What Are The Requirements For Getting A Bank License In the Commonwealth of Dominica?
What Are The Requirements For Getting A Bank License In the
Commonwealth of Dominica?
Dominica, an island nation in the Caribbean, sandwiched between the two French countries of Guadeloupe in the north and Martinique in the south, has been actively seeking to expand its financial sector with the provision of financial services.
One way the government is encouraging growth in this area is by making it easier for companies to obtain banking licenses to cater for their high net worth clients.
Correspondingly, an offshore bank account is simply an account maintained by an individual or business in a jurisdiction in which the holder of the account is not normally resident. For example, a licensed offshore bank from the Commonwealth of Dominica is prohibited from opening accounts for and doing business with persons resident in Dominica but can do business with all persons resident outside of Dominica. Hence, the name offshore. But there are certain exceptions. And ways going about that with another grant of a license to do not offshore banking but money services if one would like to do business with persons resident in Dominica.
In this article, we will outline the requirements for getting a bank license in Dominica.
Requirements Of Getting A Bank License In Dominica
Incorporation & Registration:
To apply for a bank license in Dominica, a company must first be incorporated and get registered under the incorporation provisions of the Companies Act of 1994. This entails the submission of completed Articles of Incorporation to the Companies Registry.
Minimum Capital Requirements:
The next requirement is to have a minimum capital of at least $1 million United States Dollars (USD) or 5% of deposit liabilities whichever is greater must be maintained. This capital must be in the form of cash or highly liquid assets, and the company must provide proof of the source of the funds.
A Reserve Fund must be maintained and must not be below the level of the issued paid up capital of the company. Whenever the Reserve Fund falls below the level of the issued paid up capital of the company, at least 25% of net profit before payment of dividends, must be transferred to the Fund.
Fit & Proper Test:
All directors, shareholders, and senior managers of the bank must undergo a fit and proper test. This is a background check that ensures the individuals are of good character, have the necessary banking skills and experience to manage a bank and are financially stable.
Business Plan & Financial Projections:
A comprehensive business plan and financial projections must be submitted as part of the application process. This should include a description of the bank’s target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections for the first three to five years.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:
The bank must comply with all regulatory requirements set forth by the Financial Services Unit (FSU) of the Ministry of Finance. This includes anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, as well as other regulations related to the operation of banks in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Capital Adequacy Ratio
The bank must maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of at least 8%. This is a measure of a bank’s financial strength and its ability to absorb losses.
Insurance & Bonding
The bank must obtain insurance and bonding for its directors, officers, and employees. This is to protect the bank and its customers from any financial loss due to fraud, theft, or other wrongful acts.
Established Place of Business
Yes, you must have an established place of business in Dominica- office space and staffing is a must. We can organised office space and select the qualified staff members that you will require for the bank. There must be a Manager for the bank, Compliance Officer and a Receptionist. Also, the company must have a local agent. WhinChester can arrange.
Conclusion
Obtaining a bank license in Dominica would require you to file the application together with all other requirements highlighted above. By meeting the above requirements and complying with all other regulatory requirements, a company can successfully obtain a bank license and begin operations in this growing market. For more information in this regard, consult our banking specialists at WhinChester Corporate Powerhouse. They will surely assist you.
For more information consult WhinChester at:
- + [971] 52 208 9024
- +1 [767] 440 8800
- +1 [767] 275 8800
- +[971] 58 645 3924
- services@whinchesterpowerhouse.co.uk
- dominicaoffices@whinchesterpowerhouse.co.uk
- dubaioffices@whinchesterpowerhouse.co.uk
- 1/Flr British American Commercial Bldg. Office - Unit 1003B No. 4 Cross Lane, Roseau Commonwealth of Dominica