The question of whether bank accounts abroad are common in the Cayman Islands often pops up when people search for the best offshore banking place. And while the Caymans have been popularised by Hollywood as an excellent offshore banking destination, they happen to be one of the most difficult banking jurisdictions to access.
There are benefits that come with offshore jurisdictions, particularly the Caymans, that also have a beneficial tax regime; opening a bank account abroad is not a walk in the park and is not as commonly used as you may think.
Opening a Bank Account Abroad
Opening a bank account abroad is one of the ways you can support your international banking needs. It can also help businesses reduce expenses on foreign transactions. It can also help individuals escape tough monetary policies and runaway inflation, becoming safe harbours where families can protect their wealth.
Because of its obvious benefits, opening an account abroad should not be seen as a nefarious activity. When done correctly, it can be a practical solution to complex problems.
The challenge most people face is where to open an account. It’s important to understand the bank requirements, the account opening processes and other small details that could affect your applications.
What You Should Know About Banks in the Cayman Islands
Media coverage has painted the Cayman Islands as one of the best places for offshore accounts. It’s like a free-for-all banking hub that everyone can consider when banking.
But the reality is actually quite different. Opening a bank account abroad in the Cayman Islands is an uphill task, and it also happens that the Cayman Islands are the wrong banking choice for most people and businesses.
To open a bank account in this jurisdiction, you must demonstrate economic substance in the Caymans. This is a requirement in all Cayman Island banks.
Economic Substance Requirements
If you want to open a personal bank account, most banks require evidence showing that you have close ties to the country.
“Close ties” means you have an approved residency status in the Cayman Islands. In some cases, it’s possible to open a bank account in the country if you own real estate there, though it is becoming rare in the country. Simply put, opening an account in the Caymans might be impossible without a physical address there.
Similarly, if you’re looking to open a business bank account, there are considerations as well which are not easy to meet, such as;
- Are your core income-generating activities located in the Cayman Islands?
- Is the company or business directed and managed from the Cayman Islands?
- Do you have operating expenditures within the jurisdiction?
- Do you maintain a physical place of business in the Caymans?
- Do you have full-time employees or other personnel in the Caymans?
Not many businesses meet these requirements unless they are actually located in the Caymans. That makes opening a business account for a business that operates elsewhere extremely difficult.
Another commonly overlooked factor in opening an account abroad in the Cayman Islands is the cost of running the account.
Being the most sought-after banking system in the world means the banks provide a premium and trustworthy banking experience, which comes at a premium price tag, too!
There are over 150 banks in the Cayman Islands, and all of them are packed with high-net-worth clients and businesses, meaning they are not short of business. The high competition to get an account in this jurisdiction means the banks have the upper hand, and you must meet all the set requirements to open an account there.
If you can successfully open the account, the minimum account balance to activate the account can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the bank you choose. Some banks have a lower threshold.
Can You Open a Bank Account Abroad in the Cayman Islands?
It is possible for individuals and businesses to open accounts in the Cayman Islands. But to do that, they have to qualify first.
Unfortunately, most individuals and businesses looking to open accounts in the Caymans don’t qualify. So, they end up looking elsewhere instead.
Although most people start their offshore account opening process focused on getting the account in the Cayman Islands, when you fail, there are many other offshore jurisdictions to choose from. Many don’t impose the same level of economic substance that the Caymans do on account openers.
The United States, Panama, the Channel Islands, the United Kingdom, Singapore and some EU countries are all examples of offshore jurisdictions that allow foreign, non-resident individuals and companies to open accounts abroad without significant ties.
Alternatives to Using a Cayman Islands Bank
Your banking solution might be closer to home than expected. Most people and businesses considering offshore accounts prefer them for easier and more cost-effective transactions. Fintech and new challenger banks can help corporations that want the reputation and security of traditional banks in the Caymans paired with the efficiency of technology. Some alternatives you can consider to Cayman Island Banks include;
Pay iO
Pay iO is one of the revolutionary challenger banks in the UK, particularly regarding businesses. It packs the features that most businesses look for in offshore accounts in one efficient and highly secure app.
Pay iO offers businesses a multi-currency account where they can easily store all their funds in up to 50 different accounts and a currency conversation tool they can use when they need to transact in a currency they don’t have.
Such features and 24/7 support make Pay iO an excellent option for businesses looking for financial flexibility to trade across borders without incurring hefty transaction fees. Pay iO also supports most of the international money-sending options for fast and efficient money transfers, among other handy features.
Closing Remarks
Opening accounts abroad in the Cayman Islands is quite popular because it is the most sought-after offshore banking destination for obvious reasons. But, opening the actual account in the country is packed with bureaucracies and requirements that only a few people manage to wiggle through. While it is popular, it is an easy destination to acquire an account abroad because of the high economic substance requirements.
