Offshore Banking News and Commentary

International Bank License Industry Guide 2023

International Bank License Industry Guide 2023

In this 26 page post, I’ll review each of the top international bank license jurisdictions in 2023. There have been many changes to the industry since I last wrote on this topic in 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about the international bank license industry in 2023.

Note that this is an article about international bank licensing and building an offshore bank. That is different from a review of the offshore banking industry, which would be a summary of where you might open an offshore account.

For example, most would argue that Hong Kong and Switzerland are the top offshore banking jurisdictions… the best place for an individual to open an account with a big bank. I’d disagree, but that’s an article for another day.  

However, it would be nearly impossible for someone to set up a new bank in Hong Kong or Switzerland. In this post, I consider those jurisdictions where you can apply for a new international banking license or purchase an existing offshore bank license without a massive amount of red tape and hundreds of millions in capital. 

NOTE: I do write about Switzerland below, but that is for what is called a mini bank license and not a full banking charter. It’s more like a money transmitter license with a few extra service capabilities. 

Table of Contents

  • History of the International Banking Industry
  • International Bank License Defined 
  • Types of Offshore or International Bank Licenses
  • Benefits of Forming an International or Offshore Bank
  • Factors to Consider in Choosing an International Bank License Jurisdiction
  • International Bank License Jurisdictions in 2023
    • Puerto Rico
    • Bermuda
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Gibraltar
    • St. Lucia
    • Dominica
    • Cayman Islands
    • Belize
    • Panama
    • St. Kitts & Nevis
    • Dominican Republic
    • Switzerland
    • Luxembourg
    • Seychelles
    • Vanuatu, Comoros, and Gambia
  • The Future of International Banking
  • Conclusion

While you can scroll down to a particular jurisdiction of interest, I think you’ll benefit by having a read through the first few sections. The international bank license industry is very different from the domestic banking industry. Even the most seasoned banking professional coming from a big bank background will benefit from a review of the small international bank license world. 

History of the International Banking Industry

The offshore banking industry refers to a sector within the global financial services industry that focuses on providing financial services, primarily banking, in jurisdictions outside of where clients are primarily domiciled or conduct their business. This industry is often associated with jurisdictions known as tax havens, which offer favorable tax and secrecy benefits to foreign individuals and businesses.

Key characteristics of the offshore banking industry include:

  • Location: Offshore banks are located outside of the depositor’s home country. Common locations include the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and various small island nations in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
  • Privacy: Many offshore banking jurisdictions have laws in place that ensure the confidentiality of the identities of the account holders and the transactions made.
  • Tax Benefits: Offshore banking centers are often characterized by low or zero tax on deposits and income earned. This makes them attractive to individuals and corporations looking to reduce their overall tax liability.
  • Ease of Access to Funds: Offshore banks usually provide easy access to deposits, not only in the whole world but also in multiple currencies.
  • Asset Protection: Offshore banks are often used for asset protection, separating assets from the local economic and political situation.
  • Investment Opportunities: Offshore banks often offer access to politically and economically stable jurisdictions. This can be an advantage for those who reside in areas where there is a risk of political turmoil who might be at risk of having their assets seized or frozen.

However, the offshore banking industry has faced increasing scrutiny and regulation from international bodies over the last few decades, due to its association with tax evasion, money laundering, and illicit activities. Initiatives like the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) in the US, and the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) at the international level, have aimed to increase transparency and cooperation between jurisdictions to combat these issues. 

And it’s FATCA and AEOI that have driven so many to set up banks in the US territory of Puerto Rico. Because the island of Puerto Rico is a US territory, FATCA does not apply. Because the United States has not signed on to the AEOI, and rather relies on its existing network of treaties, many international persons hold their money in international banks licensed in Puerto Rico. 

International Bank License Defined 

An international bank license is a legal permit granted by a regulatory authority or central bank of a jurisdiction, allowing a banking institution to engage in banking activities with non-residents and carry out business in foreign currencies. International bank licenses are typically granted to banks that operate in offshore banking centers, and these banks are sometimes referred to as offshore banks, although this term can have a broader meaning.

The main difference between an international bank license and a domestic/general banking license lies in the type of clientele they serve and the currencies they handle. Domestic banks primarily serve residents of their jurisdiction and deal mostly in the local currency. They can offer a broad range of services, such as taking deposits, offering loans, and other forms of credit.

In contrast, banks with an international license often operate in a different jurisdiction from their clients, deal with multiple currencies, and offer specialized services tailored towards an international clientele. These services can include cross border payments, wires, remittances, foreign payroll, credit and debit cards, wealth management, specialized corporate services, tax planning, and other forms of financial and investment advice. They typically do not conduct business with residents of the country where they are licensed, or they are limited in how they can do so.

Many countries issue international bank licenses. Some popular jurisdictions known for issuing such licenses include (this is just a summary, the detailed list is below):

  • Cayman Islands: Known as one of the world’s leading offshore financial centers, the Cayman Islands offers two types of offshore banking licenses: Category A and Category B, which have different permissions and restrictions.
  • Switzerland: Historically famous for its private banking services, Switzerland provides licenses for banks that wish to offer services to international clients.
  • Luxembourg: This European country is a hub for private banking, asset management, and investment fund activities.
  • Belize: Belize is known for its relatively easy and cost-effective process of obtaining an international banking license.
  • Isle of Man: This self-governing British Crown dependency offers offshore banking services to international clients.
  • Panama: Panama has a long history of providing offshore banking services, and it issues a General License allowing the bank to conduct both local and international business.
  • Vanuatu: This Pacific island nation offers offshore banking licenses with a quick and cheap setup process… and you get what you pay for.

Each of these jurisdictions has its own specific requirements for obtaining an international bank license, and the benefits vary. These can include low or zero taxation, legal advantages, confidentiality, and access to a stable political and economic environment. However, due to increased international efforts to combat money laundering and tax evasion, the regulations governing offshore banking are changing and becoming more stringent.

Types of Offshore or International Bank Licenses

The term “offshore bank” broadly refers to any bank located outside the country of residence of the depositor. These banks can be categorized based on the services they provide, their clientele, and the legal and regulatory frameworks they operate under. Here are some of the main types of offshore banks:

  • Private Banks: These cater to high net worth individuals, offering personalized financial and banking services. This can include wealth management, tax planning, and estate planning. Private banks are often associated with banking secrecy and privacy, although recent regulatory changes have increased transparency.
  • Retail Banks: These offer similar services to domestic retail banks, such as savings and current accounts, credit cards, and personal loans, but they operate in an offshore jurisdiction.
  • Commercial Banks: Commercial offshore banks provide services to businesses, such as business loans, commercial mortgages, and other credit products. They also offer other services like treasury management, trade finance, and foreign exchange transactions.
  • Investment Banks: Offshore investment banks help businesses and high net worth individuals to raise capital through securities offerings. They also provide advisory services for mergers and acquisitions and facilitate securities trading and asset management.
  • Captive Banks: These are wholly owned by a single corporation or entity and are set up to provide financial services to the parent company and its affiliates. These banks may open accounts and transact only with those listed in their license. They are not permitted to open accounts for the general public.
  • International Business Corporations (IBCs): These are private corporations that offer banking services. They are often used by individuals and businesses for financial planning and investment purposes. They typically apply for a money transmitter license, an EMI permit, or some other non-bank license. 
  • Shell Banks: These are banks without a physical presence in any country. They are often associated with money laundering and other illicit activities, and many jurisdictions have restrictions or prohibitions on dealing with shell banks.

Different jurisdictions have different licensing and regulatory requirements for these types of banks, and they offer different levels of protection, tax efficiency, and confidentiality. Also, the services an international bank can provide are typically limited by the regulatory authority, So, you must be approved for each and every service you wish to offer… and prove you have the appropriate compliance systems to provide that service in a compliant manner. 

Benefits of Forming an International or Offshore Bank

Forming and operating an international or offshore bank can provide several benefits to the operator, including:

  1. Tax Efficiency: Offshore jurisdictions often offer lower tax rates, which can reduce the overall tax burden on profits and capital gains. This is especially true for non-US investors, bank owners, and customers. This is because the US taxes its citizens on their worldwide income where most countries do not tax foreign source profits or gains. 
  2. Diversification: Offshore banking allows institutions to diversify their holdings geographically and by currency. This can provide a hedge against local economic downturns, currency depreciation, and political instability.
  3. Confidentiality: Many offshore jurisdictions offer privacy protections, which can help protect sensitive financial information. However, it’s important to note that these protections have been reduced in recent years due to international efforts to combat tax evasion and money laundering. Puerto Rico does offer privacy because the US has not signed on to most automatic exchange of information agreements. 
  4. Access to International Markets: International banks can provide access to emerging markets and other investment opportunities not available domestically.
  5. Asset Protection: Offshore banking can offer a degree of protection against potential threats such as lawsuits, economic crises, or political instability in the home country.
  6. Regulatory Flexibility: Some offshore jurisdictions may offer more relaxed regulations in certain areas compared to onshore banking centers. For example, a bank in Puerto Rico is not subject to FDIC oversight and thus has more regulatory flexibility than a traditional US bank.

The typical revenue sources for an international or offshore bank can include:

  1. Interest Income: This is the interest earned on loans made to clients and is typically the primary revenue source for any bank.
  2. Fees and Commissions: These can come from a wide variety of services, such as fund management, wealth management, transaction fees, and account maintenance fees.
  3. Foreign Exchange Transactions: Banks can earn revenue from foreign exchange transactions, both from trading currencies on their own account and from facilitating transactions for clients.
  4. Investment Income: This can include revenue from investments in securities, derivatives, and other financial instruments.
  5. Advisory Services: Many international banks offer financial and investment advisory services to their clients, which can provide a significant source of revenue.

It’s important to note that while offshore banking can provide benefits, it also comes with risks, including regulatory, reputational, and operational risks. Furthermore, international efforts to combat tax evasion and money laundering have increased transparency requirements and scrutiny of offshore financial centers, which can impact their attractiveness and operations.

Factors to Consider in Choosing an International Bank License Jurisdiction

Choosing the right jurisdiction for an offshore or international bank involves several important considerations. Here are some of the main factors:

  1. Regulatory Environment: Different jurisdictions have different banking regulations, and it’s important to find one that aligns with your needs and provides a secure, stable environment. This includes considerations of how well regulated the banking sector is, the efficiency of the regulatory bodies, and the jurisdiction’s cooperation with international financial authorities.
  2. US Compliance: If you set up a bank in the US territory of Puerto Rico, or you utilize a correspondent bank in the United States, you must follow all US regulations. Do you want to do business in US dollars and can your clientele pass US scrutiny?
  3. Taxation: One of the key attractions of offshore banking is the potential for tax efficiency. Some jurisdictions offer low or zero tax rates on income, capital gains, and inheritance. However, you must consider the tax implications in your home country and any tax treaties in place.
  4. Privacy Laws: Different jurisdictions offer different levels of privacy protection. Privacy laws will affect the confidentiality of your information and the degree to which it might be shared with international organizations or foreign governments.
  5. Political and Economic Stability: The stability of the jurisdiction is a crucial consideration. A stable political and economic environment ensures the safety of your funds and smooth banking operations.
  6. Reputation: The reputation of the jurisdiction can impact the perception of your bank and its operations. Some offshore jurisdictions are associated with illicit activities, which can lead to reputational risk.
  7. Legal System: The legal system and its efficiency can impact your bank’s operations. This includes how easy it is to enforce contracts, the protection of property rights, and the independence of the judiciary.
  8. Banking Infrastructure: The jurisdiction should have a well-established banking infrastructure. This includes modern banking systems, professional services support (legal, accounting, etc.), and good communication networks.
  9. Ease of Doing Business: Consider how easy or difficult it is to set up and operate a business in the jurisdiction. This includes the process for obtaining a banking license, bureaucratic efficiency, and any restrictions on foreign businesses.
  10. International Agreements: The jurisdiction’s participation in international agreements can affect information sharing and tax obligations. These can include agreements for the exchange of tax information, anti-money laundering (AML) measures, and agreements to implement the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
  11. Costs: Consider the costs associated with setting up and maintaining the offshore bank. These can include licensing fees, capital requirements, and operational costs.

Before establishing an offshore or international bank, it’s important to understand your target market and your business objectives. I suggest you start with deciding how close you want to be to US regulators. Just remember that avoiding US oversight means that you can’t have a US correspondent bank and can’t do business in US dollars…and of course, you can’t set up your international bank in Puerto Rico.

International Bank License Jurisdictions in 2023

Here is my list of the top international bank license jurisdictions for 2023. The purpose of this section is to convey my thoughts on each of these options and to give you ideas when selecting the best offshore banking country. 

It is not meant as an exhaustive summary of the process to set up a bank in each of these countries. If it were, this article would never end. You can reach me at info@banklicense.pro for specifics and the costs to set up a new bank or purchase an existing bank license in any of these jurisdictions.

Also, this list is not in any particular order. Each bank license jurisdiction has its positives and negatives. So, I am just trying to cover each in turn as they came to me while writing this post. 

Puerto Rico

The US territory of Puerto Rico has dominated the international bank license industry since 2015. While other countries have one to five operating international banks, Puerto Rico has about 60, with many applications pending. 

The reasons for this are simple: 

  1. The relative ease of securing correspondent banking relationships compared to non-US international jurisdictions (like St. Lucia, for example). 
  2. Prior to 2024 (yes, this is a forward looking statement, see below), the lowest capital and filing fees of any quality jurisdiction. 
  3. Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, banks on the island can join the US banking system, hold dollars, and apply for Fedwire through the Federal Reserve. 
  4. US tax laws generally do not apply in a territory. Thus, Puerto Rico can set its own tax rate. The bottom line is that an international bank in Puerto Rico will pay only 4% in tax, with no withholding tax or tax on dividends when distributions are paid out to an offshore holding company. 
  5. Because the United States has not signed on to the European Union’s automatic exchange of information treaties, they do not apply in Puerto Rico. This provides a level of privacy and protection to non-US depositors and shareholders. 
  6. Because FATCA does not apply to international banks in a US territory, the cost of compliance and reporting is reduced. 

For these and other reasons, the international banking industry in Puerto Rico has grown quickly… some would say too quickly. It has forced regulators to crack down on non-compliant banks and push to increase capital requirements. 

This has also caused regulators to limit the number of licenses they issue each year. There are far more applicants than available licenses and only the best applicants will be approved. 

And, as a result, the cost of buying an operating bank or an existing license has increased dramatically. In most cases, a basic operating bank (that’s not in trouble with regulators) will sell for $5 million. Likewise, a license (Permit to Operate) will be valued at $5 million. If the bank is profitable, the value of the book of business will be added to these prices. And, if the bank had Fedwire, the asking price would be $30 million for a bank operating at break-even. 

The $5 million value comes from two components: 

  1. Time to market of 24 months, and 
  2. The guarantee of success. 

A new license application will require at least 12 months before it is reviewed and then 6 months to be approved, assuming all goes well. You will then receive your Permit to Organize and you’ll need 6 to 12 months to build out the business and convert that Permit to Organize into a Permit to Operate. Therefore, the best case scenario for a new license is 24 months time to market.

