One of the components of Panama's thrusts is encourage offshore banking. To encourage movement of funds and capital to Panama, this country has tightened its regulations by passing a new and comprehensive banking law that ensures conformity with safe and secure banking protocols across Europe and America.
In line with this, a Superintendency was established to oversee and study Panama's banking systems. The Superintendency is in charge of ensuring that the banks currently existing conform to established banking regulations and procedures. It is also in charge of making sure that the banks it issues licenses to will be engaged in fully legal transactions and are not going to abuse these licenses. The Superintendency has five Directors to see to the policies of and execute necessary changes to the Panamanian banking system.
The impact of tightened controls and regulations in the Panamanian banking system is felt most by those who have set up panama offshore corporations. On the one hand, more restrictions generally mean less appeal to bank account owners. But then, more stringent controls also mean more security. You would just have to weigh the pros and cons before you open a . If you decide to open a corporate bank account, exactly what is required and what are the rules you should follow?
Documentation is of course a necessary banking protocol. If you wish to open a Panama corporate bank account, you would have to present a notarized copy of your passport if you are the owner or one of the signatories of the account. You should be able to provide the bank with your and other signatories? bio data. You must also present two certifications or references from banks with which you have a long standing relationship (minimum of 2 years). These references from your local bank should divulge how long you have been banking with them and if your account with them is valid and in good standing.
Since you are opening a corporate account, you must also briefly describe your business and what the account is going to be for. You must be able to demonstrate where the funds going into your account will be coming from and through what means they are generated. You must also show why you wish to open an account, particularly in Panama, and you should also be able to provide a ballpark figure of the volume of funds that the bank account is expected to handle. This control is especially crucial to banks in the new tightened regulatory setup because Panama wishes to avoid illegal funds transfer, especially money laundering activities, in the country.
Opening A Bank Account In
So you want to open a bank account in Panama. Being a foreigner, it is really not easy these days as it was used to be. If you are living in the US or any of the European countries and want to open a bank account in Panama just to siphon your money, it is advisable not to go to this venture. Banks of some other countries will lure you to open an account, but the banks in Panama are not the same. You need to go through a rigorous process of validation of your account.
The first thing is to remember while opening a bank account in Panama is to get a letter of recommendation from your current bank. Never close the account in your original country where you live. If the authorities of Panama banks get to this fact by chance, there is a possibility that they will forfeit the amount you may have deposited.
To open an account, you need to furnish your proof of income. You may submit the statement of bank account of your current bank. A statement of at least last 6 months is required. Your resident status will be checked before you get your account. Without having the resident status, you will not be able to open a bank account in Panama. It is better to deposit the initial money through via electronic transfer rather than cash deposit. Initial cash deposit in large volume can leave the bankers in Panama having a close eye on your account.
You need to have these documents ready before you can apply for a bank account. Copy of the front page of your passport where the picture is pasted or the driver's license or any other government provided photo-id document should be the first thing you should keep ready. Letters of reference, two in numbers will be required. One of them should come from a professional working in Panama and the other you can take from anybody else. It is not necessary that these persons should know you for long.
Most of the banks demand 200 dollars for a saving account and at least 500 dollars to open a current (checking) account. There may be imposition of fine if the balance goes below this level.
When you enter the reception of a bank for the first time to open an account, prepare yourself to face these type of questions" "what is your source of income?", "Where is your business in Panama located?" "What kind of business you want to establish in Panama", "what may the transaction volume per month and per annum", "why Panama". The answer should be convincing enough to be cleared to open an account. It is better not to open your account is too much 'friendly' bank as the careful banks are more stable. You will also be asked to sign an agreement that you intent to abide by all the rules and regulations as per government and bank's amendments.
Opening a bank account in Panama is not difficult if you have the right notion and proper documents.
Both Roberto Bell & Infofreek are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Roberto Bell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food and Drink, Health and Colon Cleanse. Smythe Bradley is an expat living in The Republic of Panama. He has published many articles on in panama,. Roberto Bell's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Infofreek has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Software. For more information on . Infofreek's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
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