Banking
Banking for higher-risk sectors
Corporate account and payment introductions for lawful, licensed businesses in sectors that banks treat as higher risk, such as iGaming, digital assets and cross-border payments. Subject to enhanced due diligence.
Some lawful, licensed businesses find that banks treat their sector as higher risk: iGaming operators, digital asset businesses, payment companies and businesses with complex cross-border flows. We identify banks and payment providers that accept the sector, prepare an enhanced due diligence file that answers their questions at the start, and make the introduction. We act only for businesses that are licensed where a licence is required and that can document the source of their funds, in line with our prohibited and restricted matters.
What we cover
What the service covers
What you receive
- An assessment of which banks and providers accept your sector and jurisdictions
- An enhanced due diligence file: licences, ownership, flows, controls and source of funds
- Introductions made by a director, with any introduction payment disclosed in advance
- Support through the bank's review until a decision is made
Who it is for
Clients we usually advise
- 01
Licensed iGaming operators and suppliers
- 02
Registered or licensed digital asset businesses
- 03
Payment and money services businesses, and companies with complex cross-border flows
Jurisdictions
Where we most often deliver this service
Other jurisdictions can be considered. The choice is made against your circumstances, not from a list.
- European Union
- United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- United Arab Emirates
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
How we engage
Four stages, each agreed in writing
Typical timeline Scoped on engagement, depending on the banks, registries and regulators involved. You can stop after any stage.
- 1
Apply
A short application. We aim to reply within 48 hours and tell you whether we are the right firm for the matter.
- 2
Diagnose
Working sessions with the director leading your matter. We test assumptions, model scenarios and agree the question to answer.
- 3
Blueprint
A written memorandum setting out the structure, the reasons for it and the costs, for your bank, auditor and counsel to read.
- 4
Implement
We manage formations, bank applications, licensing and documentation, and stay on for ongoing compliance.
Questions
Common questions
Which businesses will you not act for?
Can you guarantee an account?
Are you paid by the banks?
Related services
Often combined with this service
- International bankingIntroductions to 25+ private and corporate banks across the UK, EU, GCC, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and the US.Typically 3 to 10 weeksTypically 3 to 10 weeks
- Fintech licensingEMI, PSP, VASP, MSB and crypto licence applications, prepared to each regulator's requirements.Typically 6 to 14 monthsTypically 6 to 14 months
- Gold and bullion storageAllocated, segregated bullion storage in non-bank vaults across four continents.Typically 1 to 2 weeksTypically 1 to 2 weeks
- Corporate payment cardsMulti-currency corporate cards and prepaid cards for global operations.Typically 1 to 3 weeksTypically 1 to 3 weeks
We do not give legal or tax advice in jurisdictions where we are not qualified to do so; where needed, we coordinate local counsel and tax advisers.
Fees agreed in writing before work begins. Where a bank or provider pays us for an introduction, we tell you before the introduction is made.
See also what we will not do and prohibited and restricted matters.
Next step
Tell us about your matter.
A short application tells us what you need and where. We aim to reply within 48 hours. If we are not the right firm for it, we will say so.