The above assumes you’re the best of the applicants. When you buy a bank, if you can pass due diligence, and you qualify to own a bank in Puerto Rico, then you will be approved to purchase. When you apply for a new license, you’re competing with other applicants, all of whom are presumably well qualified. When you purchase a bank, you eliminate the competition. 

Therefore, a buyer of a small bank in Puerto Rico will need $5 million for the purchase price plus $5.3 million paid in capital and the CD.  This must be in cash and a Proof of Funds is required. See below how I got to $5.3m in capital below.

Capital Requirements

At the time of this writing, the capital required for an international bank in Puerto Rico is $5 million with a path to reach $10 million in a few years. This is expected to change to a starting requirement of $10 million in January 2023. 

Existing banks will have 5 years to transition to this new capital requirement. If you purchase a bank, you will have this time to increase capital. If you apply for a new license, you must have $10 million of paid-in capital on day one. 

In addition, banks currently require a CD of $300,000. This will likely increase to $2.5m.

Next, the application fee might increase from $5,000 to $1 million (quite a bump). 

Most experts in the field expect some of these increases to pass, but not all. I will update this post when we have certainty in these fees. But, the bottom line is that existing banks will have an advantage over new applicants. 

Another change for international banks in Puerto Rico for 2023 is the requirement of an annual compliance audit and risk assessment. These were previously required every 4 years and are now mandatory every year… a great profit boon for audit firms, no doubt.

I see these changes as major improvements to the international banking laws of Puerto Rico. There have been way too many undercapitalized banks on the island incapable of executing their business model. Higher capital requirements will eliminate the poor performers and improve the overall reputation of the jurisdiction. 

Process to Start  a Bank in Puerto Rico

Here’s a brief on how to start a bank in Puerto Rico in 10 steps:

  1. Apply for a Permit to Organize as an IFE in Puerto Rico. This is the first step in the process and it allows you to establish a legal entity that can operate as a bank in Puerto Rico. Timeframe 12 to 18 months.
  2. Build out your office space in a building approved by regulators. Your office space must be secure and meet the requirements of the Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.
  3. Hire a minimum of 4 employees, including a qualified compliance officer. You will need to hire a team of experienced professionals in Puerto Rico to help you run your bank. This includes a compliance officer who will be responsible for ensuring that your bank complies with all applicable regulations.
  4. Purchase, implement and test your core banking system. This is the software that will be used to process transactions and manage your bank’s accounts. Timeline 1 to 6 months.
  5. Negotiate a correspondent account. You might apply for a Fedwire account in year 2 or 3 depending on many factors.
  6. Prepare your compliance manuals and training materials. You will need to develop a comprehensive set of compliance manuals and training materials for your employees.
  7. Finalize your website and marketing collateral. You will need to create a website and marketing materials to promote your bank, which regulators must approve of.
  8. Apply for and receive your Swift code. A Swift code is a unique identifier that is used to identify financial institutions in international payments.
  9. Go through an audit and receive your Permit to Operate. Once you have completed all of the necessary steps, you will need to go through an audit by the Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. If the audit is successful, you will be issued a Permit to Operate.
  10. Take the business live and begin onboarding clients. Once you have your Permit to Operate, you can begin onboarding clients and offering banking services.

The US standard to cover startup expenses from Permit to Organize through to the Permit to Operate is $1 million. Depending on your core system, you might cut this down to $500,000. Systems can run $25,000 to $1.5 million, with many many values in between. So, the core system is also the core of your startup budget. 

This $1 million value is used throughout the United States and written in the laws of various States as a percentage of initial paid in capital. For example, North Carolina requires a startup budget of 10% of initial capital. In the case of a new applicant, minimum paid-in capital is $10 million, which gives us a startup budget of $1 million. See § 53C-3-4(a)(4) which is commonly 10% as of 2023. 

Other Sources

For information on the process to start a bank in Puerto Rico, see Start a Bank in Puerto Rico in 10 Steps (written in 2020).

For more information on the planned capital requirements for international banks in Puerto Rico, see New International Banking Regulations for Puerto Rico in 2024.

For information on the larger international banks in Puerto Rico, see International Banks in Puerto Rico with Fedwire.

For an article on banks in Puerto Rico that have run into trouble, see Puerto Rico Cracks Down on International Banks: A Look at the Recent Closures.

If you are familiar with US domestic bank licenses, this post might help clarify the differences between Puerto Rico and the United States: US Banking License vs. Puerto Rico International Banking License.

Bermuda

I believe that the up and coming offshore bank licensing jurisdiction is Bermuda. If you don’t want to be in the United States, then consider Bermuda. This is the best option for very well capitalized and professional applicants. 

Once Coinbase set up in Bermuda, the island gained quite a bit of cache in the crypto and fintech space. And, with the opening of Jewel, a crypto-friendly bank run from Silicon Valley, the island’s reputation is only going to grow. 

Yes, it’s a bit early to proclaim Bermuda as the next Puerto Rico. There is only one international bank on the island compared to 60 on Puerto Rico. But, the offshore banking industry is changing quickly and looking forward is necessary. 

Forward looking guesses aside, here are the requirements to set up a bank in Bermuda. 

You must obtain a license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). The BMA is the financial regulatory authority in Bermuda and is responsible for ensuring that all banks operating in the country are sound and solvent.

The requirements for obtaining an international banking license in Bermuda are as follows:

  • The bank must be incorporated in Bermuda.
  • The bank must have a paid-up capital of at least USD $10 million.
  • The bank must have $1 million to cover startup expenses (so as to not deplete its paid-up capital during the startup phase).
  • The bank must have a sound business plan.
  • The bank must appoint a qualified management team.
  • The bank must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

For more on this topic, see Bermuda to Become the Top International Bank License in 2024

For information on setting up a crypto exchange in Bermuda, see Bermuda is the Best Jurisdiction for a Crypto Exchange or Digital Asset Business.

And for general country information, see Country Information – Bermuda and BVI.

British Virgin Islands 

Another jurisdiction with great potential is the British Virgin Islands. This country has maintained a stellar reputation for decades and has a solid banking regulator with large players incorporated there, all be it as booking centers and not necessarily as operating international banks. Like Bermuda, BVI is an interesting option for a very well capitalized and high quality applicant. 

Here’s what you need to know about about the British Virgin Islands: 

The international banking industry in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is limited but distinctive. With the territory’s stable political climate, favorable tax laws, and robust legal framework, the BVI offers an attractive environment for banking operations.

There is currently one bank, VP Bank, that specifically focuses on international business. As a globally active private bank, VP Bank primarily offers services in wealth management. This focus aligns with the territory’s reputation as a hub for global finance and a preferred jurisdiction for international business companies.

Beyond this, the territory also hosts large general banks that mainly function as transaction booking centers. They cater to a broad range of financial services, including retail, corporate, and investment banking. Notably, two of Puerto Rico’s largest banks, Banco Popular and First Bank, hold licenses in the BVI, signifying the jurisdiction’s strategic importance in the Caribbean banking landscape.

While the presence of international banks may be relatively limited in number, the BVI’s sophisticated legal system, pro-business environment, and strategic location continue to draw attention from financial institutions worldwide. Its growing reputation as a center for financial innovation further underscores the potential of BVI’s international banking industry.

Capital Requirements: 

The following is a recitation of the law issued in 1990 and not accurate for a new applicant in 2023. But, because there has not been a new license issued in many years, this is the best place to start. 

The capital requirements for an international bank license in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) vary depending on the type of license. For a Restricted Class I or Restricted Class II Banking Licence, the minimum paid up capital is US$1 million. For a General Banking Licence, the minimum paid up capital is US$2 million.

In addition to the minimum paid up capital, applicants for an international bank license in BVI must also meet the following requirements:

  • Proven banking experience
  • Physical presence in the BVI
  • Meet the “fit and proper” criteria of the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC)

The FSC will also require applicants to make a deposit or investment of an additional US$500,000. This is similar to the CD required in Puerto Rico. 

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

My expectation is that the capital requirement in the British Virgin Islands will be between $5m and $10 million based on the quality of the applicant and on what Puerto Rico does in 2024. BVI tends to follow Puerto Rico and Bermuda, but might be more aggressive.

Gibraltar

Another jurisdiction making inroads into the offshore banking industry is Gibraltar. With 9 total banks, and the recent addition of Xapo Bank, a very well funded international bank, Gibraltar is poised to become the Puerto Rico of Europe. 

Gibraltar’s banking industry is a dynamic sector that caters to both domestic and international clients. It enjoys a robust regulatory environment under the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), which is committed to meeting international standards of financial regulation and supervision.

The banking sector in Gibraltar includes a mix of domestic banks serving local individuals and businesses, and international banks providing a range of services to global clients. Many of these banks are subsidiaries or branches of reputable banks from Europe, particularly the UK, reflecting Gibraltar’s historical and regulatory ties to the UK.

Gibraltar has adopted European Union banking directives and maintains a high standard of banking regulation. In addition, it has also adopted strict anti-money laundering measures and requires banks to maintain robust risk management systems, making it a respected banking jurisdiction.

Despite being a small jurisdiction, Gibraltar has positioned itself as an international finance center, offering services in banking, insurance, investment fund management, and fintech. The jurisdiction’s strong regulatory framework, strategic location at the gateway of the Mediterranean, and growing focus on financial innovation, particularly in the area of blockchain and cryptocurrency, continue to attract international banks and financial institutions.

Like Bermuda, Gibraltar is only open to the best capitalized, best run, and most compliant banking operators. Unlike Puerto Rico, this jurisdiction never went through a phase of allowing low budget banks to open… which is why Puerto Rico is busy cleaning up previous messes and why several Puerto Rico banks have closed or been sold in recent years. 

The starting capital of a new bank is €5,000,000. However, you must also account for the European Regulations, which can push this amount up quickly. More specifically, a bank’s Minimum initial and ongoing capital requirement is the higher of €5,000,000 or the capital calculations set out in the Financial Services (Capital Requirements Directive IV) Regulations (CRD IV). If you want to get into the minutia, you can find links here: CRD IV AND CRR.

St. Lucia 

For a pure offshore license on a budget, the only option is St. Lucia. This offshore bank license jurisdiction has a quality reputation and a bank licensed here will be able to get a lower level correspondent partner. 

Below are the capital requirements. My recommendation for an application in St. Lucia is $2.5 million of paid-in capital and a $500,000 startup budget. This is based on experience while the information below is based on the minimum requirements of the law. See the government website.  

To set up a bank in St. Lucia, you must first obtain a license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). The FSRA is the financial regulatory authority in St. Lucia and is responsible for ensuring that all banks operating in the country are sound and solvent.

The requirements for obtaining a banking license in St. Lucia are as follows:

  • The bank must be incorporated in St. Lucia.
  • The bank must have a paid-up capital of at least USD $1 million for a Class A license or USD $250,000 for a Class B license.
  • The bank must have a sound business plan.
  • The bank must appoint a qualified management team.
  • The bank must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Capital requirements

In addition to the license requirements, banks in St. Lucia are also subject to capital requirements. The capital requirements are designed to ensure that banks have sufficient funds to withstand financial shocks and to continue operating in the event of a crisis.

The capital requirements for banks in St. Lucia are as follows:

  • Tier 1 capital must be at least 4% of risk-weighted assets.
  • Total capital must be at least 6% of risk-weighted assets.

The FSRA may impose additional capital requirements on banks that are considered to be at a higher risk of financial distress.

NOTE: St. Lucia has not issued a new license in a few years. The most likely path is to apply for a new license and pass due diligence. Then you will be allowed to purchase an existing bank if the government won’t issue a new license. 

You can download my PDF on International Bank Licenses from St. Lucia here.

Dominica 

For years, Dominica was near the top of any list of offshore bank license jurisdictions. This island has always been the low cost leader with a capital requirement of only $1 million. I’ve written many articles over the years extolling the virtues of Dominica and comparing it to its neighbor, St. Lucia. 

However, as of 2023, Dominica is useless as an international bank license jurisdiction. It has become a joke in the industry and the island to avoid at all costs. 

Why? What’s happened to the offshore bank license industry in Dominica? Corruption, corruption and more corruption. As of 2023, Dominica is a scam banking jurisdiction. Here’s what you can expect if you apply for a bank license in Dominica: 

You’ll spend a great deal of time and money to prepare a license package for Dominica. Then you’ll file it and wait for a response. Eventually, you will meet with regulators and other agencies. 

They will ask for money to move your application along, promising you a license. Then you will go to the next agency and get the same treatment. Time and time again, you’ll be blocked until money is paid with no end in sight. 

Needing to make a political donation, or even pay a bribe, might be the cost of doing business. But, in Dominica, they will keep this up until you simply go away. The government doesn’t want to issue any new licenses, but they do want money. So, they keep leading you on until the cash runs out. 

Those of us in the industry know that Dominica has become a scam. And this is a great way for you, the individual or company seeking an international bank license, to figure out who to hire to set up your bank. If they are actively promoting Dominica, or recommending Dominica, then they are likely useless. 

If they’re paying Google PPC to promote offshore bank licenses from Dominica, run far away from that company. If they tell you Dominica is great and all you need is $1 million in capital, know that they are a waste of time. 

One last note: Even if you could get to the end of the pay line, which you can’t, a bank licensed with $1 million in capital you won’t be able to get a correspondent partner. I suggest you need $1 million in startup costs plus $5 to $10 million minimum paid-in capital to get anywhere in the industry.  

For more information on an international bank license from Dominica, see Dominica Banking License (I wrote this in 2019 and it’s outdated. I have linked to it here for historical reference only).

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands invented the international bank licensing industry. They were the first and the best for many years. Then, in 2010, they lost their edge as the United States and others began to push back on privacy and protection. 

The Cayman Islands has been in steady decline since FATCA (2010) and the rising costs of doing business on the islands. The costs of operating on Cayman have always been very high. But, as more and more regulations come in, these costs spiraled out of control. 

Plus, regulators were so busy keeping the United States happy that they were not supporting their local businesses. Just when costs and risks were at their height, regulators demanded more and more audits. 

These increased costs and uncertainty put many of the international banks on the Cayman Islands out of business. And, those that are hanging on, are having a hard time making a profit. 

If you have a need for a license from Cayman, it is possible to apply. There’s been one license granted in the last few years. Also, comments on the amount of capital required is speculative because the most recent international banking law was issued in 2008 (see CMA website).

Just be ready for the fees payable in Cayman. Your license application filing fee will be $250,000 to $600,000 depending on various factors. Then your annual fee can be as high as $1 million. For more, see CMA Fees

Considering the above, it’s easy to see why so many are moving to Puerto Rico. It is very rare for a new applicant, or a buyer, to want to set up in the Cayman Islands in 2023. For more on this topic, see The Decline of the Cayman Islands Offshore Banking Empire.

Belize

The international banking industry in Belize is a significant part of the country’s financial services sector. Belize is known for its attractive legislative framework for international banking, which offers financial privacy, tax benefits, and relatively low entry and operating costs. Belize’s international banking sector mainly serves non-residents, with activities including personal and corporate banking, asset management, and other financial services.

Belize operates a two-tier banking system, consisting of domestic banks, which primarily serve residents, and international banks, which cater mainly to non-residents. The Central Bank of Belize regulates both types of banks, with international banks governed by the International Banking Act.

