5 Tips for Evaluating an Offshore Bank

Offshore banking brings with it a number of undeniable advantages. As a result, an increasing number of individuals are turning to offshore banks to hold, maintain, grow and protect their wealth. However, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormous range of offshore banks to choose from.

 

These five tips can help you evaluate offshore banks and make a decision about the best one that suits your financial requirements.

1. Confirm the Availability of Online Banking Service

One of the first things to evaluate when choosing a new offshore bank is whether the bank offers online banking services. In today’s modern world, this is a mandatory element to financial matters.

 

In order to handle transactions with the touch of a button, check up on account balances in any time zone or pay bills instantly, online banking is key. If this isn’t available, then the bank may not be operating as a tech-savvy institution.

2. Consider the Bank’s Location

Although a bank may be offshore, it will still be located within a specific jurisdiction, or country. Every jurisdiction has its own regulations with regard to taxation, income reporting, protection and legal seizures.

 

It is absolutely worth paying attention to these local laws to find out whether banks will be favorable for clients. Belize, as an example, is a top pick for many investors because the nation as a whole has tax rates that are either nonexistent or incredibly favorable for foreign investors.

3. Question Staff and Communication

It is absolutely fine to ask bank staff serious questions about how they communicate with customers. To start, ensure that most or all of the personnel working on behalf of the bank can communicate with you in your preferred language. In addition, find out what kind of credentials the bank’s financial experts have.

 

Finally, ask how staff communicate, whether that is by email, fax, phone or in person, and determine whether their options are compatible with your needs.

4. Ask About Reserve Requirements

Reserve requirements are the amount of liquid assets the bank keeps on hand in order to guarantee safety of investment to those individuals who hold accounts.

 

In some cases, reserve requirements are set by national laws, but many banks exceed those minimums, making them more attractive to investors. When financial safety is a concern, asking about reserve requirements is a smart way to guarantee that a bank takes seriously the peace of mind of its customers.

5. Explore the Full Range of Services Offered

The final step to evaluating an offshore bank is looking at the types of services they offer. For individuals, top priorities might be checking accounts, savings accounts or trusts.

 

However, prepaid debit cards, foreign currency accounts and personal financing are other options that might be desirable. Corporations and small businesses may also want to look for offshore banks that offer suitable corporate lending, business lines of credit or corporate bank accounts in multiple currency types.

With these tips, it will be easier for you to evaluate offshore banks. After plenty of research, you might conclude that Caye International Bank in Belize is routinely chosen as the top offshore bank for individuals and businesses alike.

Contact us today to learn more about our financial services.