Remote banking has become a priority in 2020 as travel restrictions limit the ability to open accounts in person. Below is a concise guide to the most viable offshore and international banks that can be accessed remotely, grouped by the type of service you may need.
Tier‑1 banks for offshore companies
These large, well‑known institutions can accept non‑resident corporate clients from jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, the UAE, the UK, Canada, and other “mid‑shore” locations.
| Bank | Why it’s notable | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas | Tier‑1 global bank; strong brand and regulatory backing. | Accepts non‑resident companies (e.g., Hong Kong or UAE‑registered). Remote opening is possible, but you must present a coherent business narrative and supporting documentation. |
| Standard Chartered | UK‑based, with a strong presence in Asia. | Open to companies from the UAE, Hong Kong, etc. Typically requires an operating history; a brand‑new entity may be rejected. Building a track record through a “small business” bank (e.g., Wise/TransferWise) can help. |
Key tip: If you lack a corporate history, start with a fintech‑styled bank that offers easy account opening (e.g., Wise) to generate transaction records before approaching a Tier‑1 bank.
Brokerage accounts
For investors who need a platform to trade securities worldwide, Interactive Brokers remains the default choice.
- Low‑cost fee structure.
- Accepts clients from most jurisdictions.
- Many local brokers (e.g., TBC in Georgia, Bank of Georgia) white‑label Interactive Brokers’ technology, providing a familiar interface under a regional brand.
Wealth‑management banking (high‑net‑worth, low‑transaction)
When the focus is on preserving capital rather than daily cash flow, Swiss private banks are the go‑to options.
- Julius Baer – International private banking with strong confidentiality and asset‑protection features.
- Other Swiss banks – Offer similar levels of security and are accustomed to serving offshore clients.
Crypto‑friendly banking
Crypto‑related businesses face tighter scrutiny, but a few banks are still approachable.
| Bank / Institution | Region | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
| Silvergate Bank | California, USA | US‑dollar crypto operations; offers deposit and lending services to vetted crypto firms. |
| Lithuanian Central Bank‑licensed banks | Lithuania, EU | Currently the most crypto‑receptive in Europe; suitable for exchanges and brokerages. |
| UOB Singapore | Singapore | General business accounts that also handle modest crypto activity. |
| Deltec Bank | Bahamas | Large‑scale crypto holdings; usually only for substantial capital. |
Caveats: Crypto banking often incurs higher fees and may involve stricter AML/KYC checks. Expect longer onboarding times and be prepared to demonstrate clear source‑of‑funds documentation.
U.S. banks for foreign LLCs
If you are forming a U.S. LLC and can travel to the United States, the major American banks are still viable, though each has its own quirks.
- Bank of America – Generally the most straightforward for foreign owners; good for building credit.
- Citi – Similar to BofA in terms of accessibility.
- Chase – Preferred for e‑commerce businesses because of its “Chase Payment Tech” platform, which eases integration with Stripe and PayPal. However, Chase may close accounts more readily if international transaction patterns appear unclear.
- Wells Fargo – An option, though the presenter expressed a personal preference against it.
Practical workaround for e‑commerce:
- Open a Stripe account and process a modest volume of transactions.
- Use the Stripe history to demonstrate consistent cash flow.
- Apply for a Chase payment‑tech account; the existing Stripe record can help satisfy Chase’s underwriting criteria.
General recommendations for remote account opening
- Document a clear business narrative – Explain the purpose of the account, the jurisdiction of incorporation, and the expected transaction flow.
- Build a transaction history – Use fintech providers (Wise, Stripe, etc.) to generate a record of inbound/outbound payments before approaching a Tier‑1 bank.
- Prepare AML/KYC paperwork – Expect to provide passports, proof of address, incorporation documents, and possibly a business plan.
- Consider jurisdictional compatibility – Some banks are more comfortable with USD‑based businesses, others with EUR or local currencies. Align your banking choice with the primary currency of your operations.
- Expect higher fees for niche services – Crypto‑focused banks and private banks typically charge premium fees; weigh these against the security and service level you need.
By matching your specific banking need—whether it’s a corporate account for an offshore company, a brokerage platform for trading, wealth preservation, crypto operations, or a U.S. LLC banking solution—to the institutions listed above, you can navigate the 2020 remote‑banking landscape with greater confidence.
