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AltFunds Global
AltFunds Global

Guidance on Pursuing Banking Licenses

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Compliance Notice

AltFunds Global is not a bank and does not sell or issue banking licenses. We provide advisory services, documentation support, and introductions to vetted counterparties for clients seeking to explore regulatory pathways.


All outcomes — including approvals, timing, and license issuance — are determined solely by regulators and counterparties, and depend on the completeness of client documentation and the results of compliance reviews.

Description

Traditional finance can be slow, rigid, and restrictive. Banks say no, private equity demands ownership, and opportunities stall. But what if instead of relying on others, you positioned yourself inside the system — as a strategic investor, shareholder, or licensed institution?

The AltFunds Global Banking License Guidance Program is designed for forward-thinking individuals exploring banking licenses and related regulatory options. Our role is to provide advisory guidance, due diligence frameworks, and introductions that help you evaluate whether participating in financial infrastructure aligns with your strategy.

This is not about shortcuts or guaranteed outcomes. It is a structured, compliance-first journey for qualified clients who want to think beyond borrowing and toward building a legacy.

Illustrative Case Study

From Borrower to Strategic Investor

A renewable energy executive faced constant delays securing large-scale project financing. Traditional banks were slow, and private equity demanded significant control.

Through structured advisory, she pursued strategic participation in a regulated institution. This move gave her influence over liquidity allocation, strengthened credibility in her industry, and created long-term opportunities for sustainable finance initiatives.

⚠️ This example is illustrative only. It does not guarantee outcomes and does not imply a direct client relationship with AltFunds Global.

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Program Pathways We Support

1) Hybrid Swiss SRO + International Back Office
  • Structure: Compliance oversight under a Swiss Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO), with operational back-office integration via a licensed Dominican Republic bank.

  • Your Role: Strategic investor — you do not run the bank day-to-day.

  • Our Role: Guidance on licensing readiness, business plan, technology, products, human capital, and compliance.

 
2) Swiss Banking Route (Advisory)
  • Structure: Pursue licensing or supervisory frameworks in Switzerland (where permissible).

  • Our Role: Feasibility review, regulator-grade documentation, governance design, and introductions to specialist counsel.

  • Note: Only regulators issue licenses — no guarantees are made.

 
3) Strategic Ownership in Existing Banks
  • Structure: Participate as a shareholder in regulated institutions (jurisdiction-dependent).

  • Your Role: Strategic investor; governance rights vary by stake and law.

  • Our Role: Introductions, due diligence support, transaction structuring.

 
4) Bank Acquisition Advisory (Select Jurisdictions)
  • Structure: Acquire or recapitalize regulated institutions aligned to your sector or geography.

  • Our Role: Target search, structuring, valuation guidance, and regulator engagement.

 
5) Non-Bank Regulatory Options (Faster Pathways)
  • Electronic Money Institution (EMI) or Payment Institution (PI) licenses

  • Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) or sponsor-bank partnerships

  • Trust, corporate services, or captive finance licenses

  • Often faster and less capital-intensive while still granting regulated financial capabilities.


 

Benefits of Owning (or Participating in) a Banking License

While every case depends on regulator approval, capitalization, and compliance, the potential benefits of participating in a banking license include:

  • Direct Access to Capital Flows – Move from borrower to facilitator of capital.

  • Expanded Capabilities – Depending on permissions, banks may offer a range of services, including lending, deposits, custody, and payments.

  • Strategic Leverage – Strengthen project finance, acquisitions, or industry-specific initiatives.

  • Revenue Diversification – Income may come from spreads, fees, custody, or payments.

  • Global Credibility – Operating under Swiss or equivalent frameworks enhances reputation.

  • Legacy Impact – Influence financial systems and create generational opportunities.

⚠️ Important: Benefits vary significantly by jurisdiction, license type, and regulator approval. AltFunds Global provides advisory guidance only; approvals rest with the regulators.

