For businesses operating in high-risk sectors like iGaming, FX, crypto, or adult entertainment, expanding across multiple jurisdictions is often essential for growth. Holding multi-jurisdiction licences allows access to broader markets, but it also introduces significant complexity when it comes to securing banking relationships.
UK banks—and banks globally—are cautious when dealing with companies that operate under several regulatory frameworks. At RiskLink, we help high-risk businesses navigate the challenges of multi-jurisdiction licensing and establish reliable, compliant banking infrastructure that supports international operations.
What Is Multi-Jurisdiction Licensing?
Multi-jurisdiction licensing refers to holding operational licences in more than one country. For example, a gaming company may have a UK Gambling Commission licence, a Malta Gaming Authority licence, and a Curaçao sub-licence. Similarly, an FX firm might be authorised in the UK and registered under an EU or offshore regulatory body.
This strategy offers several benefits:
- Access to multiple markets
- Risk diversification
- Operational flexibility
- Increased legitimacy and consumer trust
However, it also brings banking challenges due to the perception of complexity and potential inconsistencies in compliance standards between jurisdictions.
Banking Challenges for Multi-Jurisdiction Licensed Businesses
Here’s why banks are often reluctant to onboard businesses with international licences:
- Perceived regulatory arbitrage: Banks may assume the business is choosing the easiest regulatory regime rather than the most robust.
- Difficulty in assessing compliance: When operations span countries, each with different AML/KYC standards, banks struggle to evaluate the company’s overall risk posture.
- Complex fund flows: Transactions across different currencies, entities, and financial systems create confusion about source of funds and ultimate beneficiaries.
- Opaque corporate structures: Holding companies in one country, operating entities in another, and licences elsewhere often require extra due diligence.
Banks prefer simplicity. So, if your company operates across jurisdictions, it’s essential to present your case clearly, backed by strong documentation and a coherent compliance narrative.
How to Secure Banking as a Multi-Jurisdiction Business
1. Document Your Structure in Detail
Banks will want a clear overview of your corporate setup, licensing framework, and operational entities. Include organisational charts, jurisdictional maps, and flow-of-funds visuals. Transparency is essential.
2. Emphasise Your Strongest Regulatory Position
If you hold a licence in a respected jurisdiction like the UK, Malta, or Isle of Man, lead with it. Banks often assess the overall risk based on the most robust regulatory connection.
3. Demonstrate Compliance Consistency
Standardise your KYC/AML processes across all jurisdictions where possible. Banks want assurance that clients onboarded under a Curaçao licence, for example, receive the same level of scrutiny as those onboarded under a UK licence.
4. Provide Audit Trails and Independent Reviews
Bankers love documentation. Third-party audits, internal compliance reports, and ongoing risk assessments can strengthen your case.
5. Use a Specialist Banking Partner
RiskLink works with financial institutions that understand the dynamics of international licensing. We know how to frame your operations in a way that aligns with their compliance requirements—giving you a real chance at securing the accounts and services you need.
How RiskLink Helps Multi-Jurisdiction Businesses
- Compliance Review: We analyse your licences, policies, and entity structure to prepare a bank-friendly presentation.
- Bank Matchmaking: We introduce you to banks that are open to international setups and high-risk sectors.
- Ongoing Guidance: From onboarding to long-term banking relationship management, we support you throughout the lifecycle.
- Jurisdictional Risk Mapping: We help identify the countries that add credibility vs. those that increase banking friction.
Ready to take your multi-jurisdiction business to the next level? Apply now and get expert support in securing your banking infrastructure.
Want to better understand bank perceptions of risk? Read our article: High-Risk Banking: Risk Perception.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does having offshore licences hurt your chances of getting a UK bank account?
Not necessarily. But you must explain why you chose that jurisdiction, demonstrate that you follow high compliance standards, and ensure transparency in your business model. RiskLink helps bridge this gap with clarity.
2. Can one bank handle a company with licences in multiple countries?
Yes, but it depends on the bank’s risk appetite. Some prefer single-jurisdiction clients, while others specialise in international structures. RiskLink connects you with the right partners for your setup.
