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Tag: banking

24 Oct
Looking Ahead To A Possible Financial Meltdown

Looking Ahead To A Possible Financial Meltdown

At the end of September, the national bank of Panama shut down the entire ATM system countrywide over a weekend to upgrade the programming… Small inconvenience at the time. Now, a month later, the situation has moved from minor inconvenience to big pain in the neck. People using foreign debit cards to try to withdraw […]

23 Sep
The Necessary Two Accounts Per Entity

The Necessary Two Accounts Per Entity

I’ve heard the stories from friends and readers, but, now, finally, it’s happened to me.A bank where I have an account for one of my offshore entities has sent me the dreaded “due to a policy change, we’re closing your bank account” letter. They’re giving me 30 days to move the money out of the […]

19 Sep
Why Belize Makes Sense For Offshore Banking

Why Belize Makes Sense

Custom-Made Banking Haven Editor’s Note: I invited longtime friend Peter Zipper, with 30 years’ experience in the international banking industry and currently president of Cay Bank in Belize, to share insights into banking opportunities in that country. Read on for Peter’s thoughts...Belize is a custom-made banking haven. With their Belize Act in 1981, the Brits built [...]
15 Aug
The High Cost Of Being An American

The High Cost Of Being An American

The Struggle Of Going Through American Customs As I sat in the Panama City departure lounge last Saturday, I watched as the female security agent's hands ran briefly over the breasts of a 30-something traveler, making sure that the traveler had no weapon in her bra. Apparently finding nothing but the breasts themselves, the agent [...]
26 Nov
Challenges Opening A Bank Account In The United

Challenges Opening A Bank Account In The United States

While in the United States this past week for Thanksgiving, I tried to take care of some administrative tasks. I renewed my driver’s license and Jackson’s Irish passport (the consulate in Panama made the process too difficult). And I tried to open another U.S. bank account for one of my offshore corporations. I realized recently […]