Buying an existing International Financial Entity (IFE) in Puerto Rico remains one of the most strategic moves in today’s market. With higher capital requirements for new licenses, acquisition offers significant advantages: faster time to market, lower upfront capital, and a head start with established infrastructure.

Our acquisition services include:

• Sourcing and evaluating clean, licensed banks—both operational and license-only structures.
• Full due diligence: financial review, correspondent account status, Fedwire access, and regulatory history.
• Negotiation and management of Change of Control filings with the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF).
• Transition planning, capital staging, and compliance team recruitment.

Typical acquisitions close in 3–6 months, compared to 12–18 months for new licenses, and often require just $5M paid-in capital at purchase, with time to meet the $10M standard.

Puerto Rico’s Act 273 has evolved into one of the most professionalized banking regimes in the world. As of 2025, launching a new IFE requires:

• $10M paid-in capital + $1M CD deposit
• An on-island compliance department with a qualified Chief Compliance Officer
• At least 8 Puerto Rico-based staff
• S. or Puerto Rico holding company structure

We guide you through every step—from initial feasibility to license approval—ensuring your application meets OCIF’s strict standards.

A well-crafted business plan is the cornerstone of a successful license application. Our plans are tailored to your banking model, customer base, and target markets, while integrating Basel II & III capital standards and advanced financial projections.

We help you:

• Refine your business model and strengthen your management team with experienced banking talent.
• Build detailed operational and financial models that meet both investor and regulatory expectations.
• Select and implement core banking software systems.
• Coordinate with tax advisors and local counsel for a compliant launch.

Strong compliance is non-negotiable in Puerto Rico’s international banking sector. We help you design and implement KYC/AML programs that meet OCIF and international standards.

Our compliance services include:

• Drafting initial compliance frameworks for your license application.
• Developing full operational compliance manuals post-staffing and system setup.
• Selecting and integrating due diligence and transaction monitoring software.
• Recruiting and onboarding an experienced Chief Compliance Officer.

Correspondent accounts are the lifeblood of international banking, enabling your institution to send and receive wires and hold cash in foreign currencies. Puerto Rico’s unique status allows licensed IFEs to open accounts directly with the U.S. Federal Reserve, giving you Fedwire access without a U.S. domestic license.

We assist in:

• Opening correspondent accounts for both Puerto Rico-based and other high-quality jurisdiction banks.
• Establishing relationships that improve liquidity and payment efficiency.

Our relationship doesn’t end at launch. We provide ongoing advisory and operational support to keep your institution compliant, efficient, and competitive:

• Policy and procedure audits
• Regulator representation
• Staff recruitment and training
• Expansion strategy into new markets or products.

• Exclusive focus on Act 273 international banks
• Proven track record in both new license approvals and acquisitions
• Deep local network of legal, compliance, and regulatory professionals
• Strategic insight into Fedwire access, correspondent banking, and tax efficiency

Puerto Rico is the only jurisdiction in the world where you can operate an international bank with U.S. banking system access—Fedwire, ABA numbers, SWIFT—while enjoying a 4% corporate tax rate and no U.S. federal income tax.

Contact us today to discuss your project. Whether you’re acquiring a bank, applying for a license, or optimizing operations, Aviara Advisors is your gateway to success in Puerto Rico’s international banking sector.