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Banking

Banking FAQs

Answers to the questions we are asked most about international corporate banking, account opening, offshore banking and payments.

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Coutts Consultants introduces clients to banking partners. All accounts are opened by the relevant bank or financial institution, subject to its own approval, onboarding and due diligence. We do not guarantee account opening, and we do not assist with tax evasion, money laundering or any unlawful activity.

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Banking Topics

Account Opening

How introductions work and what to expect.

Business Banking

Corporate accounts for companies and groups.

EMI & Digital Banking

E-money institutions and digital accounts.

Offshore Banking

International banking and its legitimate use.

Multi-Currency & Payments

Holding and moving multiple currencies.

Merchant Accounts

Accepting card and online payments.

Requirements & Due Diligence

Documents, KYC and source of funds.

General

Everything else about banking with us.

Answers

Banking Questions & Answers

Account Opening 4 questions
No. We introduce you to banking partners suited to your business. The account is opened by the bank or financial institution, which carries out its own onboarding, approval and due diligence. We support you through the process but do not control the decision.
No. We cannot and do not guarantee that any bank will approve an account. Approval rests entirely with the bank based on its own criteria, risk appetite and due diligence. We help you present a strong, complete application, but the outcome is the bank's decision.
Some partners offer remote or digital onboarding, while others require an in-person meeting. Availability depends on the institution, your circumstances and the jurisdiction, and is confirmed as part of the introduction.
A decline by one bank does not necessarily mean others will take the same view. Where appropriate we can explore alternative partners, though we cannot guarantee that any institution will approve an account.
Business Banking 4 questions
We work with companies, groups and entrepreneurs across many sectors and jurisdictions. Suitability depends on the business activity, structure and the requirements of the banking partner.
Yes, in many cases. Newly incorporated and ready-made companies can be introduced to banking partners, subject to the bank's due diligence and its assessment of the business.
Often yes. Many partners work with non-resident owners and directors, subject to enhanced due diligence and the requirements of the specific bank and jurisdiction.
Yes. We can introduce you to partners across several jurisdictions where that supports your business, each subject to its own approval and due diligence.
EMI & Digital Banking 4 questions
An EMI (Electronic Money Institution) account is a regulated e-money account offered by a licensed provider. EMIs often provide fast onboarding and multi-currency features, though they are not banks and services can differ.
EMIs are authorised to issue electronic money and provide payment services but do not offer the full range of services a bank does, such as lending or deposit protection in the same way. We help you understand which is appropriate for your needs.
Onboarding can be quicker with some EMIs, but this is not guaranteed and still depends on the provider's due diligence and your documentation.
It depends on how you intend to receive and move funds, your currency needs and the markets you serve. We can talk through whether an EMI, a bank or both suit your requirements.
Offshore Banking 4 questions
Common legitimate reasons include holding multiple currencies, supporting international trade, and banking closer to where a business operates. The right approach depends entirely on your circumstances.
Often yes. International and offshore banking partners typically apply thorough due diligence, including verifying identity, business activity and source of funds. Being well prepared helps the process.
Holding an offshore account does not, by itself, change your tax obligations. Your tax position depends on your residency and circumstances and should be assessed with appropriate professional advice.
Multi-Currency & Payments 4 questions
A multi-currency account lets a business hold, receive and pay in several currencies from one account, which can reduce conversion costs for international trade.
Rates and fees vary by provider. We can help you compare partners, though specific pricing is confirmed by the institution.
Supported currencies depend on the provider. Major currencies are widely available; others vary by institution.
If you invoice, pay or trade across borders, a multi-currency account can help. We can advise based on your currency flows and markets.
Merchant Accounts 4 questions
A merchant account lets a business accept card and online payments. It is provided by an acquiring bank or payment provider following their own assessment of the business.
No. As with bank accounts, approval is at the discretion of the acquirer or payment provider, based on the business type, processing history and risk assessment.
Some sectors are treated as higher risk by acquirers. We can introduce you to providers that consider such businesses, though approval and terms remain the provider's decision.
Typically company documents, identification for owners, website and business details, and information about expected processing volumes. Requirements vary by provider.
Requirements & Due Diligence 4 questions
Requirements vary by institution but commonly include proof of identity and address for directors and beneficial owners, company documents, and information about the intended business activity.
Source of funds explains where the money entering the account comes from. Banks are required to understand this as part of anti-money-laundering obligations, and clear evidence helps applications proceed.
Yes. Banks must identify the ultimate beneficial owners of a company as part of their due diligence, so this information is required for an introduction.
Provide complete, accurate documentation, be clear about your business activity and source of funds, and respond promptly to the bank's requests. We help you prepare, but approval remains the bank's decision.
General 4 questions
Our fees depend on the service and are confirmed in a clear quote before you proceed. Any charges from the bank or provider are separate and set by them.
Timeframes vary widely by institution, business type and how quickly documentation is provided. We cannot guarantee a specific timeframe.
Corporate accounts, EMI and digital accounts, multi-currency accounts, merchant accounts and offshore banking introductions — see our Banking Services.
The simplest way is to speak with an adviser about your business and banking needs. We will recommend suitable partners and guide you through what each requires.

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Popular Banking Questions

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Is offshore banking legal?

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Can I open an account remotely?

Can you guarantee merchant account approval?

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Banking Services → Corporate Bank Accounts → Merchant Accounts → Offshore Banking → General FAQs → Country Guides →
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Coutts Consultants Ltd and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Material on this page has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.