In terms of regulatory requirements, international banks in Belize are subject to capital adequacy requirements, stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations, and periodic audits to ensure compliance with these and other standards. The minimum required capital under the law for an Unrestricted “A” Class international banking license is USD 3 million, while a Restricted “B” Class license requires USD 1 million. As with most countries, these numbers are outdated and have been modified by regulators in practice. 

It’s worth stating once again that the international banking landscape globally, including in Belize, has been changing in response to increasing international pressure for greater transparency and stricter regulation. As a result, the banking industry in Belize has seen a shift towards stronger regulatory oversight and higher compliance standards. It appears that a new applicant will need $5 to $10 million in capital as many move to follow the lead from Bermuda. 

There are currently three international banks licensed in Belize, down from six a few years ago. These are Caye International Bank, Belize Bank International, and Heritage International. For more information, see the Central Bank’s website

NOTE: Caye International Bank is consistently ranked among the best offshore banks and international banks of the world. For more, see: Caye International Bank, which has been in business since 1996. Here’s an article with their thoughts on the future

While it’s been many years since a new license was issued in Belize, it’s rumored that the current government is open to an application from a quality and well capitalized group. Belize would be an interesting option for a new international bank license applicant.

Panama

Panama was a leading jurisdiction for international banks in the early 2000s but has lost most of its luster since the Panama papers and since bending to US pressure. It is still a solid option for a banking group looking for an international banking license to operate a transaction booking center or for other reasons. 

That is to say, only a bank licensed in a quality or top tier jurisdiction may apply for an international license from Panama. If you don’t already have a banking license, then you can’t open an international bank in Panama. 

The requirements to apply for an international banking license in Panama, given the condition that only banks from reputable jurisdictions may apply, are summarized below:

  1. Application and Business Plan: The applicant must submit an application to the Superintendency of Banks in Panama (Superintendencia de Bancos de Panamá) with detailed information about the bank and its operations. The application must include a comprehensive business plan outlining the nature and scale of the planned banking activities.
  2. Existing Banking License: The applicant must hold an active banking license from a reputable (top tier) jurisdiction. This license should be in good standing and valid in its country of issuance.
  3. Financial Statements: The applicant must provide audited financial statements for the last three years from the existing bank. These should include a record of the bank’s performance and demonstrate its financial strength.
  4. Capital Requirements: The bank must demonstrate a minimum capital adequacy based on Panama’s banking laws. At the time of the last update, this amount was $10 million for an International Banking License.
  5. Good Standing Certificates: Certificates of Good Standing or their equivalent must be provided from the regulatory bodies in the jurisdiction where the bank is currently licensed.
  6. Management and Directors: Information about the management and directors, including their qualifications, experiences, and reputation, must be provided.
  7. Anti-Money Laundering Measures: The bank must demonstrate that it has robust anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) measures in place.
  8. Legal Documentation: Various legal documents must be provided, including the bank’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.
  9. Physical Presence: The bank should establish a physical presence in Panama, including local staff and offices.
  10. Approval: Finally, the Superintendency of Banks in Panama will review the application and, if it meets all the requirements and standards, the banking license will be approved.

This is a high-level summary, and the specific requirements may vary and evolve. If you are currently operating a domestic bank, we can assist you to set up an international bank licensed in Panama. 

St. Kitts & Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis, located in the Caribbean, is known for its robust offshore financial services sector. The twin-island nation has established itself as an attractive destination for international banking, mainly due to its strong regulatory environment, political stability, and attractive fiscal conditions.

The international banking industry in St. Kitts and Nevis is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC). The FSRC ensures that international banks adhere to a set of standards and regulations in line with global best practices, including compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) requirements.

There are only two international banks operating in the jurisdiction:

  • St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited (operated from St. Kitts)
  • Bank of Nevis International Limited (BONI operated from Nevis)

It has been many years since a new license was granted on St. Kitts and Nevis. BONI was created when Bank of Nevis sold its license to do international business. So, now there is BONI and BON as unrelated banks.

Like Belize, it would be interesting to apply for an international license, especially from Nevis. I’ve met with regulators and government officials who have expressed interest in seeing a filing from a quality applicant. 

Dominican Republic

The opportunity in the Dominican Republic is to purchase a general bank license and get permission from regulators to offer international business. You must focus on domestic business, but you may also be allowed to have a sizable international banking component.

It is likely that a domestic license in the Dominican Republic will cost $20 to $30 million. With this in mind, here is a summary of the banking industry in the Dominican Republic. 

The banking industry in the Dominican Republic is an essential part of the nation’s economy, facilitating economic growth, promoting financial stability, and providing vital financial services to individuals and businesses.

The banking sector in the Dominican Republic is regulated by the Superintendency of Banks (Superintendencia de Bancos) under the Monetary and Financial Law. The regulatory framework aligns with international best practices and standards, ensuring the safety and soundness of the banking system.

The banking system in the Dominican Republic is composed of multiple domestic and international banks, offering a broad range of services, including retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, asset management, and other financial services. The sector is characterized by a few large banks having a significant market share, followed by several medium and small-sized institutions.

One of the most prominent banks in the country is the Banco Popular Dominicano, which, along with Banco de Reservas and Banco BHD León, controls a substantial part of the banking market.

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (Banco Central de la República Dominicana) also plays a critical role in maintaining financial stability, controlling inflation, and implementing monetary policy.

The Dominican Republic has made significant strides in recent years to strengthen its banking industry’s regulatory framework, enhance transparency, and bolster anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) measures.

The Dominican Republic’s banking industry offers a few key types of banking licenses. These are regulated by the Monetary and Financial Law and supervised by the Superintendency of Banks (Superintendencia de Bancos). Here are some of the main types:

  1. Commercial Banks: These banks can engage in a broad range of activities, including taking deposits, providing loans, and offering other services such as wire transfers, payment processing, and foreign exchange. This license is generally referred to as the “multiple” license as it allows all manner of banking business. 
  2. Savings and Loans Associations: These institutions primarily focus on accepting deposits and providing loans to their members, often offering favorable rates and terms compared to commercial banks.
  3. Mortgage Banks: These banks specialize in providing mortgage loans for the purchase, renovation, or construction of real estate.
  4. Development Banks: These are often government-backed institutions that provide financing for specific sectors or projects aimed at economic development, such as agriculture, manufacturing, or infrastructure.
  5. Credit Unions or Cooperatives: These member-owned institutions offer a range of banking services to their members, often in rural or underserved areas.

The specific requirements, regulations, and restrictions for each type of banking license vary and are stipulated in the Dominican Republic’s financial laws and regulations. It’s worth noting that all these institutions are required to comply with capital adequacy requirements, anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations, and other regulatory standards.

Banco Multiple License

A “Banco Múltiple” or Multiple Bank in the Dominican Republic is a type of commercial bank that can offer a wide range of banking services in the Dominican Republic and abroad. The term “multiple” refers to the bank’s ability to provide various financial services, including but not limited to taking deposits, providing loans, offering credit cards, facilitating wire transfers, foreign exchange, and other related services.

This type of license is regulated by the Monetary and Financial Law and supervised by the Superintendency of Banks (Superintendencia de Bancos).

Here are the general and capital requirements for a banco multiple in the Dominican Republic:

  • Requirements:
    • The bank must be incorporated in the Dominican Republic.
    • The bank must have a paid-up capital of at least USD $10 million.
    • The bank must have a sound business plan.
    • The bank must appoint a qualified management team.
    • The bank must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Capital requirements:
    • Tier 1 capital must be at least 10% of risk-weighted assets.
    • Total capital must be at least 12% of risk-weighted assets.

The capital requirements for banks in the Dominican Republic are set by the Superintendencia de Bancos de la República Dominicana (SBP), the financial regulatory authority in the Dominican Republic. The SBP has the power to adjust the capital requirements as needed to ensure that banks in the Dominican Republic are adequately capitalized.

In addition to the capital requirements, banks in the Dominican Republic are also subject to other regulatory requirements, such as liquidity requirements and risk management requirements.

As stated above, I estimate the purchase price of a banco multiple license in the Dominican Republic to be between $20 and $30 million. For more on the Dominican Republic, see: A Review of the Political History of the Dominican Republic.

Switzerland

Note that the following refers to the mini banking license or Fintech financial license available from Switzerland. While this is far from a full banking license, it does have its unique place in the industry. 

It’s also possible to use an aged Swiss Trust to operate a financial services business from Switzerland. For more on this, see: Aged Swiss Trust for Global Financial Services Company. Again, this is not a banking license, but a good start in a top tier jurisdiction. 

The Fintech or mini bank license allows institutions to accept public deposits up to a total value of CHF 100 million, provided these are not invested and no interest is paid on them. This opens up a regulated space for innovative financial companies, such as those operating in the digital and blockchain spaces, to operate without the full requirements of a traditional banking license.

The main features of the license are as follows:

Requirements:

  • The applicant must have its registered office and conduct its business activities in Switzerland.
  • The persons responsible for managing the fintech business must provide assurance of good reputation and guarantee proper business conduct.
  • Business activities are governed by appropriate risk management and a solid internal control system (including compliance).

Capital Requirements:

  • The required minimum capital is either 3% of the accepted public funds, but at least CHF 300,000.

Restrictions:

  • The institution may accept public funds up to CHF 100 million.
  • The accepted public funds may not be invested, and no interest may be paid on them. That is to say, you can’t pay interest to your depositors.

Please note that this is a simplified summary of the regulations and further requirements apply. I have included this here to give you an idea of what’s possible in Switzerland if you wanted to have a fintech in a top jurisdiction to support a bank license from a lesser country. 

For more on this, see Switzerland is quickly becoming a Powerhouse in the Fintech Industry (written in 2019).

Luxembourg

Luxembourg, as one of the top financial centers in the European Union and indeed the world, has a highly developed banking industry that includes a significant number of international banks. It’s home to many global banks, private banks, and specialized financial institutions from all over the world.

The country’s strategic location at the heart of Europe, its multilingual and international workforce, and its strong regulatory environment have made it an attractive destination for international banking activities. In particular, Luxembourg is known for its expertise in areas such as wealth management, fund administration, and other cross-border financial services.

The banking sector in Luxembourg is regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), which ensures compliance with local and European regulations. The requirements to obtain a banking license in Luxembourg are quite rigorous and include providing detailed information about the bank’s structure, activities, governance, and capital. As per EU requirements, the minimum initial capital requirement for a credit institution (including banks) is EUR 5 million plus the add-ons required by the specific jurisdiction you are operating from (see below).

In addition to these general requirements, banks must also comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, including capital adequacy, liquidity, risk management, anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations, as well as other prudential and conduct of business rules.

It’s worth noting that Luxembourg is fully aligned with international efforts to increase transparency in financial services, and it has taken significant steps in recent years to improve its compliance with international standards.

The capital requirements to start a bank in Luxembourg are as follows:

  • Subscribed and fully paid-up share capital: The minimum subscribed and fully paid-up share capital for a credit institution in Luxembourg is €8.7 million.
  • Additional capital buffers: Credit institutions in Luxembourg may also be required to maintain additional capital buffers, such as the Global Systemically Important Institutions (G-SII) buffer and the Other Systemically Important Institutions (O-SII) buffer.

The capital requirements for banks in Luxembourg are set by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), the financial regulatory authority in Luxembourg. The CSSF has the power to adjust the capital requirements as needed to ensure that banks in Luxembourg are adequately capitalized.

In addition to the capital requirements, banks in Luxembourg are also subject to other regulatory requirements, such as liquidity requirements and risk management requirements.

Here are some of the factors that the CSSF will consider when determining the capital requirements for a new bank:

  • The size and complexity of the proposed bank’s operations.
  • The risks associated with the proposed bank’s activities.
  • The bank’s management team and its experience in the banking industry.
  • The bank’s financial strength and its ability to withstand financial shocks.

Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Known for its stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture, Seychelles has a relatively small, but increasingly diverse economy. Traditionally, the Seychellois economy has been dependent on tourism and fisheries, but over the last few decades, it has been expanding into the sectors of offshore business, banking, and financial services.

The banking industry in Seychelles, while not as large or as well-known as those in some other offshore centers, plays a significant role in the country’s economy. It comprises a mix of domestic banks serving the local economy and international banks catering to global clients. However, it’s worth noting that Seychelles is often regarded as a “banking jurisdiction of last resort.”

This is mainly because, in comparison to top-tier jurisdictions, Seychelles has less stringent regulatory requirements for obtaining an international bank license. Hence, entities that may struggle to secure a license elsewhere might find Seychelles a more feasible option. Similarly, if a bank aims to cater to clients who might struggle to access banking services elsewhere, such as those from countries with high levels of economic or political risk (like Russia), Seychelles could be an option.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Whenever you hear “less stringent regulatory requirements,” you can translate that to, good luck getting a correspondent banking partner.

There are currently 7 banks licensed in Seychelles. They are Absa Bank (Seychelles) Ltd, Mauritius Commercial Bank (Seychelles) Ltd., Bank of Baroda, Seychelles International Mercantile Banking Corporation (SIMBC) trading under the name “Nouvobanq,” Seychelles Commercial Bank (formerly Seychelles Savings Bank), Al Salam Bank Seychelles Limited, and Bank of Ceylon. Of these, two are operating as international banks and one is a booking center for a bank from India. 

Note that the following is speculative because the last update to Seychelles banking license law was in 2004. Click here for the banking statute. The last update to fees was in 2010. Of these, one is operating  an international bank and one as a booking center for a bank in India. 

The requirements to obtain a bank license in Seychelles are relatively straightforward. Applicants should have a minimum paid-up capital of US$5 million (the law requires $2 million)), and they must meet certain corporate governance and risk management standards.

The capital requirements for banks in Seychelles are also relatively low. Commercial banks are required to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 10%, and investment banks are required to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 12%.

Here are some additional details about the Seychelles banking industry:

  • The Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) is the country’s banking regulator.
  • The CBS has been working to strengthen the Seychelles’ anti-money laundering and terrorist financing controls in recent years to get off various black and gray lists.
  • The Seychelles is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • The Seychelles has been ranked as a “high-risk jurisdiction” by the FATF in the past, but it has made significant progress in improving its AML/CFT controls.

For an excellent article on the Seychelles banking industry, check out the Nomad Capitalist website. 

Vanuatu, Comoros, and Gambia – a Warning

I include Vanuatu, Comeros, and Gambia on this list because I am asked about them frequently. But, they are here as a warning… definitely not as a recommendation for an international bank license jurisdiction. 

Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the country consists of an archipelago of around 83 small islands, some of which have active volcanoes. Vanuatu’s economy is largely based on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for most of the rural population. The country also has a growing tourism industry thanks to its tropical climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Offshore banking and financial services have become important sectors, with Vanuatu providing favorable tax conditions and banking privacy. However, it is worth noting that recent international efforts towards financial transparency have affected the functioning of this sector. Today, it is an option to incorporate an offshore company, but not to operate an international bank. 

Gambia, on the other hand, is the smallest country on mainland Africa, enveloped by Senegal except for its western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia River runs through the center of the country, which is characterized by diverse ecosystems around the central river and abundant wildlife in its numerous nature reserves and parks. The Gambian economy is dominated by farming, fishing, and tourism. In recent years, the government has invested in improving infrastructure and the legislative framework to promote investment and commercial activities. Though smaller compared to global offshore financial centers, The Gambia does have a growing banking sector that caters to local clients.

