Panama
Personal Bank Accounts
All
accounts are set up through our correspondent banks or brokerage
firms. We have done extensive research to ensure that the recommended
financial institutions are secure.
We have provided a variety of account types to choose from. If you
would like to set up an account through any particular bank or brokerage
firm that we do not currently deal with, we can also assist you
for a set up fee.
Basic Personal Bank Account
- Documentation requirements are subject to change
without notice.
- Brokerage firms may require other documentation.
A Set Up Fees: US$500.
About the Brokerage Firm: Basic personal brokerage
accounts are set up through our correspondent brokerage firm in
Panama City, Republic of Panama. The brokerage firm is located in
Panama and is an NASD registered, licensed and insured international
firm. All securities and cash deposits are held in custody by one
of the largest international securities clearing firms in the world.
Each account is insured through the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection
Corporation) up to US$500,000 and carries additional insurance up
to US$99.5 million through a major international insurance carrier.
The brokers/financial advisors are all English/Spanish speaking,
NASD registered, licensed brokers who can provide you with complete
investment advice for investing in mutual funds, stocks, bonds,
options, money markets, etc.
Trade Fees: Trade
fees vary depending on the trade amount, type of security traded,
and the stock exchange traded on. We cannot provide a fees list
for trade fees since it varies so much from one market to another,
however, we can say that trade fees are about the same as any full
service broker. Full service brokers normally charge a small percentage
(about 1%) of the trade instead of a standard fee. However, when
purchasing no-load mutual funds, the fund company will generally
cover the trade fee.
Account
Features: Optional Visa Debit Card, USD checkbook, and
Internet access with every account.
Debit
Card: Annual fee for the Visa Debit Card is US$75. There
are no transaction fees charged for ATM cash withdrawals. You must
have a minimum balance of US$3,000 in order to qualify for a corporate
debit card, however, once the card is issued, you do not need to
maintain US$3,000 in the account during the use of the debit card.
USD Check Book: The
USD checkbook is used to make payments by check to anyone around
the globe. The checks are internationally accepted by most banks
around the globe. The checkbook will be provided once the initial
minimum deposit of US$3000 is made.
Internet Access: Internet
access is provided so you can access your account information online
using a secured password and userID.
Currency: Funds
can only be held in USD. Any transfers received in other currencies
will be immediately converted to USD prior to entering the account.
Documentation Requirements:
1.
Photocopy of Passport or valid Drivers License for each signatory.
The photocopy of passport or drivers license should include the
photo of the person, the personal details info, and the signature.
The photocopy should be clear and legible.
2.
One Financial Reference Letter. - Example
of Financial Reference Letter - The financial reference
letter can be from any bank, brokerage firm, credit union, insurance
company, trust company, or finance company. The letter should be
on the financial institutions letterhead, and should include the
signature of an official, and the contact information (address,
telephone, fax, email, etc.). There is no specific format that the
reference letter must be written in, however, we have provided an
example below for your reference.
3.
Account Applications. You will need to sign all account
applications where indicated and return them to us for processing.
Minimum Deposit Requirement: The
minimum account opening deposit is US$3000, which should be made
by USD check, wire transfer, or ACAT / DTC securities transfer.
After the account is set up, additional deposits may be made by
USD check, securities transfers, or by wire transfer. The brokerage
firm will forward you the check deposit, securities transfer, and
wire transfer instructions once the account is set up.
Different
Fees - Fees are subject to change without prior notice.
We do not guarantee the accuracy of the above published fees.
Wire
Transfer In: US$15
Wire Transfer Out: US$40 - Third party wire
transfers are not permitted. Wire transfers out are only permitted
to accounts with the same name. For example, "John Smith"
can only wire funds to another account with the beneficiary name
"John Smith". For payments to third parties, you must
use the checkbook or debit card. We recommend that if you need to
make payments to third parties by wire transfer, you should set
up a bank account instead of (or along with) a brokerage account.
Account Opening Fee: Free w/ purchase of entity, otherwise
US$500
Internal Transfer (journal): No charge - Internal
transfers (journals) to accounts within the same institution are
permitted.
Margin Extensions: US$50 per event
Returned Checks: US$40 per event
Stop Payments: US$20 per event
Retail Confirmation Fee: US$7 per confirmation
Inactive Account Custody Fee: 1% per account per
year
Inactive Account Mutual Funds Only: US$25
Checking annual fee: US$75
Debit Card annual fee: US$75
Copy of Paid Check or Visa draft: US$2.50
ATM Access: no charge if it is a withdrawal from
checking
Check Book (200 checks): US$10
Foreign (non US) Check Deposit: US$25 - Acceptable
deposits are USD Checks (personal or bank certified checks), wire
transfers, or publicly traded securities. Unacceptable deposits
are cash, money orders, travelers checks, double endorsed checks,
foreign items/thrift withdrawal orders, returned checks, and checks
referring to more than one account number.
Open
Bank Account Procedures:
1.
Fill our Order Form and submit
2. Submit the Payment - Payment can be made by
Western Union Money Transfer, E-Gold, Bank Wire Transfer, USD Check,
or USD International Money Order.
3. Receive Documents - Once we receive payment
for the structure, we will forward you the corporate documents and
brokerage account applications for your signature (account applications
are only included if you wish to be signatory on the account). You
should sign the account applications where indicated, and forward
them back to us along with the required documentation.
4. Account is Set Up - When we receive the signed
applications, the account applications will be completed with the
corporate information, and forwarded to the recommended brokerage
firm. The account number will generally be provided within 5 business
days from the date the documents are submitted to the recommended
brokerage firm.
5.
Begin Using Account - You will receive an email from the
recommended brokerage firm containing the complete account protocol
for making deposits, executing trades, contact information of the
brokerage firm, etc. You fund the account by check or wire transfer
to activate it, then once your account is funded, you may begin
trading.
Contact us: info@panamalegalconsultants.com
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