Our mission is simple: to help our clients establish world-class international banks in Puerto Rico with speed, efficiency, and full regulatory compliance. Whether you’re building from the ground up, acquiring an existing institution, or optimizing operations, we provide the expertise, network, and strategic insight to make it happen.

We believe Puerto Rico represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for serious banking operators—a rare combination of U.S. financial system access, tax efficiency, and global reach. Our job is to make sure you seize that opportunity without costly mistakes or delays.

Puerto Rico’s international banking sector has evolved rapidly, especially with the 2024 and 2025 regulatory reforms. Higher capital requirements, expanded compliance obligations, and more rigorous oversight mean only the best-prepared operators will thrive.

We know the terrain. Our team has worked on:

• New License Applications — guiding clients through the demanding OCIF approval process from concept to launch.
• Bank Acquisitions — sourcing clean, licensed IFEs and managing Change of Control filings to close deals in as little as 3–4 months.
• Business Planning — crafting regulator-ready business models, Basel-compliant financial projections, and operational blueprints.
• Compliance & Risk Management — designing and implementing KYC/AML systems, drafting operational manuals, and recruiting qualified compliance officers.
• Correspondent Banking — securing U.S. dollar payment channels, including Fedwire access, that power cross-border transactions.

We work with a diverse range of clients:

• Entrepreneurs entering the banking sector for the first time.
• Investment groups seeking high-yield, tax-efficient financial platforms.
• FX, trade finance, and fintech firms looking to expand into regulated banking.
• Existing offshore banks aiming to relocate or expand operations into Puerto Rico.

Our clients share a common trait: they are serious about building or acquiring compliant, well-capitalized, and well-governed banks that can stand up to the most demanding regulatory scrutiny.

Puerto Rico is the only jurisdiction in the world where you can operate an international bank with:

• Direct access to the U.S. financial system (Fedwire, ABA numbers, SWIFT)
• A 4% corporate tax rate under a renewable 10-year decree
• No U.S. federal income tax on Puerto Rico-sourced income
• No withholding tax on dividends to foreign shareholders

And with recent reforms professionalizing the industry, the playing field now favors well-capitalized, experienced operators—exactly the clients we serve.

When you work with Aviara Advisors, you gain:

• Local Insight + Global Perspective — We combine deep Puerto Rico-specific knowledge with global banking best practices.
• Regulatory Relationships — Years of experience working with OCIF and Puerto Rico-based professionals.
• Full-Scope Support — From first consultation to operational launch and beyond, we’re with you every step of the way.
• Discretion & Integrity — Your project is handled with complete confidentiality and a commitment to ethical standards.

If you’re ready to enter Puerto Rico’s international banking market—whether by acquiring a bank, applying for a new license, or enhancing your existing operations—Aviara Advisors is your partner for success.