Then there is Comoros. Comoros is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. It is situated between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique and consists of three main islands, namely Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan. There’s also a fourth island, Mayotte, which is claimed by Comoros but is still administered by France.

Comoros is one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world, with a population of around 850,000. The economy is largely based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and remittances from overseas. Despite its economic challenges, the country is known for its biodiversity, including many endemic species.

These three countries, along with a few others, are the scourge of the international bank license industry. Yes, you’ll pay some money to a promoter and will receive a banking license. But, because there is no regulatory body of substance in these jurisdictions, and their reputations are poor, that license is useless. 

  • This is one of the reasons Puerto Rico is the market leader. They have the local regulator, OCIF, and then the US Federal Reserve of New York. Plus, banks in Puerto Rico follow US Federal Standards. Jurisdictions without a strong regulator, or no regulator as in the case of these three jurisdictions, put out a license that won’t be respected by potential correspondent partners. 

If you want a colorful piece of paper for $50,000 then buy a bank license from Vanuatu, Comoros, or Gambia. But, if you want to be able to build a bank capable of operating on the international stage, look elsewhere. 

The issue with Gambia, Comoros, and Vanuatu is that you won’t be able to get a correspondent banking partner with this license. No one will accept a bank license in these jurisdictions, so the license is useless. 

These countries take advantage of those who have dreams of owning a bank but have nowhere near the required capital. They sell you a license that they know you won’t be able to use, which is why these are the worst scammers of the offshore bank license industry.

The bottom line is that setting up an international bank in 2023 is an expensive, complex, and capital intensive endeavor. Only very well funded groups will succeed. If you don’t have the capital to get into a quality jurisdiction, start somewhere else… such as an EMI license in the UK, an Aged Swiss Trust, a Mexican SOFOM, etc. There are many options of legitimate non-bank setups that will allow you to build the business and eventually convert to a full banking charter. 

Here are a few other clear signs that the provider is a scam or a waste of time: 

  1. If the website says, “ready-made licenses for sale,” run the other way. There are almost never ready made licenses in the banking industry (unlike in the offshore company formation business). 
  2. Promises a quick turn around, that’s impossible in 2023. All transfers of ownership require regulatory approval.
  3. Tells you that no due diligence is required or you don’t need to prove the source of funds. This is never true and is a sure sign of a scam.
  4. If they’re promoting Dominica, they either don’t know what they are doing, they are out of date, or they’re taking a cut of the forthcoming bribes. 
  5. Anyone promoting Vanuatu, Comeros or Gambia is most likely a scammer. You’ll never be able to make use of these licenses. 
  6. Basically, if it’s easy to buy a bank, that means that the license is useless because there is no substantive regulator in that jurisdiction.
  7. If the provider offers many different services on their website, it means that they’re a marketing firm and (hopefully) will refer you to someone that knows what they’re doing… at twice the price had you found the subject matter expert on your own. Offshore bank licensing is very specialized and only someone that works in the field full time can keep up. 
  8. If someone promises to get you a bank license for the minimum capital promised in the law, such as $550,000 in Puerto Rico, know that this is probably not true and they don’t know what they are doing. Most laws are outdated and regulators have significantly increased the capital requirement. 
  9. If anyone tells you they have the “right connections” to get a banking license in a jurisdiction that typically doesn’t issue licenses, expect a scam and a never ending list of people asking for bribes until you go away (Dominica). They keep you on the hook with hope until you stop paying. 

For more on this topic, see Scams in the Offshore Bank License Market

I’ld also like to mention that much of the information on the internet is out of date. It’s very important to keep up with changes and work with someone who is regularly in contact with regulators. For a post on this topic, see The Internet and ChatGBT are Wrong About International Bank Licenses in Puerto Rico.

The Future of International Banking

Looking forward, it’s reasonable to assume that the international bank license industry in 2024 and beyond will continue to evolve along the following lines:

  • Regulation: Banks and financial institutions worldwide would likely be facing even stricter regulation and oversight. Regulatory bodies have been increasing their scrutiny on money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial activities. Transparency, regulatory compliance, and robust risk management would likely continue to be major focus areas.
  • Technology and Digital Banking: The ongoing digital revolution in banking services would likely continue to evolve. More and more banks are expected to offer digital banking services, such as mobile apps, online banking platforms, and digital payment solutions. This trend could impact the licensing process as regulators adapt to oversee these new technologies and services.
  • Competition and Consolidation: Due to increased competition, especially from fintech and big tech companies, traditional banks might look for strategies to stay competitive, including consolidating resources, merging with other institutions, or acquiring fintech companies.
  • Customer-Centric Services: Banks are expected to continue enhancing their focus on customer-centric services. This includes personalized banking products and services, improved customer service channels, and leveraging data analytics to understand customer behavior and preferences.
  • Sustainable and Socially Responsible Banking: With growing awareness of social and environmental issues, banks are expected to pay more attention to sustainability and social responsibility. This includes ethical investment, financing green initiatives, and supporting community development.
  • Cybersecurity: With an increased digital footprint, banks would likely have to invest more in cybersecurity measures to protect customer data and prevent cyber attacks. Regulatory bodies around the world are also paying more attention to cybersecurity, which may affect the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a banking license.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation: AI and automation technologies have the potential to dramatically transform banking operations, from customer service (e.g., chatbots) to risk management and fraud detection. Banks that can effectively leverage these technologies might gain a significant competitive advantage.
  • Open Banking: Open banking, facilitated by APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), allows third-party developers to build applications and services around a financial institution. This trend, already strong in regions like Europe with PSD2 regulation, could increase competition and drive innovation in the banking industry.
  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: The rise of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies could continue to have significant implications for the banking industry, potentially affecting everything from payment transactions to contract enforcement. This is a popular theme in Puerto Rico.
  • Remote Workforce Management: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses, including banks, to adopt remote working practices. Post pandemic, managing a remote workforce has become a standard part of operations for many banks, with implications for recruitment, management, and IT infrastructure.
    • This is especially relevant to international banking, where you might have a few employees in your country of license and a much larger group in your home country/target market. 
  • Financial Inclusion: Banks may continue to seek ways to provide services to underbanked or unbanked populations. This includes not only providing access to basic financial services but also extending credit and providing tools for wealth management to these populations.

I also expect Puerto Rico to continue to dominate the industry. However, I also expect many of the early license holders to be forced out because they can’t keep up with the capital requirements. As they sell or close, larger players will enter the market which the early adopters proved to have potential. Look for Puerto Rico to mature quickly in the next 2 or 3 years.  

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this article on international bank licenses to be helpful. For more information, please contact me at info@banklicense.com. I will be happy to review your options and assist you to apply for a new license or acquire an existing bank in the appropriate jurisdiction. 

In most cases, this process will start by preparing your business plan and financial model. For information on drafting a business plan for an international bank, see Business Plan for an Offshore Bank License. I wrote this with Puerto Rico in mind, but the contents and concepts are the same throughout the industry.

Bermuda

Setting Up an International Bank in Bermuda

In this post, I’ll explain why I believe Bermuda is the best jurisdiction for an international bank in 2024 and what’s required to build an international bank in Bermuda. This is a relatively new jurisdiction, with only one completed case as of this writing. But, I expect big things from Bermuda and for them to compete with Puerto Rico for the top spot in international bank licenses. 

Bermuda Poised to Become Significant Financial Center with Coinbase and Jewel Bank

Bermuda is poised to become a significant financial center in the wake of the announcement that Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, is setting up a new office in the island nation. Coinbase’s decision to establish a presence in Bermuda is a major vote of confidence in the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework and its commitment to innovation.

In addition to Coinbase, Bermuda is also home to Jewel Bank, an international crypto bank that is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Jewel Bank’s presence in Bermuda provides a safe and secure platform for institutional investors to access the cryptocurrency market.

The combination of Coinbase and Jewel Bank in Bermuda is a major development for the island nation and its financial services sector. These two companies represent the cutting edge of the cryptocurrency industry, and their presence in Bermuda will help to position the jurisdiction as a leading global hub for crypto finance.

Coinbase

Coinbase is a cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2012. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and it has over 56 million users worldwide. Coinbase offers a variety of services, including the purchase, sale, and storage of cryptocurrencies.

In January 2023, Coinbase announced that it would be opening a new office in Bermuda and received the license in April of 2023. The office will be staffed by a team of engineers, compliance professionals, and customer support staff. Coinbase’s decision to establish a presence in Bermuda is a major vote of confidence in the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework and its commitment to innovation.

Jewel Bank

Jewel Bank is an international crypto bank that was founded in 2018. The company is headquartered in Bermuda, and it is licensed by the BMA. Jewel Bank offers a variety of services, including the custody of cryptocurrencies, the issuance of crypto-backed loans, and the provision of crypto-related investment products.

Jewel Bank’s presence in Bermuda provides a safe and secure platform for institutional investors to access the cryptocurrency market. The company’s custody services are regulated by the BMA, and its crypto-backed loans are backed by physical gold. Jewel Bank’s investment products are designed to provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market without the need to hold cryptocurrencies directly.

The Future of Finance in Bermuda

The combination of Coinbase and Jewel Bank in Bermuda is a major development for the island nation and its financial services sector. These two companies represent the cutting edge of the cryptocurrency industry, and their presence in Bermuda will help to position the jurisdiction as a leading global hub for crypto finance.

Bermuda has a number of advantages that make it an attractive destination for crypto businesses. The jurisdiction has a stable political environment, a strong legal system, and a well-developed financial infrastructure. Bermuda is also a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is an international organization that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

The arrival of Coinbase and Jewel Bank in Bermuda is a major step forward for the jurisdiction’s financial services sector. These two companies will help to attract other crypto businesses to Bermuda, and they will help to position the jurisdiction as a leading global hub for crypto finance.

Bermuda: An Excellent Jurisdiction to Set Up an International Bank

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular destination for international businesses, including banks. The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) is the regulatory body for banks in Bermuda.

There are several reasons why Bermuda is an excellent jurisdiction to set up an international bank. These include:

  • Stable and politically independent jurisdiction

Bermuda is a stable and politically independent jurisdiction. It has a long history of democracy and rule of law. This makes it a safe and secure place to do business.

  • Strong legal system

Bermuda has a strong legal system based on English common law. This provides businesses with a high level of legal certainty.

  • Well-developed financial infrastructure

Bermuda has a well-developed financial infrastructure. This includes a sophisticated payments system, a deep pool of capital, and a highly skilled workforce.

  • Member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Bermuda is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is an international organization that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. This demonstrates Bermuda’s commitment to fighting financial crime.

  • Low tax rate

Bermuda has a low tax rate. This can save businesses money on their tax expenses.

  • Professional and experienced regulator

The BMA is a professional and experienced regulator. It is committed to ensuring that banks in Bermuda are safe and sound.

Overall, Bermuda is an excellent jurisdiction to set up an international bank. It offers a number of advantages, including a stable political environment, a strong legal system, a well-developed financial infrastructure, and a low tax rate.

Requirements to Set Up a Bank in Bermuda

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular destination for international businesses, including banks. The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) is the regulatory body for banks in Bermuda.

To set up a bank in Bermuda, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a company incorporated in Bermuda.
  • You must have a minimum paid-up capital of $10 million.
  • You must have a board of directors that is composed of at least three Bermudian citizens or residents.
  • You must have a management team that has experience in the banking industry.
  • You must submit an application to the BMA and meet all of the BMA’s requirements.

The application process for a bank license in Bermuda can take several months. The BMA will review your application and conduct an on-site inspection of your proposed bank. If the BMA approves your application, you will be granted a bank license.

Once you have a bank license, you can begin operating your bank in Bermuda. You will be subject to the BMA’s regulations and supervision. The BMA is responsible for ensuring that banks in Bermuda are safe and sound.

If you are considering setting up a bank, Bermuda is a good option to consider. The BMA is a professional and experienced regulator, and Bermuda offers a number of benefits for businesses. You’ll find it an excellent alternative to Puerto Rico.

Contact Information

For more information about setting up a bank in Bermuda, you can review the Bermuda Monetary Authority website at: https://www.bma.bm/. We will be happy to assist you to form an international bank in Bermuda. For more information, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com.

In this post, I’ll explain why I believe Bermuda is the best jurisdiction for an international bank in 2024 and what’s required to build an international bank in Bermuda. This is a relatively new jurisdiction, with only one completed case as of this writing. But, I expect big things from Bermuda and for them to compete with Puerto Rico for the top spot in international bank licenses. 

Bermuda Poised to Become Significant Financial Center with Coinbase and Jewel Bank

Bermuda is poised to become a significant financial center in the wake of the announcement that Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, is setting up a new office in the island nation. Coinbase’s decision to establish a presence in Bermuda is a major vote of confidence in the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework and its commitment to innovation.

In addition to Coinbase, Bermuda is also home to Jewel Bank, an international crypto bank that is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Jewel Bank’s presence in Bermuda provides a safe and secure platform for institutional investors to access the cryptocurrency market.

The combination of Coinbase and Jewel Bank in Bermuda is a major development for the island nation and its financial services sector. These two companies represent the cutting edge of the cryptocurrency industry, and their presence in Bermuda will help to position the jurisdiction as a leading global hub for crypto finance.

Coinbase

Coinbase is a cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2012. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and it has over 56 million users worldwide. Coinbase offers a variety of services, including the purchase, sale, and storage of cryptocurrencies.

In January 2023, Coinbase announced that it would be opening a new office in Bermuda and received the license in April of 2023. The office will be staffed by a team of engineers, compliance professionals, and customer support staff. Coinbase’s decision to establish a presence in Bermuda is a major vote of confidence in the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework and its commitment to innovation.

Jewel Bank

Jewel Bank is an international crypto bank that was founded in 2018. The company is headquartered in Bermuda, and it is licensed by the BMA. Jewel Bank offers a variety of services, including the custody of cryptocurrencies, the issuance of crypto-backed loans, and the provision of crypto-related investment products.

Jewel Bank’s presence in Bermuda provides a safe and secure platform for institutional investors to access the cryptocurrency market. The company’s custody services are regulated by the BMA, and its crypto-backed loans are backed by physical gold. Jewel Bank’s investment products are designed to provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market without the need to hold cryptocurrencies directly.

The Future of Finance in Bermuda

The combination of Coinbase and Jewel Bank in Bermuda is a major development for the island nation and its financial services sector. These two companies represent the cutting edge of the cryptocurrency industry, and their presence in Bermuda will help to position the jurisdiction as a leading global hub for crypto finance.

Bermuda has a number of advantages that make it an attractive destination for crypto businesses. The jurisdiction has a stable political environment, a strong legal system, and a well-developed financial infrastructure. Bermuda is also a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is an international organization that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

The arrival of Coinbase and Jewel Bank in Bermuda is a major step forward for the jurisdiction’s financial services sector. These two companies will help to attract other crypto businesses to Bermuda, and they will help to position the jurisdiction as a leading global hub for crypto finance.

Bermuda: An Excellent Jurisdiction to Set Up an International Bank

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular destination for international businesses, including banks. The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) is the regulatory body for banks in Bermuda.

