When setting up a proprietary trading (prop trading) firm, one of the initial steps is opening a bank account. Proprietary trading firms need bank accounts for various reasons, from operational stand point to segregation of funds. This article will cover the needs and steps of bank account opening.
Proprietary Trading Firm – What Is It?
Prop trading firms engage in trading assets (stocks, crypto, derivatives and so on), using their own capital to generate profits from trading activities. Unlike traditional investment companies, these firms do not have clients and do not manage clients assets, instead they focus on trading their own capital.
How To Choose The Right Bank For A Prop Trading Firm?
1. Specialized Financial Services
Look for banks that offer services tailored to financial institutions. These banks are more likely to understand the specific needs of a trading firm, such as access to high-volume trading accounts, high value payments between trading accounts and operational accounts, currency exchange with low rates, currency hedging with FX forwards and any other type of financial solution that a prop trading firm might need.
2. Reputation
Choose a bank with a strong reputation for dealing with specialized clients and their needs, such as financial institutions or proprietary trading firms. Moreover, make sure that the bank has the necessary regulation and licensing profile, such as onshore licensing, top tier banking relationships for payments correspondence, advanced tech platform.
3. Fees and Charges
Compare fee structures. Some banks offer lower transaction fees or special rates for high-volume or high value payments and currency exchange. Your projected transactional activity might determine the conditions of the bank account.
4. Integration
Check for compatibility with your trading and accounting software. Seamless integration between your bank accounts and your operational systems is essential for real-time financial tracking and management.
If you would like to receive an up to date list of banks that are welcoming proprietary trading firms and can provide specialized financial services, fill out our contact form mentioning your jurisdiction and types of assets you are dealing with, and we will send the list to you by email.
Preparing Documentation
Prop trading firms have high-risk nature attached to their business. Therefore, they will need to provide the bank with extensive documentation for the account approval. You might pre-check your documents stack with this high level list below:
1. Corporate Documentation
Provide proof of business registration, statutes, company certificates and any specific licenses required for trading. These documents validate the legal status of your business.
2. Ownership and Management Proof
Documentation revealing the identity of the beneficial owners and key management personnel. This often includes government-issued IDs and sometimes Source of Wealth statements (bank account statement or tax declaration).
3. Business Plan and Financial Projections
A comprehensive business plan outlining the firm’s strategy, types of financial activities, and transaction volumes projection. This helps the bank assess risk and understand the firm's business model.
4. Proof of Address
Documents that confirm the business and personal addresses of the owners and the firm itself, such as utility bills or lease agreements.
5. Compliance Procedures
Evidence of your firm's compliance measures, such as prevention of money laundering (especially if the firm is dealing with digital assets).
Application Process And Account Approval
Once you've gathered all the necessary documentation, you can proceed with the application process:
1. Meeting
Schedule a meeting with a relationship manager that is specialized in corporate or financial accounts. This is a chance to present your business and its needs, and get a link to submit your application.
2. Documentation Submission
Submit all prepared documents. Be ready to receive additional requests or questions from the banks side.
3. Account Setup
Upon approval, the bank will set up your account. This process may involve setting up multiple accounts or sub-accounts to help manage different currencies or operations.
4. Software Integration
Integrate your new banking setup with your operational systems. This might require technical support from the bank and your IT team, usually this is guided during the implementation call.
Conclusion
Opening a bank account for a prop trading firm is an easy task with a certain preparation. By ensuring all documentation is precise and opting for a bank that understands the nuances of financial markets, prop trading firms can establish a robust foundation for their financial operations.