or funds for it.
- Make sure the source of your funds can be explained.
- Avoid presenting unexplained financial transactions.
- Check whether the embassy requires a specific statement period.
- Check whether bank statements need bank verification or another form of authentication.
- Organize the financial documents according to the official checklist.
- Complete the visa application accurately.
- Submit the financial evidence with the visa application.
- Provide biometric information when required.
- Pay the applicable visa fee separately from your financial proof.
- Respond promptly if the consulate requests additional financial documents.
- Keep copies of the documents submitted.
- Monitor the application through the official tracking procedure where available.
- Review the visa decision and conditions when the passport is returned.
- Keep sufficient funds and relevant supporting documents available during travel.
Official Information
Official Website: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en
Contact: Applicants should use the official website of the relevant Schengen embassy, consulate, or designated visa application provider for current financial-document and application instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single fixed bank balance for all Schengen countries. The required financial means depend on the destination country, duration and purpose of the trip, accommodation, and individual circumstances.
No. Pakistani applicants do not have one universal Schengen bank-balance requirement. Each Schengen country applies its own financial reference rules and assesses the applicant's circumstances.
The amount varies by destination country. The European Commission's current reference table gives different amounts for different countries, so applicants should check the country where they are applying.
The European Commission's reference table lists Germany at €45 per day per person. Germany's Federal Foreign Office also explains that financial sufficiency depends on the type and length of stay and does not describe a universal fixed bank balance.
France currently requires €65 per day when a hotel booking is presented, or €120 per day when no hotel booking is presented. Different rules can apply when accommodation is provided by a private host.
The daily reference amount should not automatically be treated as the complete bank-balance requirement. The application also involves the purpose of travel, accommodation, return travel and the reliability of the financial resources.
Applicants should demonstrate sufficient means for the intended stay and the return journey. The exact assessment depends on the destination country and individual circumstances.
A low balance can make it more difficult to demonstrate sufficient financial means, but there is no universal minimum bank balance applicable to every Schengen application.
No. Financial means are only one part of the application. The consulate also assesses the purpose of travel, supporting documents and other applicable requirements.
Financial evidence is generally required to demonstrate sufficient means, but the exact documents and statement period depend on the destination country and application circumstances.
There is no single statement period that applies identically to every Schengen country. Applicants should follow the current checklist of the responsible embassy or consulate.
Yes. Salary slips can help demonstrate regular income and support the explanation of the applicant's financial circumstances where they are requested or accepted by the relevant mission.
A self-employed applicant can generally provide appropriate business and financial evidence, but the exact documents depend on the destination country's requirements.
Sponsorship can be relevant in some applications. The applicant should provide the specific sponsorship and financial documents required by the responsible Schengen mission.
The appropriate financial evidence depends on the circumstances and the destination country's requirements. If another person is sponsoring the trip, the relevant sponsorship evidence may also be required.
Cash alone may not provide the same evidence of regular and reliable financial resources as documented financial records. Follow the official financial-document requirements of the destination country.
Not necessarily. A consulate may consider income, employment, accommodation, travel plans, sponsorship and other evidence alongside bank statements.
A sudden large deposit may require an explanation because consulates assess the reliability of financial resources and the applicant's circumstances. Applicants should be able to explain legitimate sources of funds.
A bank balance should be sufficient and consistent with the genuine circumstances and planned trip. A large unexplained balance does not automatically satisfy the financial assessment.
Applicants should provide truthful financial information and be able to explain the legitimate source of funds. Do not present temporary or unexplained funds as ordinary personal savings.
Property can be supporting evidence of a person's financial or personal circumstances, but it does not automatically replace the financial evidence requested by the relevant Schengen mission.
Property documents may provide supporting information in some applications, but they do not create a universal exemption from financial-document requirements.
Employment evidence can help demonstrate regular income and the applicant's financial circumstances, but it does not establish a universal bank-balance amount.
Accommodation evidence is commonly part of a short-stay Schengen application, although the exact documents depend on the destination country and circumstances.
It may affect the amount of additional funds that need to be demonstrated in some countries, but the exact treatment depends on the destination country's rules.
A prepaid return ticket may demonstrate that part of the travel cost has already been covered, but applicants still need to meet the financial requirements applicable to their case.
No. Member States have different reference amounts and may assess financial circumstances differently.
There is no general Schengen rule requiring every applicant to maintain €10,000 in a bank account. The actual financial requirement depends on the destination country and circumstances.
There is no universal answer. Whether €5,000 is sufficient depends on the destination, trip length, accommodation, travel costs and the applicant's overall financial circumstances.
Schengen countries generally express their financial reference requirements in their own prescribed currency or amounts. Applicants should not rely on a single PKR figure without checking the destination country's current rules.
Financial support from family may be relevant when the family member is genuinely financing the trip, but the required sponsorship and relationship documents should be checked with the responsible mission.
A spouse may be able to provide financial sponsorship where permitted, subject to the documentation required by the relevant Schengen country.
This may be possible depending on the circumstances and destination-country requirements. The applicant should provide the appropriate sponsorship and financial evidence.
Consulates assess the reliability of the financial resources submitted as part of the visa application. Additional documents may be requested when necessary.
Unexplained deposits can raise questions about the reliability and source of funds. Applicants should provide truthful evidence supporting significant financial transactions.
Applicants should maintain genuine financial means consistent with their application and planned trip. They should not artificially manipulate their balance for visa purposes.
Yes. Financial means are only one part of a Schengen visa assessment. Meeting a financial reference amount does not guarantee visa issuance.
There is no universal bank balance for all Schengen visas. Applicants should calculate their genuine financial needs according to the destination country's rules and provide reliable evidence of their funds.