There are several reasons why Bermuda is an excellent jurisdiction to set up an international bank. These include:

  • Stable and politically independent jurisdiction

Bermuda is a stable and politically independent jurisdiction. It has a long history of democracy and rule of law. This makes it a safe and secure place to do business.

  • Strong legal system

Bermuda has a strong legal system based on English common law. This provides businesses with a high level of legal certainty.

  • Well-developed financial infrastructure

Bermuda has a well-developed financial infrastructure. This includes a sophisticated payments system, a deep pool of capital, and a highly skilled workforce.

  • Member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Bermuda is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is an international organization that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. This demonstrates Bermuda’s commitment to fighting financial crime.

  • Low tax rate

Bermuda has a low tax rate. This can save businesses money on their tax expenses.

  • Professional and experienced regulator

The BMA is a professional and experienced regulator. It is committed to ensuring that banks in Bermuda are safe and sound.

Overall, Bermuda is an excellent jurisdiction to set up an international bank. It offers a number of advantages, including a stable political environment, a strong legal system, a well-developed financial infrastructure, and a low tax rate.

Requirements to Set Up a Bank in Bermuda

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular destination for international businesses, including banks. The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) is the regulatory body for banks in Bermuda.

To set up a bank in Bermuda, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a company incorporated in Bermuda.
  • You must have a minimum paid-up capital of $10 million.
  • You must have a board of directors that is composed of at least three Bermudian citizens or residents.
  • You must have a management team that has experience in the banking industry.
  • You must submit an application to the BMA and meet all of the BMA’s requirements.

The application process for a bank license in Bermuda can take several months. The BMA will review your application and conduct an on-site inspection of your proposed bank. If the BMA approves your application, you will be granted a bank license.

Once you have a bank license, you can begin operating your bank in Bermuda. You will be subject to the BMA’s regulations and supervision. The BMA is responsible for ensuring that banks in Bermuda are safe and sound.

If you are considering setting up a bank, Bermuda is a good option to consider. The BMA is a professional and experienced regulator, and Bermuda offers a number of benefits for businesses. You’ll find it an excellent alternative to Puerto Rico.

Contact Information

For more information about setting up a bank in Bermuda, you can review the Bermuda Monetary Authority website at: https://www.bma.bm/. We will be happy to assist you to form an international bank in Bermuda. For more information, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com.

bank risks

The Risks of Buying a Bank

Buying a bank can be a lucrative investment, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Some of the most common risks associated with buying a bank include:

  • Loan book risks. The loan book is the collection of all of the loans that a bank has made. If the loan book is full of bad loans, the bank could face significant losses. It is important to carefully review the loan book before buying a bank to make sure that it is not too risky.
  • Regulatory risks. Banks are subject to a wide range of regulations. If a bank is not in compliance with these regulations, it could face fines or other penalties. It is important to carefully review the bank’s compliance history before buying it to make sure that it is not at risk of being fined.
  • Prior transaction risks. Banks often engage in a variety of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, securities underwriting, and investment banking. If a bank has engaged in any risky transactions in the past, these transactions could pose a risk to the bank’s future. It is important to carefully review the bank’s prior transaction history before buying it to make sure that it is not at risk of being sued or facing other legal problems.

In addition to these risks, there are a number of other risks that could be associated with buying a bank. These risks can vary depending on the specific bank that is being bought. It is important to carefully consider all of the risks involved before buying a bank.

Here are some additional risks that buyers of banks should be aware of:

  • Financial market risk. Banks are exposed to a variety of financial market risks, such as interest rate risk, currency risk, and commodity price risk. These risks can cause the value of the bank’s assets and liabilities to fluctuate, which could lead to losses.
  • Operational risk. Banks are also exposed to operational risk, which is the risk of losses arising from human error, system failures, or natural disasters. Operational risk can be difficult to manage and can lead to significant losses.
  • Strategic risk. Banks can also face strategic risk, which is the risk of losses arising from poor strategic decisions. Strategic risk can be difficult to assess and can lead to significant losses.

Buying a bank is a complex and risky undertaking. It is important to carefully consider all of the risks involved before making a decision to buy a bank. For assistance in purchasing a bank, feel free to contact me at info@premieroffshore.com 

How to trade cryptocurrency and manage investments for others without a license

How to trade cryptocurrency and manage investments for others without a license

I get a number of emails from readers each week asking how they can manage money for friends and family offshore. They want to trade cryptocurrency and make investments for others without going to the expense of setting up a licensed and regulated exchange. So, here’s how to trade cryptocurrency and manage investments for others without a license.

When you want to trade crypto or other assets for anyone other than yourself, you need an account that allows you to hold other people’s money. Banks are very cautious when it comes to those trading on behalf of others or managing investments without a license.

First, banks don’t want to be fined for facilitating money laundering. Banks paid hundreds of millions in the last few years for “allowing” their customers to avoid taxes and launder illicit gains. The bank might not have had any idea what was going on, but their due diligence procedures weren’t stringent enough to catch the wrongdoers, so they were fined big time.

Second, banks and governments don’t want anyone without a license managing other people’s money. Brokerage and investment management licenses and regulation is big business. If you don’t want to pay, you won’t be allowed to play.

Third, banks must follow strict Know Your Client (KYC) rules. When you open an account, the bank checks you out and thereby knows you, their customer. If you then receive friends and family or customer money in your bank account, the bank doesn’t “know” the true beneficial owner of the money. The actual owner is one level removed from the person the bank “knows.”

Setting up an offshore corporation and hoping for the best is not a good idea in today’s world. Banks are watching for the source of funds on most wires. They will check outflows and for anyone using their account to manage OPM. If you try to hide, you’ll be caught and kicked to the curb.

Against that backdrop, here’s how to trade cryptocurrency and manage investments for others without a license.

When you don’t want to set up a regulated exchange, which can cost $35,000 to $250,000, depending on the country, you can use offshore LLCs and a trading corporation to accomplish your goals.

You, the trader form an investment corporation and a management LLC. Then, each and every client forms an offshore LLC. Yes, every single client, friend, or family, must have their own offshore corporation. Only a husband and wife can have a joint LLC.

Next, all of these structures open offshore accounts at the same international bank. In this way, the bank has done its due diligence on you and your customers. Everyone has been reviewed and approved by the bank and transfers will be permitted between the group of companies.

Once everyone has been approved, the client LLCs can issue a Power of Attorney to your management LLC. With this Power of Attorney on file with the bank, you will be allowed to manage the investments of these clients and transfer funds into your investment corporation.

This multi LLC offshore investment management structure ticks all the right boxes. It allows you to manage client funds and for the bank to do its KYC on everyone involved. Because all the accounts are at the same bank, transfer costs are minimized and the source of funds won’t be questioned.

A separate LLC system to trade cryptocurrency and manage investments for others without a license works well with large investors. Because of the setup costs, it’s not efficient for smaller clients or selling investments to the general public.

This practical limitation is positive for banks. They don’t want someone operating an unregulated offshore hedge fund selling to mom and pop investors. This will only bring trouble and litigation to the bank. They like larger accounts, larger deals, and sophisticated investors.

This system also allows sophisticated investors to put more advanced structures in place. For example, they might want to trade within an international trust for estate and asset protection reasons. High net worth investors might want to hold the LLC inside an offshore life insurance company to eliminate US tax on the capital gains.

You can also use this structures to create private entities in countries with public registries. For example, let’s say you want to invest in Panama. That country has a public registry of corporate shareholders and directors and a list of beneficial owners of foundations (their version of a trust).

To keep your name out of the registry, you can set up an offshore LLC in a country like Nevis or Belize that doesn’t have a public registry. Then, this LLC can be the founder of a foundation or the officer and director of a Panama corporation. In this way, the beneficial owner (you) won’t be listed in the registry.

When someone searches the Panama database, all they’ll see is the name of your Belize LLC. When they go to Belize for more information, they’ll hit a brick wall.

Whether this offshore LLC structure is cost-effective will depend on how many clients/friends and family you plan to manage. In most cases, the base corporation might cost $3,500 and each LLC $2,000 to $2,900 to set up (not including bank fees).

The largest structure I’ve seen like this was 3,400 LLCs and two management corporations in Switzerland. Why, you ask, would someone spend that kind of money on LLCs? Because they don’t want to go through all the compliance and regulation that comes with a fully licensed exchange.

Had they decided to operate as an investment manager in Switzerland, they would have had to hire someone with the necessary Swiss licenses and go through a very arduous registration process. The multi LLC model eliminated both of these requirements.

Plus, once you have a license, you have quarterly filing, KYC and AML compliance, and all manner of regulations to contend with. When you use separate offshore LLCs, it’s a private transaction between you and your friend/client.

Finally, this system allows some clients to move their retirement accounts offshore. They could form an offshore IRA LLC and transfer some or all of their vested retirement savings into that entity. Then, that LLC could issue a POA to you, the trader.

As you can see, this multi offshore LLC approach to trading cryptocurrency and managing OPM for others without a license can be a very powerful tool.

I hope you’ve found this article on how to trade cryptocurrency and investments for others without a license to be helpful. For more information on setting up a regulated or unregulated crypto trading business, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com or call us at (619) 483-1708. We’ll be happy to assist you with an offshore structure and banking.

bank license compliance

Puerto Rico Bank License Compliance Requirements

An international bank licensed in Puerto Rico must comply with all US compliance requirements. All Puerto Rico Act 273 banks must keep detailed records of account holders, and comply with all Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) rules.

In a recent post on Bloomberg, the author implies that non-US persons can open accounts at Puerto Rican International Financial Entities (IFEs) anonymously through the use of an offshore corporation. This is completely false.

All US KYC and AML rules apply in Puerto Rico. All Puerto Rican IFEs follow the standards prescribed by the FDIC (even though none are insured by the FDIC). For more information on FDIC requirements, see: Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering

During the licensing and launch of these international banks licensed in Puerto under Act 273, great attention is paid by government regulators (OCIF) to the KYC and AML procedures of the IFE. There is no way a bank that doesn’t follow standard procedures will be issued a license. It will be a cold day in hell before an IFE is allowed to operate without collecting information on its account holders.

More importantly, OCIF audits these entities regularly to ensure full compliance. Running an IFE from Puerto Rico is very similar to running a bank in California. The major difference is that an IFE pays only 4% in tax vs. nearly 50% in California (Federal and State).

Even with proper KYC and AML compliance, an account in Puerto Rico (or in the United States) offers non-US persons significant asset protection and privacy. Because IFEs in Puerto Rico are specifically designed to offer services to international clients, opening a account at an IFE is good option compared to the larger banks in the US who can’t be bothered with all the reporting required on these accounts. Most US banks don’t have the necessary processes and procedures in place to vet foreign accounts. On the other hand, IFE’s have spent millions on IT to be able to efficiently vet international customers.

One reason for this popularity is that the United States, and Puerto Rico by extension, has not signed on to the Common Reporting Standard global tax compliance program. The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) provides for the automatic exchange of tax and financial information between 100 countries.

The intent of CRS is to force “tax havens” such as British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Panama (2018) to report all accounts to member states. That is to say, CRS was put in place to force reporting and compliance of cross border transactions between low tax and high tax jurisdictions.

Because the United States has not signed on to CRS, accounts in the US territory of Puerto Rico will not be automatically reported. Considering that the United States started the compliance push with FATCA, some consider its failure to sign onto CRS a bit hypocritical, but we’re apparently to busy making America great again to give a damn what Europe thinks.

Thus, non-US persons have increased privacy and protection in Puerto Rico compared to other offshore jurisdictions. But this is a very long way from IFEs allowing old school anonymous accounts. It’s a fact that no international bank in Puerto Rico will permit anyone to open an account using an offshore corporation without disclosing the ultimate beneficial owner and thoroughly vetting that person’s source of funds.

Yes, non-US persons should open their IFE account under an offshore corporation. The reason for this is that the foreign entity gives you asset protection and privacy. This is NOT done to hide your identity from the bank… it’s so that only you and your banker know who owns the structure. It’s to protect your privacy while, at the same time, allowing the IFE to be fully compliant with US AML and KYC requirements.

I should also point out that IFEs in Puerto Rico must comply with all IRS reporting requirements. Because IFEs don’t usually accept US persons, few have any interaction with the Service. If your IFE does open accounts for US persons, it will have US reporting requirements.

Again, the CRS loophole in Puerto Rico is not the doing of the government of Puerto Rico. It’s the result of US policy that flows down to the territories which have to accept what’s mandated from the mainland. International banks structured in Puerto Rico must comply with all US BSA, KYC, and AML policies. If the US is not a party to a treaty (such as OECD’s CRS), then that treaty doesn’t apply to banks in its territories.

I hope this article on Puerto Rico banking license compliance requirements helps. For more, see: International Financial Entities Licenses in Puerto Rico. For the basics of setting up an IFE as an offshore bank, see: Lowest Cost Offshore Bank License is Puerto Rico.

If you’re considering forming an offshore bank, see: The 8 Components of an Offshore Bank License and take a read through Top 5 Offshore Bank License Jurisdictions for 2017.

We’ll be happy to assist you negotiate a banking license in Puerto Rico. We are the only firm providing a turnkey package and can assist you throughout the process. Please contact us at info@premieroffshore.com or call us at (619) 483-1708 for more information.

offshore bank license

The 8 Components of an Offshore Bank License

When building a new offshore bank, you need the following 8 components: The business plan, the capital, the people (board of directors, management, and employees), the computer systems, the compliance system, the license, a correspondent account, and a tax plan. These are the 8 components to negotiate an offshore bank license and set up a new international bank.

These 8 components are somewhat unique to offshore banking. Because you’re entering a licensed and highly regulated industry, building a new offshore bank requires you develop each of these areas to the satisfaction of your licensing board.

A new offshore bank obviously needs all the same things any startup would, such as a solid business strategy, sales, money, experienced people, etc. This article is on the 8 components an offshore bank required which are different from a standard business.

The Business Plan

An offshore bank requires a very detailed business plan. The business plan is the heart of the license application and should include audited financials from the parent company or accounting and tax records from the beneficial owners.

The plan should also include 3 to 5 years of projections broken down by business unit. These projections should cover use of funds, risk and liquidity ratios, reserves, break-even analysis, etc. across all divisions of the bank.

The bottom line is that the business plan must convince the regulator that the applicant is of fine character, has the requisite experience, has a well thought out and funded plan, and understand the risks and compliance requirements of operating an offshore bank.

Each of the next 7 components of a startup offshore bank must be described in great detail in the business plan. Again, remember that the business plan must convince the regulators, auditors, and licensing board that you and your team are qualified to operate a bank and won’t cause trouble for the jurisdiction.

The Capital

All offshore bank licensed require a minimum amount of capital to comply with the statute. In Dominica, the required capital is $1 million on deposit in the government bank. In Puerto Rico it’s $250,000 of paid in capital plus $300,000 on deposit with the government.

Those two jurisdictions typically issue licenses with the minimum amount of capital under the law. Other countries require much more cash. For example, Belize law allows for a license with $1 million, but experience tells me that you’ll need $3 million to $5 million to get an offshore banking license.

Then there are the larger jurisdictions that negotiate capital on a case by case basis. For example, a subsidiary of a bank from a major jurisdiction can get an offshore license in Panama with around $5 million in capital. If you don’t have a major license already, then you’ll need a Class A license from Panama and about $25 million in capital.

