Buying a bank can be a lucrative investment, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Some of the most common risks associated with buying a bank include: Loan book risks. The loan book is the collection of all of the loans that a bank has made. If the loan book is…

In this post, I’ll explain why I believe Bermuda is the best jurisdiction for an international bank in nowdays and what’s required to build an international bank in Bermuda. This is a relatively new jurisdiction, with only one completed case as of this writing. But, I expect big things from Bermuda and for them to…

The best “pure offshore” offshore bank license jurisdiction in nowdays is St. Lucia. Here’s what you need to know about opening an offshore bank in St. Lucia, including the capital, operations, correspondent accounts, etc.  If you’re thinking about opening a bank in St. Lucia, this is a must-read. I say that St. Lucia is the best…

The Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIFI) is expected to implement new international banking regulations in 2024. The regulations are designed to improve financial transparency and to prevent money laundering.Some of the key provisions of the new regulations include: Enhanced customer due diligence: Banks will be required to conduct more extensive customer…

In a big moment for Puerto Rico’s financial sector, Nave Bank, thas obtained authorization from the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF) to initiate operations.This approval is especially significant as it marks the establishment of the first new domestic bank in…

In this post, I’ll look at the requirements to set up an international bank in the Bahamas. This jurisdiction is looking to make a comeback after the FTX mess and needs one or two big time successes as soon as possible in the international banking industry. When I talk about an international banking license, or an…

In this post, I am looking at the risks of buying an international bank in Puerto Rico. I am focused on offshore banks in Puerto Rico because that’s my expertise. But, these risks apply to the purchase of any small bank, especially offshore banks without FDIC. The acquisition of a bank in Puerto Rico can be…

Here’s a guide on how to purchase a state or nationally chartered bank in the United States, especially when involving non-US shareholders or investors. Step 1: Set Up a Bank Holding Company A Bank Holding Company (BHC) is essentially a parent company that owns or controls banks and other subsidiaries. Setting up a BHC is…

In this post, I’ll look at the requirements and suggested path to buy a bank in the United States. The purpose of this article is to give you guidance on the process, costs, timeframe, and license types available when looking to purchase a bank in the United States. Note that most of my articles cover topics…

I usually write about mid-tier or lower-tier international banking licenses. In the middle of the market, we have the US territory of Puerto Rico with Bermuda coming up fast.  In this post, I’ll look at the top-tier banking jurisdictions. If you enjoy the following article, you might also like to review the differences between Puerto Rico…

Bermuda is poised to become the top international bank license in 2024. The island has a number of advantages that make it an attractive destination for banks, including a stable political and economic environment, a sophisticated financial services industry, and a well-developed regulatory framework.Bermuda is poised to become the top international bank license in 2024….