Qualifications

We work with clients who:

  • Operate in capital-intensive or regulated industries

  • Have a documented net worth and a verifiable source of funds

  • Are prepared for rigorous due diligence and transparency

  • Possess a long-term strategic vision for banking or financial infrastructure

    Process?

    1. Vision Alignment – Confidential consultation to map goals.

    2. Feasibility Review – Verify financial capacity, accreditation, and readiness of documentation.

    3. Pathway Selection – Choose between hybrid, Swiss, acquisition, strategic ownership, or non-bank options.

    4. Documentation Package – Business plan, governance framework, compliance plan, technology architecture.

    5. Counterparty Engagement – Introductions to regulators, institutions, or legal counsel.

    6. Execution & Oversight – Advisory throughout build-out, acquisition, or investment (subject to approvals).

    ⚠️ Regulators determine approvals. AltFunds Global provides advisory support only.

      Essential Documentation

      Typical requirements include:

      • Proof of accreditation and financial capacity

      • Strategic business plan and rationale for licensing

      • Corporate structure and UBO (ultimate beneficial owner) details

      • AML/KYC documentation for principals and investors

      • Technology/security overview for digital operations

      • Signed NDA (provided by AltFunds Global)

      Fees

      Transparent and Escrow-Protected

      • Advisory Fees: Range from USD 900,000 to 29,000,000, depending on jurisdiction, complexity, and scope.

      • Due Diligence Costs: Variable by regulator and transaction size.

      • Success Fee: 1–3% of transaction value if ownership or licensing is completed.

      • Escrow-Only Payments: All fees are handled through independent escrow agents. AltFunds Global never directly holds client funds.

      Timelines

      Indicative only (not guaranteed):

      • Consultation & Eligibility Review: 1–2 weeks

      • Pathway Mapping & Market Insights: 2–6 weeks

      • Documentation & Compliance Build-Out: 2–6 months (jurisdiction-dependent)

      • Approvals/Closings: Determined solely by regulators and counterparties

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      Fraud Prevention & Transparency

      Bank licensing attracts opportunistic and unverified operators. AltFunds Global mitigates these risks through:

      • Independent escrow arrangements

      • Regulator-grade documentation and reviews

      • Licensed attorneys and compliance teams

      • Encouraging independent legal review by every client

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      Myth-Busting FAQ

      Myth 1: AltFunds Global sells banking licenses.
      Reality: We do not. Only regulators issue licenses. We provide advisory and facilitation support.

      Myth 2: Timelines are guaranteed.
      Reality: They are not. Timing depends entirely on regulators and counterparties.

      Myth 3: Hybrid routes are shortcuts.
      Reality: Hybrid SRO + back office still requires rigorous compliance, documentation, and approvals.

      Myth 4: Any project can qualify.
      Reality: Only clients with sufficient net worth, documentation, and regulatory readiness are eligible.

      Myth 5: Fees are hidden.
      Reality: All fees are pre-agreed, escrow-managed, and fully transparent.

      Take the First Step

      If you’re exploring banking license guidance, hybrid Swiss SRO structures, strategic ownership in a regulated institution, or non-bank regulatory pathways — schedule your confidential consultation today.

      GET STARTED

      Legal & Compliance Statement

      AltFunds Global AFG AG (“AFG”) is a private Swiss-based advisory firm operating under private law.
      We are not a bank, lender, securities dealer, or regulated financial intermediary.

      We do not:

      • Issue, sell, or broker securities

      • Provide loans or collective investment schemes

      • Accept or manage client funds

      • Offer regulated financial products or guarantee funding outcomes

      This program is:

      • Designed strictly for accredited, sophisticated, and self-directed parties

      • Advisory and educational in nature, helping clients prepare for potential engagement with independent third-party financial institutions

      • Subject to thorough due diligence, documentation review, and compliance under Swiss AMLA and international KYC/AML standards

      Important notes:

      • Participation involves risk, and outcomes vary.

      • This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of financial products.

      • Clients are strongly advised to seek independent legal and financial advice before proceeding.