When selecting the best jurisdiction, you should first consider the capital required. This will usually narrow down your search significantly. But, as you can see, knowing the capital requires experience and not just a review of the law as written.

The People

Your business plan should include the resumes of your key personnel and your board of directors. Both of these groups must have extensive experience in banking. Presumably your management and employees will be locals (residents of the country where you get your license).

It’s also important that your board of directors include one or two locals. The licensing authority will look upon your team more favorably if it includes professionals with a solid track record in your country of license. These board members should have experience in banking law and/or compliance.

At a minimum, you’ll want to handle account openings, KYC and AML, correspondent banking, and compliance in the same country that issued your license. Many banks in small jurisdictions put support and trading / investment management in larger countries such as Switzerland or Panama.

Thus, your country of license should be large enough provide a sufficient number of quality employees. While Dominica and St. Vincent might be fine for banks with 4 or 5 employees, there’s no way to build a staff of 200 there.

Puerto Rico is a country of 3 million and any US citizen can move to the island and work legally. No matter the size of the business, you’ll find quality employees on the island… and, if you can’t find them, you can import them.

The largest offshore bank on the island has over 400 employees and the next has about 180.  The banks in Puerto Rico are larger than all of the competitors in the Caribbean combined excluding Cayman. I expect Puerto Rico to surpass Cayman in two years.

Where your staff is located will play a major role in determining the tax costs of your bank. See Tax Considerations below.

The Computer Systems

The foundation of your operation will be the computer system. The IT system for an offshore bank will handle KYC and AML, compliance, background checks, account openings, transfer, document management, etc. All of these modules will be looked at carefully by the government regulators before they allow you to “go live” with the business.

The core system and compliance modules are typically the largest startup cost for a new offshore bank. Most clients spend $100,000 to $1 million on their IT system. The largest quote I’ve seen in 2017 was from Terminos for $3.5 million.

A typical IT implementation will take 3 to 6 months. Once the provisional license is granted, the IT system will be what will delays your launch. Get to work on this while you’re building your business plan and you’ll get to market much quicker.

The Compliance Systems

The compliance system will be built around your IT system. From there, you can build an in-house team or outsource compliance monitoring to a local law firm.

Basically, all the operational risk of an offshore bank comes from a possible failure of your compliance program. If you run afoul of the money laundering rules, know your client requirements, or FATCA / OCEF reporting, you’ll be fined and shut down faster than you can blink. Either your licensing board will get you or your correspondent partner will kick you out of the system.

No matter your jurisdiction, government regulators will watch your compliance program very carefully. Any error will be dealt with swiftly and without a second chance.

The reason regulators monitor compliance so carefully is that a major error by one bank can bring down the entire country’s banking system. For example, back in 2015, Bank of Belize was shut down by US regulators. As a result, all of the banks in Belize lost their correspondent partners because none of these banks wanted anything to do with Belize. The entire system was tainted by one allegation against one offshore bank.

It took months for these banks caught in the crossfire to get new banking partners. To this day, it’s very difficult for a Belize bank to find a correspondent partner. See: Belize Banks Under Attack by US Government.

For these reasons, your business plan must explain your compliance program and procedures in great detail. Also, your employees and board of directors must have significant compliance experience.

Once your preliminary license is granted, building a solid compliance program will be your first priority. All processes and procedures must be in place, and everyone trained in the IT system, before you board even one client.

The License

Regardless of what their law says, very few counties will grant international banking licenses to startup banks. For example, Panama and Cayman will only issue offshore licenses to banks that already have a license from a major jurisdiction.

If you have a license from the US or Germany, you can easily get a license in Cayman Islands. Cayman’s reasoning is that your bank is already highly regulated in your home country, so their regulators don’t need to worry about you too much.

If you have an existing license, you can get an offshore license from Panama with $5 million. If you want to start a new bank in Panama, you can form a Class A bank with $25 million in capital.

The most active jurisdictions for offshore bank licenses are Puerto Rico and Dominica. For a comparison of these two options, see: Best Offshore Bank License Jurisdictions in 2017

Of course, there are others in Europe and less active jurisdictions in the Caribbean. I would avoid African nations and Vanuatu. You’ll never get a correspondent account from those countries.

Once you’ve selected your jurisdiction and prepared your business plan, you can apply for your preliminary license.

Preliminary Offshore Bank License: The preliminary license, sometimes referred to as your “permit to organize,” allows you to incorporate a company using the word “Bank” in the name. It also allows you you to hire employees, buy your IT system, and do all of those things necessary to begin to operate the business.

Once your systems and people are in place, you send notice to the regulator that you’re ready to launch. The government will audit your systems and procedures. If they pass, you’ll receive your offshore bank license or permit to operate.  

Offshore Bank License: The second step in the licensing process is to take the bank live and begin to board on clients. The operational license will require you provide audited statements to the regulator each quarter. Now is the time to hire an outside auditor.

The Correspondent Account

The life blood of an offshore bank is its correspondent account. The correspondent account allows you to hold money and transact through the facilities of a larger bank. Ask any experienced offshore banker what’s the most important component of their business and every one will answer, “the correspondent account, obviously!”

For example, if a bank in Dominica want’s to hold accounts in US dollars, they need a US correspondent banking partner. The US partner has US Fedwire capabilities and is authorized to transact in US dollars.

Likewise, if you want to hold accounts in Swiss Francs, you need a Swiss correspondent bank. An offshore bank will need a separate correspondent account for each currency it wishes to hold.

And its the correspondent account that will require the most capital. While you can negotiate a license from Dominica with $1 million, no USD correspondent will open an account with that small of a deposit. I doubt you can get a correspondent account with less than $5 million… and $12 million is the preferred size.

These accounts are also the bane of the offshore banking industry. Any slip in compliance, or attention from the US government, can mean the loss of your correspondent account. When that happens, your bank is basically out of business and unable to send and receive funds.

The exception to the correspondent account dilemma is a license from Puerto Rico. As a bank licensed in a US territory, a bank in Puerto Rico has an easier time setting up and maintaining a US correspondent partner.

Also, if the bank so desires, it can apply to the Federal Reserve for a primary account. In that case, a Puerto Rico bank would eliminate the need for a USD correspondent account. In fact, such a bank structured in Puerto Rico could offer correspondent services to other offshore banks.

I’m not saying Puerto Rico is always the best solution. If you don’t mind being subject to US anti-money laundering rules, Puerto Rico is great. If you want to do business without US oversight, then Dominica or elsewhere might be better.

I caution you from jumping to conclusions in this regard. Always remember that your US correspondent bank will require you to comply with all US regulations. If you want to be completely free of US compliance costs, you must get a license from a very small offshore jurisdiction and not hold US dollars or transact n US dollars. Only then will you avoid US correspondent banking issues.

Tax Considerations

Most offshore banking jurisdictions won’t tax the your corporate profits. Instead, they charge a large annual license fee. For example, Cayman charges $85,000 per year to maintain an international banking license.

In contrast, Puerto Rico charges a 4% rate on corporate profits and a $5,000 annual fee.

The tax benefits of operating an offshore bank are substantial. But you’ll need a solid tax plan to maximize the value of these tax deals.

Let’s say you set up a bank in Dominica and hire 3 people on the island. Then you open office in the UK and hire 23 people. Obviously, most of the work to generate customers and income is coming from the UK while Dominica is just the licensing jurisdiction with a few people doing menial tasks.

In that case, the UK will want to tax the majority of your income at 21%, leaving only a small fraction tax free in Dominica.

The same goes for Puerto Rico. Let’s say you have 5 employees on the island, which is the minimum allowed under the law. Then you open an office in Florida with 50 employees.

The US government will want to tax the income generated by the Florida workers at 35%, leaving a small bit left over for Puerto Rico to tax at 4%.

Your global tax plan is important during the startup phase because you want to maximize income in the low tax jurisdiction and minimize income in high tax countries.  Thus, when you select your country of licensure, it must be one large enough to provide a sufficient number of quality employees and allow for growth in coming years.

If you all you require is 5 to 10 employees, and don’t plan to grow much past this number, a license from Dominica, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, or elsewhere is fine. If you’ll need 50 employees, you’ll need to look to a larger jurisdiction such as Puerto Rico.

If you do incorporate in Dominica, you might also consider a Panama Financial Services License. This will allow you to hire employees to manage your bank remotely and maintain your tax free status.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this article on the 8 components of an offshore bank license to be helpful. For assistance in licensing and building an offshore bank in Dominica, Puerto Rico, or elsewhere, or in negotiating a correspondent account for an existing bank, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com or call us at (619) 483-1708. Our team has over 100 combined years of experience in offshore banking and we’ll be happy to help you structure your bank.

operate an investment fund tax free from Puerto Rico

How to operate an investment fund tax free from Puerto Rico

The best tax deal available to hedge fund traders and investment fund managers is Puerto Rico. There’s no tax holiday available anywhere in the world that can compete with the offer from Puerto Rico. Here’s how to setup and operate an investment fund tax free from Puerto Rico.

First, let me explain why Puerto Rico can make an offer to US hedge fund managers that no one can match. It’s because Puerto Rico is a US territory with its own tax code. Any US citizen that becomes a resident of Puerto Rico, and operates a business from the island, is exempted from Federal tax laws and pays only tax in Puerto Rico.

The same is not true when you move abroad or setup an offshore company. Federal tax laws apply to any business owned by a US citizen or green card holder… unless that business is in the US territory of Puerto Rico.

The fact that Puerto Rico is exempted from Federal tax laws is codified in US Code Section 933. It states, in part:

“In the case of an individual who is a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico during the entire taxable year, income derived from sources within Puerto Rico (except amounts received for services performed as an employee of the United States or any agency thereof); but such individual shall not be allowed as a deduction from his gross income any deductions (other than the deduction under section 151, relating to personal exemptions), or any credit, properly allocable to or chargeable against amounts excluded from gross income under this paragraph.” (26 U.S. Code § 933 – Income from sources within Puerto Rico)

So, if you’re living and operating your investment fund from Puerto Rico, you’ll pay only Puerto Rico tax. A resident of Puerto Rico is someone who spends at least 183 days a year on the island and otherwise qualifies for Act 22. In addition, Puerto Rico should be your home base and the center of your financial activity.

Your fund will need to be licensed under Act 73, the Economic Incentives for the Development of Puerto Rico Act. Act 73 offers a tax holiday to any investment fund providing services from Puerto Rico to individuals and companies outside of Puerto Rico. Eligible services include investment banking or other financial services including but not limited to:

  • Asset management,
  • Alternative investment management,
  • Management of private capital investment activities,
  • Management of hedging funds or high risk funds,
  • Pools of capital management,
  • Administration of trust that serve to coovert different groups of assets into securities, and
  • Escrow account administration services.

Note that Act 73 requires you provide services from Puerto Rico to persons or businesses outside of Puerto Rico. You don’t incorporate your fund in Puerto Rico… you operate it from Puerto Rico to qualify for Act 73. Operate as a standard offshore master feeder fund in Cayman or another tax free jurisdiction. Basically, the service of operating the fund is being exported from Puerto Rico to Cayman.

Your feeder funds should be organized based on where your clients are domiciled. For example, a Delaware LLP for US investors and an offshore feeder for foreign and tax exempt investors (such as US IRAs and pension funds). You, the general partner and manager would be a resident of Puerto Rico.

Under Act 73, your profits in the fund are taxed at 4%. When those profits are transferred to you, the fund owner/manager resident in Puerto Rico, they will be tax exempt dividends. Thus, your total tax burden is 4% on your profits.

Remember that, as a resident of Puerto Rico, Federal taxes do not apply to you. Thus, you will never pay US tax on these profits. This is not tax deferral as you see offshore… this is a tax rate of 4%, plain and simple.

I should point out that these tax benefits are not meant for your US resident investors. They get their K-1s just as they normally would from your domestic feeder. These tax incentives are meant for the owners of the fund who are resident in Puerto Rico.

  • Nonresident shareholders of the fund can achieve tax deferral on Puerto Rico sourced income while resident shareholders can take distributions tax free.

Also, the 4% rate applies to Puerto Rico sourced income. It does not apply to any US effectively connected income or US source income. Funds and REITS may have US taxable income from lending or any number of other activities in the States.

Structuring and operating a fund from Puerto Rico will dramatically decrease your US taxes. It will also reduce the complexity of your tax planning. So long as you meet the requirements of Act 73, you’re clean in the eyes of the IRS.

Act 73 is only one of several tax incentives available in Puerto Rico. For example, Act 20 allows any service business relocated to the island to receive this same 4% tax rate. For more, see: Puerto Rico is the Top Jurisdiction for US Businesses.

Large funds might decide to enter Puerto Rico using the offshore banking statute, Act 273. For more on this, see: Lowest Cost Offshore Bank License is Puerto Rico. This article is focused on deposit taking banks. There is a section of 273 for International Financial Entities that is used by some investment managers.

I hope this article on how to operate a fund or investment business tax free from Puerto Rico has been helpful. For more information, or to setup a business under Act 20 or 273, please contact us at info@premieroffshore.com or call us at (619) 483-1708. We will be happy to assist you to negotiate a tax holiday with the government of Puerto Rico.

offshore bank license

Top 5 Offshore Bank License Jurisdictions for 2017

There have been big time changes in the offshore bank license industry over the last year. If you’re looking to form an international bank, here are the top 5 offshore bank license jurisdictions for 2017.

In this post, I’m talking about countries where you can get a license… countries that will issue a license to a startup bank.  This is not a list of the largest or most respected banking jurisdictions. It’s a list of countries where you will be approved if you have a solid business plan, an experienced board of directors, and the requisite capital.

My list of the top 5 offshore bank license jurisdictions for 2017 is focused on offshore options where you will get a license and a correspondent account from a reputable institution. Sure, you can buy a cheap license from Africa or elsewhere, but good luck using it.

1. Dominica

The best “pure” offshore bank license is from the Caribbean nation of Dominica. The Commonwealth of Dominica is a sovereign island country and part of the Windward islands in the Lesser Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea. It’s current population is about 75,000 and it’s a member of the Eastern Caribbean group of countries and the ECC banking system.

Dominica is a leader in the offshore banking and second passport industries. Many who establish a bank on the island also buy a passport from Dominica. For more on second passports, see A Second Passport from Dominica.

The reason I have Dominica at the top of my list is that this island is actively seeking new candidates, has a reasonably efficient application process, has a relatively low capital requirement, and banks from Dominica are able to find correspondent banking partners.

The capital required to secure a license on Dominica is only $1 million. That’s the lowest of any reputable offshore jurisdiction.

I should point out that, once you have your license, you will probably need more capital to get a correspondent banking account. It will be difficult to find a partner bank to take on a client with only $1 million in cash. The costs and compliance overhead on correspondent accounts make small clients unattractive.

For more on a bank license from Dominica, see: How to get an Offshore Bank License in Dominica.

2. Puerto Rico

Above, I wrote that the best “pure” offshore license is from Dominica. The best hybrid bank license, and possibly the best overall depending on your objectives, is from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.

Capital required is only $550,000. Of this, $200,000 should be paid-in capital to your corporation and $350,000 on deposit with the government.

