A proof of funds (POF) is a document such as a bank statement proving that a person or a company has the financial ability to perform a transaction or meet a potential future liability. The POF can be issued by a bank, a financial institution or a trade finance provider.
For instance, a POF is generally obligatory for people seeking mortgages, as bankers are often more willing to issue them to those who have the sufficient funds to pay their mortgages off as opposed to those who cannot do so. Thus, a POF letter or statement provides the selling or lending party with confidence that the funds are obtainable and legitimate. Proof of funds are also often required where there is a potential liability in the future for example it may be requested by governments on visa applications to ensure a traveler has the means to support themselves.
Proof of funds may also be required from an individual in the context anti-money laundering checks to determine the source of funds when dealing with a financial institution.
