AML/CFT programmes, MLRO-as-a-Service, independent AML/CFT audits, risk assessments, monitoring, sanctions and inspection support.
Banking & Payments
Banking and acquiring for international and high-risk businesses: banks, EMIs and acquirers that fit your model, a strong onboarding file and negotiated terms.
Discuss your matterTypical deliverables
- Bank-ready onboarding pack
- Merchant account application file
- Payment flow map with licensing position
- Negotiated acquiring and PSP agreements
- Safeguarding policy and procedures
- Agent and distributor agreements
Dedicated services
Instructed on their own
- ServiceBank Account OpeningHelp organising your banking with banks and EMIs that fit your model, from the onboarding file and account structure to periodic reviews.
- ServiceMerchant Account / Acquiring SetupMerchant applications, acquiring structure and negotiated terms for online and high-risk merchants that need stable card and local payment acceptance.
Overview
Why it matters
Bank accounts and acquiring let a business operate and get paid: accounts for operating and client funds, acquirers and PSPs for customer payments. Financial institutions assess gaming, crypto, forex and other high-risk businesses closely, so the onboarding file must answer their questions from the start.
We shortlist institutions whose appetite fits your model, prepare onboarding files the way their compliance teams read them, negotiate account, acquiring and PSP terms, and map payment flows so that the business does not unintentionally carry out regulated payment activity itself.
Scope
What we do
Bank Account Opening
Corporate, operational and safeguarding accounts at banks and EMIs: institutions shortlisted for fit, the onboarding file, due diligence responses and periodic reviews.
Merchant Account Opening
Applications to acquirers and PSPs that accept your merchant category, including categories classified as high-risk, prepared to answer their underwriting questions.
Acquiring / Payment Setup
Acquiring structure, gateways and payment methods, with reserves, rolling holds, chargeback terms and termination rights negotiated before signature to protect your cash flow.
Payment Flow Analysis
Mapping who holds funds at each step, whether the model triggers payment or e-money licensing and how available exemptions apply, before you build on it.
Safeguarding and Client Funds
Safeguarding arrangements, segregated accounts and the documentation auditors and regulators expect for client money.
Card Scheme and High-Risk Rules
Card scheme requirements for restricted merchant categories, including the registration and monitoring programmes acquirers apply, with checkout and terms checked against them.
Agents and Distributors
Structuring agent, distributor and embedded-finance partnerships so that regulatory responsibility is clearly allocated.
Industries
Where we apply it
- iGaming & GamingB2C operators, B2B suppliers, platforms, aggregators and affiliates.
- Fintech & PaymentsPayment and e-money institutions, PSPs and acquirers, payment facilitators and embedded finance.
- Crypto & Digital AssetsCASPs and VASPs, exchanges, custodians, wallets, token projects and crypto payments.
- Forex & InvestmentsForex and CFD brokers, investment firms, trading and investment platforms.
- Digital Platforms & MarketplacesOnline marketplaces, digital platforms, multi-sided platforms and digital service operators.
- IT & SaaS BusinessesIT and software development companies, SaaS providers, IT outsourcing and cloud services.
Questions
Frequently asked
What makes a bank or merchant account application stronger?
A file that sets out ownership, source of funds and the business model clearly, due diligence answers consistent with your licence and website, and institutions whose risk appetite matches your business. The decision and its terms rest with the institution; our work is to prepare that file and see each application through.
Our PSP holds a large reserve. Can it be renegotiated?
It can be, particularly once you have processing history. We review the agreement, the reserve mechanics and your chargeback data, build the case for a lower reserve and negotiate it alongside you, or plan the move of volumes to additional providers.
Related
Related practice areas
Regulatory, business model, perimeter, payment, gaming, crypto-asset and cross-border opinions that answer what banks and investors ask.
Licence strategy, applications and regulator engagement for gaming, payments, e-money, investment and crypto-asset businesses.
Group architecture, incorporation, substance and governance built around your licences, banking and investors.
Need a bank, EMI or merchant account that fits your model?
Outline how your business moves money and which providers you use. A first call covers where to apply and what the onboarding file needs; a written proposal with scope, timetable and fee follows.