The costs of formation, licensure and operation in Puerto Rico will be a fraction of the other options on this list. For this reason, the lowest cost offshore bank license is Puerto Rico. For example, the annual license fee in Cayman is about $85,000 compared to $8,000 in Dominica and only $5,000 in Puerto Rico.

Finally, there are no FATCA or U.S. reporting for the bank or the customers of the bank. U.S. citizens can go offshore to Puerto Rico with zero IRS reporting headaches. This is a major competitive advantage and cost savings for an international bank licensed in Puerto Rico.

I’ve listed all the positives as to why you should consider an offshore bank license from Puerto Rico.

The negatives are that your bank will be tied to U.S, government oversight, SEC and other rules, U.S. immigration considerations, and your bank must have a minimum of 5 employees in Puerto Rico.

This low license fee is balanced against your tax costs. If you have 5 employees in Puerto Rico, and qualify under Act 273, your tax rate will be 4%. If you do not meet these requirements, your tax rate will be about 35%.

Immigration can be an issue for some. All employees must be U.S. citizens and you must meet Federal immigration criteria to move to Puerto Rico. If you buy a passport from Dominica you can become a citizen in about 90 days. It’s not so easy to immigrate to the United States.

If you want to run a bank without U.S. oversight, Puerto Rico is not for you. If you want a bank with a solid reputation based on a rigorous compliance and regulatory environment, then give Puerto Rico a chance as a low cost high value hybrid license.

3. Cayman Islands

Puerto Rico is the second largest offshore banking jurisdiction after Cayman Islands. Cayman is the most reputable and highest cost “pure” offshore banking jurisdiction. There are about 70,000 companies registered in Cayman, along with 350 banks and 700 insurance companies. There’s over US $1 Trillion in assets in Cayman banks.

The cost of a banking license in Cayman Island (the fees paid to the government upon issuance) are quite high. They range from $160,000 to $600,000 for a Class A license. Add on to this about $500,000 in legal fees, not to mention auditors and other required professionals, and the startup costs add up quickly.

Also, the vetting process will take over 12 months and a Cayman banking license is notoriously difficult to negotiate. For more on the costs and process, see the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority website.

If you can make it through the gauntlet, you’ll come out the other end with a world class offshore banking license.

4. Belize

The banking law in Belize says an international license requires $1 million in capital and a full license required $3 million in capital. In practice, be prepared  to deposit $5 million for the international license. No one bothers with the full license any longer (which allows you to sell to Belizeans).

If you’d like to do some market research, annual and quarterly reports for all Belize banks are available on the Central Bank’s website. This is a great resource if you’re considering a bank license from Belize.  

The due diligence process in Belize will be a minimum of 12 months (compared to 3 to 4 months in Puerto Rico). Some offshore bank licenses have taken as long as 18 months to complete.

If you are planning to setup an investment management bank, Belize has some of the highest capital ratios in the world (20% in many cases). For this reason, Belize banks are considered safe by depositors.

5. Panama

Panama is a top tier banking jurisdiction with many billion dollar institutions and a well developed regulatory system. If I were to describe Panama in one sentence, it would be “the best offshore bank license when cost / capital is no issue.”

Like Belize, Panama has an international license and a full license. The problem is that Panama won’t issue an international license unless you already have a full license from your home country. For example, if you have a U.S. license, you can get a subsidiary bank license in Panama.

This means that a startup bank will need to open under the full license which is likely to require $24 million in capital. The law says $10 million for a general license and $3 million for an international license, but these values will increase significantly when negotiations begin with the Central Bank.

I should point out that Panama has many different financial services licenses. For example, a bank in Dominica or Belize, that wants to manage client funds in Panama, might apply for a Financial Services license. This would allow you to operate a trading desk and open a correspondent account in Panama without a local license.

Another option in Panama is to set up a Credit Union. Similar to U.S. cooperatives, Panama’s credit unions are savings and loans where each depositor is a shareholder.  Known as “Cooperativas”, Panamanian credit unions are licensed as financial co-op institutions.  They are regulated under Law 17 of 1997 which granted them non-profit tax free standing.

There are hundreds of credit unions in Panama, but most are for employees of one industry or another. For an example of a public cooperativa, see Cooptavanza.

Depending on your business model, it might be possible to set up in Panama with capital of $1 to $3 million as a credit union. The IPACOOP “Instituto Panameno Autonomo Cooperativo regulates all of Panama’s credit unions.  For more informaiton, see: www.ipacoop.gob.pa

For more how to accept deposits from clients, and alternatives to an offshore banking license, take a read through Offshore Money Management Business: How to Accept Client Funds and Deposits.

To delve deeper into offshore bank licensing and operation, please review my articles on offshore bank licensing and operation. I’ve been working in offshore banking for over a decade. My recent articles on the topic are:

If you’re considering forming an offshore bank or filing for an offshore banking license, you need to be ready for a lot of red tape, a significant vetting process, and to maintain a sizable deposit with the central bank (your corporate capital).

Countries are cautious when issuing offshore banking licenses. If any bank fails in a small country, it can result in a loss of confidence in the entire system. And, of course, no country wants to risk upsetting the mighty U.S. of A, as Belize did. This little spat shut down their banks for about 6 months.

If you want to enter the offshore banking market today, you need a solid business plan, an experienced board of directors, and an agent to quarterback your application.

I hope you’ve found this review of the top 5 offshore bank license jurisdictions to be helpful. If you’d like more information, please contact me for a consultation at info@premieroffshore.com or call (619) 483-1708

money management accept client funds

Offshore Money Management Business: How to Accept Client Funds and Deposits

If you want to receive client funds into your offshore account, you must have a license or set up a specially designed offshore structure. Whether you’re raising money or managing money, if you’re not the owner of the cash in your offshore bank account, you will need an offshore money management license.  In this article, I will describe how to accept client funds and deposits offshore.

First, let me explain what I mean by client funds. It’s money that doesn’t belong to you, the owner of the offshore company. The most common examples of “other people’s money” in offshore accounts are brokerage firms, FX or Bitcoin exchanges, and anyone who manages or invests money for other people.

This does not include income from selling a product or a service. Nor does it include money invested by shareholders of the offshore company. So long as those shareholders are disclosed and provide due diligence documents to the bank, and you’re operating a business, not an investment pool, the account will be in compliance.

I should point out that most offshore banks will limit the number of shareholders… not for legal reasons, but for practical ones. No bank will want to put in the time and effort to research 50 shareholders investing $5,000 each. That doesn’t make economic sense for a bank. In most cases, you will be limited to 2 to 5 shareholders per offshore company.

Also, even if all of your shareholders are approved, no offshore bank will allow you to operate a money management business without a license. You can’t combine client money into a pool and invest it for their benefit, even if they’re all shareholders of the corporation.

With that in mind, here’s how to accept client money as an offshore investment advisor.

Power of Attorney Model

In my opinion, the most efficient offshore solution for private wealth managers is the Power of Attorney model. I’ve seen the POA model work well for investment advisors with over 2,500 clients, all with managed accounts in Switzerland, and for smaller firms with accounts in Asia and the Caribbean.

You simply form an offshore company for each and every client. That offshore company is in the name of the owner (your client) and opens an account at the bank you wish to trade through. Then the client gives you (the investment advisor) a Power of Attorney over his or her company’s bank account.

With that Power of Attorney, you can invest the client’s funds per your agreement. You have full control without the need to be licensed as a broker or as a brokerage in the country where you’re trading.

The POA model completely eliminates licensing and regulation issues. It also allows you to bring client money together in an omnibus account or into a hedge fund. When combined with a white label trading platform, available from major international banks, you will present a solid image and back office to your clients.

The limitation of the POA model for managing client funds is obvious – the cost. You will need to form a separate LLC or corporation for every client and go through the account opening process at your trading bank for each.

Depending on your jurisdiction, an offshore company might cost $2,000 to $3,500 to setup and $850 per year to maintain. This cost is typically borne by the trader, so this model only makes sense for those managing larger accounts.

Bottom line: if you want to open accounts at major banks in Europe without setting up a fully licensed brokerage, the POA model is the way to go.

Bank License

Let’s jump from the easiest and most efficient option to manage client money offshore to the most complex and burdensome. If you want to go big into offshore, consider forming a fully licensed and regulated offshore bank.

An offshore banking license from a country like Dominica, St. Lucia, or Belize might cost $70,000 to $300,000+ and require capital of $1 million to $5 million. In addition, you will need a solid board of directors, 5 year business plan, an office with employees on the island, and licensing will take 6 to 16 months to complete.

Once you have your bank license, you will need a correspondent bank account. As no bank will bother to open a correspondent account for a bank with only $1 million in its coffers, you will need significantly more capital at this stage.

There’s one interesting hybrid license available to U.S. investment managers. You can form an “offshore” bank in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico with only $550,000 in capital. U.S. Federal laws apply on Puerto Rico, but U.S. tax laws do not. This allows you to operate a bank from the island and pay only 4% in corporate income tax.

For more on Puerto Rico’s offshore banking statute, checkout: Lowest Cost Offshore Bank License is Puerto Rico.

For more information on offshore bank licenses in general, please review my articles below.

Brokerage License

Brokerage licenses are available from a number of jurisdictions. The lowest cost and capital requirements are in Belize, Anguilla, St. Lucia, Nevis, Seychelles and St. Vincent. The top offshore jurisdictions are Panama, Cayman and BVI.

The cost to secure a brokerage license in Belize is around $35,000 and the capital required is $50,000 to $150,000 depending on a number of factors.

Licenses from the countries above do not require you pass an exam or receive a personal license (like a Series 7). The corporate brokerage license will require you demonstrate proficiency and standing in the industry, but not in your country of licensure.

Before selecting a jurisdiction for an offshore brokerage, a review of local rules should be undertaken to ensure your client base is compatible with FATCA and other island requirements.

Fund License

The next level down from a brokerage license would be a licensed or registered hedge fund. The best jurisdictions for a fund are Cayman and BVI, but licenses are also available from Nevis and Belize.

There are four options for an offshore fund in Cayman:

  1. You can form a licensed fund, involving a rigorous investigation by the Monetary Authority of the fund documentation and promoters. These are rare (about 10% of Cayman funds) and allow you to accept investments of any size.
  2. You can form a registered fund, which requires only a form setting out the particulars of the fund, together with a copy of the offering document and consent letters from the Cayman licensed auditor and Cayman licensed administrator. This is available to funds that require a minimum initial investment per investor of US$100,000. The majority of funds in the Cayman Islands are registered funds.
  3. You can form an administered fund if you will have 15 or more investors. To be approved as an administered fund, you must have a Cayman fund administrator providing your principal office. The regulatory responsibility (and, thus the risk and liability) for the administered fund, which has more than 15 investors and which is not licensed or registered, is placed largely in the hands of a Cayman licensed fund administrator.
  4. You can form a non reported fund in Cayman if you have 14 or fewer investors. Cayman will allow you to form a company and launch a fund without much regulation or oversight. Once you reach 14 investors (call it a proof of concept), you’ll need to step up to an administered, registered or licensed fund.

To set up a Cayman licensed or regulated fund, one would first form a Cayman company, then open a Cayman office or have a local registered office, and then file an application with the government. In order to be approved, the manager must have a net worth of at least US$500,000 and the manager and prove himself competent as a based on past work experience. The application process can take 3 to 6 months.

Most of the funds we set up are master / feeder structures for U.S. and international investors. Note that tax preferred investors, such as offshore IRA LLCs, come in through the offshore feeder.  

For more on master / feeder funds, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com for a confidential consultation.

Licensed but not Regulated Offshore Entities

In addition to funds, the Cayman Islands offers a licensed but not regulated option for FX and BitCoin firms. If you’re in the currency exchange or money transmission business, you might find Cayman one of the most marketable options… a jurisdictions that your clients will be comfortable with.

For a licensed Forex Brokerage operating in the Cayman Islands, see: Xenia.ky

For a licensed and regulated brokerage firm in the Cayman Islands, see: OneTRADEx.com

Note that, if you’re going to run a full-service brokerage, you must be a regulated entity. The licensed but unregulated option is available to FX and Bitcoin operators.

Another licensed but unregulated entity is a Panama Financial Services Company. This structure can be used to hold third-party funds or to operate an FX or Bitcoin business.

These structures are popular for holding client funds on behalf of a regulated entity from another jurisdiction. For example, you want to manage client money in Panama on behalf of your bank or brokerage licensed in Dominica. This is a way to outsource your investment management activities to a low-cost jurisdiction like Panama without setting up a full brokerage.

A Panama Financial Services Company is a cost-effective structure to accept client funds as an offshore money manager. Compliance is light because Bitcoin and FX are regulated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and not the Banking Commission.

The following activities require a banking or brokerage license in Panama, and thus may not be offered through a Panama Financial Services Company:

  • Securities broker-dealer activities including investment funds, managed trading etc.
  • Savings and Loan (financiera)
  • Fiduciary (trust company) services
  • Any banking services including credit and debit cards
  • Cash money transmittal services or money exchange (e.g. bureau de change)

For an example of a BitCoin exchange operating in Panama under this license, see: Crypto Capital

Belize Licensing Options

You can generally expect Belize to be the lowest cost reputable jurisdiction for licensed businesses. Licenses available in Belize include:

  • International money lending license
  • Money brokering services
  • Money transmission services
  • Money exchange services
  • Mutual and hedge funds
  • International insurance services
  • Brokerage, consultancy, and advisory services
  • Foreign exchange services
  • Payment processing services
  • International safe custody services
  • International banking license
  • Captive banking license
  • General banking license

For a list of applicable legislation, see: International Financial Services Commission, Belize

Conclusion

I hope you have found this article on how to accept client funds and deposits in an offshore money management business to be helpful. For more information on how to setup an offshore investment management firm, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com or call us at (619) 483-1708.

offshore bank license in dominica

How to get an Offshore Bank License in Dominica

The most active low cost offshore bank license jurisdiction is Dominica. If you’re in the process of selecting a country to incorporate and license an offshore bank, give the Caribbean Island of Dominica a look.

You’ll find that the capital required for a bank license in Dominica is a fraction of it’s competitors. You will also find that the government and regulators want you to succeed… that they’ll work with you to build your brand and your bank… the opposite of what you’ll experience in competing financial centers like Belize, Panama and Cayman.

  • This article is about Dominica, one of the Windward Islands, the southern group of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies, and a leader in the financial services industry. Please don’t confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic.

An offshore bank license from Dominica will allow you to offer all manner of banking services. This includes deposit taking, wealth management, lending, credit cards, secured cards, debit cards, certificates of deposits, tax and business planning, currency exchange, and correspondent banking services.

The only limitation on an offshore bank licensed in Dominica is that it’s prohibited from offering services to locals. You may not sell banking services to residents or citizens of Dominica.

An offshore bank in Dominica might also offer company formation, asset protection structures, business and tax planning, tax efficient loans for corporations holding retained earnings in your bank, and wealth management. By maximizing the tax and privacy benefits of Dominica, you might leverage an offshore bank license several fold.

As an enticement to bring jobs and grow the financial sector, you (the owner of an offshore bank in Dominica) may qualify for a second passport or citizenship in the country. Shareholder can apply for immediate citizenship and a second passport. In most cases, the cost will be $130,000 to $180,000 for a single applicant.

