All companies require a bank account but opening accounts is becoming increasingly difficult due to international transparency and anti-money laundering initiatives. Many banks will no longer open accounts for non-resident companies. Others will only open accounts for companies that have been introduced by a recognised and licensed service provider that is on their ‘approved list’.
All banks now undertake increased due diligence – not just when opening accounts but also on a transactional basis. Account opening procedures differ widely between banks, sometimes even between different branches of the same bank. Applications can be complicated and documents often have to be certified or notarised and translated.
Sovereign has longstanding relationships with many banks around the world and can assist with bank introductions and the preparation and submission of the necessary documentation.