Brokering International Business Acquisitions - Since 1991
San Diego - Zurich


Bank ownership is not appropriate for every organization because it can be very expensive and time consuming. Thus, it cannot offer an immediate solution to business needs. The rewards, however, may be well worth it.

After the tragedy of 9/11, international banking laws and regulations have changed. The bank-chartering process can be an endurance test easily lasting 18-months even in the most accommodating of jurisdictions. Often the complexity of the application provides not only the ability for extensive due diligence but discourages unqualified applicants from even starting the process. In effect, this marathon “weeds out” those parties that are not fully committed to bank ownership.

We would be happy to discuss establishing a new bank with you in detail and assist with the application process if appropriate. You will need to plan carefully though and fees could likely reach $100,000 or more. The option of looking for an established institution can also be an attractive alternative and we certainly have opportunities that present themselves from time-to-time. In general, however, obtaining ownership of an existing bank will also require much time and expense. It should also be noted that an existing bank also offers other challenges such as potential bad loans or troubled obligations which are difficult to trace since accounting standards vary from country to country.

A bank is defined as an organization, usually a corporation, chartered by a government which does most or all of the following: receives demand deposits and time deposits, honors instruments drawn on them, and pays interest on them; discounts notes, makes loans, and invests in securities; collects checks, drafts, and notes; certifies depositor’s checks; and issues drafts and cashier’s checks. The bank charter is an agreement that governs the manner in which the bank is regulated and operates. It authorizes the existence of the bank by the agency which is primarily responsible for protecting the public from unsafe banking practices.

Jurisdictions of Preference:

  • Vary according to the qualifications and goals of the potential owners

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