An offshore banking license from Dominica has the lowest capital requirement of any offshore jurisdiction. While Belize and others are demanding $5 million, Dominica will allow you to license a bank with only $1 million in capital.

With $1 million in capital, you will get your bank license. You’ll then need to search out a correspondent banking partner.  It will be challenging to find such a partner for a small bank with minimal capitalization. Thus, many apply for the license with $1 million and then raise more money after the provisional license is granted.

Technically, the lowest capital requirement is the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. That bank license can be had with $550,000 in capital. While Puerto Rico is “offshore” for tax purposes, it’s “onshore” for other Federal agencies.

Dominica is also the lowest cost license to procure. In fact, the cost of Dominica is a fraction of competitors such as Cayman and Belize. Assuming you have a business plan and a board of directors in place, a bank license from Dominica should cost around $100,000, including government and legal fees.

  • This estimate does not include due diligence fees on shareholders and directors. These will vary greatly depending on your country of citizenship. The typical range is $3,000 to $10,000 per person. The average is $7,500 for the primary applicant.


This would compare to $300,000+ in the Cayman Islands. The annual license fee alone in Cayman is about $85,000 compared to only $8,000 in Dominica and $5,000 in Puerto Rico.

In Cayman and Dominica, licensed banks are exempt from tax on their net income. The tax rate in Puerto Rico is 4% if you have at least 5 employees in the territory. If you don’t qualify for the Puerto Rico tax holiday, income will be taxed at about 35%.

Your offshore bank in Dominica will require an office, registered agent, and employees on the island. Compliance (FATCA, OECD, DAC, AML, etc.), account openings, information technology and security, and some basic services should be provided in Dominica.

It will be possible to manage bank assets outside of Dominica. For example, you might form a Financial Services Company in Panama as the management agent. This will allow you to work around some of the correspondent banking issues and manage client capital in a larger jurisdiction.

The typical annual fee for a registered agent in Dominica is $10,000. They will be your liaison to the government, agent for service, and local representative of the bank on the island.

In addition to the agent, employees, and office overhead, you will need to retain an audit and accounting firm to prepare quarterly reports to the government. The average cost of these services is $20,000, though fees vary widely from provider to provider.

The final major expense will be your banking software. We recommend Mobile Earth and
Temenos T24 Retail Banking Software Systems for Dominica. I won’t estimate prices here because of the variety of configurations available. Feel free to contact them directly for a quote.

Because of our long history and relationships on Dominica, we offer a turn-key offshore bank license in this jurisdiction. Everything required to be up and running in 3 to 6 months: government negotiations, board of directors, business plan, financial projections, office space, employees, etc.

If you’re considering forming an offshore bank, I suggest you take a look at Dominica. It’s the lowest cost and most efficient jurisdiction actively issuing licenses.

I hope you’ve found this article on how to get an offshore bank license in Dominica to be helpful. Please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com or call (619) 483-1708 for a confidential consultation on incorporating an international bank.

For more information on offshore banking licenses, please review my articles below.

OECD tax exchange

European OECD Tax Exchange Agreements

As of November 2016, most offshore jurisdictions have signed on to the Automatic Exchange Agreements demanded by European governments and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). All but Panama has agreed to share information with European tax authorities.

On paper, the OECD defines itself as follows: “the mission of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.The OECD provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems.”

In practice, the OECD has simply followed behind the US IRS and our Foreign Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), demanding information on the offshore transactions of EU citizens. Both sets of laws require banks, either directly or through their local government agents, to report ownership, control, and banking activity. The focus of FATCA is account size and transactions while the OECD is tax data (gross sales, profits, taxes paid, employees and assets of each entity).

  • A history of the OECD’s information exchange program can be found by clicking here.

For a list of countries that have signed on to the agreement, click here. The list is a real eye opener. As I said, the only offshore jurisdiction that hasn’t signed on is Panama.

You’ll find that most offshore jurisdictions have agreed to begin sharing data by 2018. Some, such as Cayman and Seychelles will begin in 2017, while Cook Islands, Belize and Andorra will implement in 2018.

You’ll also find that the list of compliant countries includes all but one… the largest tax haven in the world for everyone but it’s citizens… the U.S. of A.. While Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Mexico, China, Canada, Singapore, Japan, etc., have all signed on, the United States is nowhere to be found.

The fact that the US has refused to join will create some interesting challenges for US banks operating in compliant countries. How our global banks will coordinate compliance in one country while hiding assets based in America, will open the door to all manner of disputes.

As we international entrepreneurs move into 2017, we do so with the knowledge that privacy in our financial transactions is a thing of the past.

But these new rules shouldn’t dissuade you from protecting your assets offshore. Whether you live in the United States or the European Union, the key to solid asset protection is building a structure that no civil creditor can knock down.

In most cases, offshore asset protection should be tax neutral. It should not increase or decrease taxes in your home country. An offshore asset protection structure should do exactly what it’s name implies… protect your assets.

The key to asset protection is putting up impenetrable defenses, not hiding what you have. Even if a creditor has a road map to your offshore structure, it should be impossible for them to breach the walls of your fortress and get to the gold therein.

In fact, hiding your assets, and not being tax compliant in your home country will put your savings at risk. If you’re caught cheating on your taxes, the penalties will be severe and the value of your trust will be destroyed.

Considering how much effort governments are putting into ferreting out tax cheats, hiding assets should be the last thing on the mind of anyone looking to protect assets. All this does is add risk and pits you against both your creditors and your government.

Hiding assets offshore possible back in the day. Those days are long gone for Americans and Europeans. Now, the industry is all about tax compliant planning.

If you’re reading this and have a non-compliant offshore structure, you should take action immediately. Europeans should shut down, get in compliance, and rebuild a properly reported offshore trust.

We U.S. citizens have significantly more risk than our European counterparts. The US government is aggressively pursuing non-compliant citizens, putting them in jail, and levying mind boggling fines.

If the IRS is not on to you yet, it’s not too late. You can join the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, get into compliance, pay what you owe (if anything), and then rebuild offshore.

If you are living or working abroad, you might be able to get into compliance and pay zero in taxes and penalties. If you’re living in the US and have an unreported account, the penalties will be high, but you can minimize risk and fines by coming forward now.

I hope this post on the OECD tax reporting initiative is helpful and puts offshore asset protection in perspective. For more information on legal and tax compliance asset protection techniques, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com or call us at (619) 483-1708. 

Puerto Rico Bank License

Lowest Cost Offshore Bank License is Puerto Rico

Want to setup an offshore bank? Looking for an international banking license? Obtaining an offshore bank license and negotiating offshore correspondent accounts have become extremely difficult in every jurisdiction except one. The lowest cost offshore bank license is Puerto Rico. Yes, the US territory of Puerto Rico is the best island in the Caribbean to negotiate an offshore bank license.

Puerto Rico is the lowest cost offshore bank license available anywhere in the world. And, it comes with the ability to get US correspondent banking relationships more efficiently than other offshore bank licensing jurisdictions.

Let me first clarify two terms.

When I write about an offshore bank license, I mean a banking license that allows you to do all types of international banking business. The only limitation is that you can’t accept clients from the issuing jurisdiction. So, an offshore bank licensed in Puerto Rico can accept clients from anywhere in the world (including the United States) except Puerto Rico. Likewise, an offshore bank licensed in Panama can accept clients from anywhere but Panama.

And, when I say Puerto Rico is the lowest cost offshore bank license jurisdiction, I mean the lowest set up, capital, and operating cost by a long shot. I mean that an offshore bank license in Puerto Rico can be had for a fraction of the cost and capital of any other jurisdiction.

To give you an idea of the cost difference, it would require 10 times the capital of Puerto Rico to set up in the country of Belize. The cost of operating in Cayman would be 17 times higher than the cost of operating in Puerto Rico.

  • The annual fee for the international banking license in PR is $5,000. This compares to $85,365.85 in Cayman. The cost of labor and all other services are dramatically higher in Cayman than Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has been aggressive in courting financial service, hedge fund, and banking companies since 2013. Their Act 20 which any US business to move to Puerto Rico and pay only 4% in tax. They also approved Act 22 which cuts the capital gains rate to zero for any American who moves to Puerto Rico and spends at least 183 days per year on the island (becoming a legal and tax resident of Puerto Rico).

An offshore bank licensed in Puerto Rico under Act 273 receives the same  4% tax rate. This tax holiday is guaranteed for 15 years. Also, full property and municipal license tax exemptions, 6% income tax rate on distributions to PR resident shareholders and a 0% tax rate on distributions to non-PR resident shareholders, are available to offshore banks licensed in Puerto Rico.

  • This article focuses on Act 273 and not Act 20  and 22. When doing your research, note the distinction between 273 for banks and 20 / 22. For example, Act 273 guarantees you a 4% rate for 15 years where Act 20 guarantees you the same for 20 years. Act 273 requires 4 employees where the latest version of Act 20 requires 5 employees.

Here’s a summary of the offshore bank license options in Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico Full International Banking License – Requires capital of at least $300,000 to held by the central bank or in a bond (as stated in the Act: $300,000 financial guarantees acceptable to OCFI). Authorized shares are to be at least $5 million. Of this, only $250,000 must be paid-in.

Puerto Rico Restricted International Banking License – Capital held by the central bank or in a bond of $300,000 (as stated in the Act: $300,000 financial guarantees acceptable to OCFI). The authorized capital stock or the proposed capital, as the case may be, shall not be less than $500,000, out of which at least $50,000 shall be paid in full at the time the license is issued. This can also be referred to as a captive license.

In most cases, a full international banking license is required. Of the many banks licensed in Puerto Rico, only 1 has a restricted license.

A full international license in Puerto Rico allows you to provide financial services to other international financial institutions or to persons outside of Puerto Rico.  “Financial services” are any service which is generally accepted in the banking industry of the United States and Puerto Rico including:

  1. Accept deposits and borrow money from non-residents of PR.
  2. Accept deposits and borrow money from certain government institutions
  3. Place deposits in any PR bank and foreign banks organized in PR.
  4. Make loans to non-residents of PR. Issue letters of credit to non-residents or PR.
  5. Issue letters of credit for export activities to both PR resident and non-residents.
  6. Discount money orders and bills of exchange to non-PR residents.
  7. Invest in securities and stocks as well as PR government bonds exempt from tax
  8. Carry transactions in any currency and gold or silver and foreign currency trade.
  9. Underwrite and trade notes and debt instruments issued by a non-PR residents
  10. Engage in trade financing of import  and export of raw materials and finished goods.
  11. Act as a fiduciary, executor, administrator, registrar of stocks and bonds, custodian, trustee, agent and any other fiduciary capacity with non-residents of PR after obtaining a special permit from the government.
  12. Acquire and lease personal property on behalf of non-PR residents.
  13. Buy and sell security outside of PR on behalf of non-PR residents.
  14. Act as a clearinghouse of instruments of foreign persons
  15. Organize and manage international financial entities not related to residents of PR.
  16. Lend or guarantee loans originated in some governmental institutions.
  17. Purchase sub-standards non-performing loans from a PR bank.
  18. Establish branches outside PR in the continental USA or in other foreign country.
  19. Provide the following services:
    • Asset management.
    • Management of alternative investments.
    • Management of private capital.
    • Management of hedge funds
    • Management of pools of capital
    • Administration of trusts
    • Management of escrow  funds for non-residents of PR.

An offshore bank licensed in Puerto Rico gives you access to the US market and a wide range of corresponding banks.  In addition to the usual suspects, corresponding bank options include:

  • Scotiabank *
  • FirstBank Puerto Rico
  • Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
  • Banco Popular North America (US Bank at https://www.popularcommunitybank.com/)
  • Centennial Bank (a US bank in FL https://www.my100bank.com/)

    * Scotia has a partnership deal with Bank of America that can be leveraged.

Puerto Rico is the second largest offshore banking jurisdiction in the Caribbean after Cayman Islands. The Cayman Island has decades more history, 40 of the top 50 banks in the world, and a total of 196 banks licensed as of the end of June 2015.

This compares to about 50 offshore banks operating from Puerto Rico. That’s more than all of the other Caribbean islands combined… not counting Cayman, of course.

So, next time you hear about offshore banking jurisdiction “hotbed” like Belize with 6 banks, all combined holding less capital than one bank in Puerto Rico, you will have some sense of scale.  

Here is a partial list of the active banks in PR.

  • Pfizer International Bank – Int. License
  • Santander Overseas Bank – Int Lic.
  • Bank of Nova Scotia – General
  • Chase Manhattan – Int Lic
  • Citibank – General, but operate as an international bank
  • Popular Bank – General & Int. Lic ( publicly traded, operated in PR for 120 years, 52 yrs in US)
  • Puerto Rico International – Int. Lic
  • Metro America Int – Int Lic
  • Amtrade International Bank of Georgia – General
  • Charles Schwab Bank – General
  • BNC International – Int Lic
  • FirstBank International – Int Lic
  • Santander Overseas – Int Lic
  • WesternBank – Int Lic
  • OBT International – Int Lic
  • SB Pharmco (owned by Glaxo) – Int Lic
  • Bank of Southeast Europe – Int. Lic.
  • First Bankcorp – Int Lic
  • Oriental Bank – This is one of the larger local banks
  • VS International – Int Lic
  • Face Bank – Int Lic
  • BST – Int Lic
  • BBO Private – Int Lic
  • Paramount International – Int Lic
  • Bancredito Int – Int Lic
  • Italbank – Int Lic
  • Activo – Int Lic
  • ARCA – Int Lic
  • Nodus – Int Lic
  • Andcapital – Int Lic
  • Elite International – Inc Lic

For more information, please review my articles on offshore bank licensing and operation. I’ve been working in offshore banking for over a decade, so there are a few older posts floating around the web. My recent articles on the topic are:

I hope you have found this review of offshore bank licenses in Puerto Rico helpful. If you would like to setup a licensed bank in Puerto Rico, please contact me for a confidential consultation at info@premieroffshore.com or call (619) 483-1708.

FBAR Due Date

Change to the FBAR Due Date

The FBAR due date has been changed from June 30 to April 15. If you file an extension for your personal return, you will have until Oct. 15 to submit your FBAR.

Finally the US government has done something which makes sense. This change to the FBAR due date will help new expats big time. Here’s why:

The FBAR was due on June 30 which made no sense. Oh so many newbie expats missed the filing deadline because they assumed the FBAR was due with their tax return. And because most expats file extensions, especially those looking to qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion using the physical presence test, the June 30 deadline was missed.

Fyi… The FBAR is not filed with your Federal tax return. In fact, it is not filed with the IRS at all. The FBAR is sent to FINCEN or filed through the FINCEN portal online.

But now the FBAR due dates have changed from June 30 to April 15. This means the due date is linked to the due date of your personal income tax return. You still file the return with FINCEN, but it is due on the same date as your personal return

This change to the due date of the FBAR is applicable for taxpayers after December 2015.

With the change in dates of filing of FBAR there has been no change in the filing requirements. The standard rules are as follows:

  • The minimum amount of $10,000 is required to have in the FinCen 114 (FBAR) account and it should be filed.
  • Failure to timely file or failure to request for the extension to file the FBAR are subject to extreme penalties.