Opening a bank account for a crypto or gambling company in 2025 is no easy task — especially with traditional banks tightening risk policies and regulators increasing oversight. For founders in these industries, offshore banks often remain the most realistic option for securing banking infrastructure. But not all offshore jurisdictions are equally supportive — and some banks are simply not worth the risk.
At BankMyCapital, we work with a wide network of third-party providers in strategic jurisdictions, helping high-risk businesses find discreet, compliant, and functioning offshore solutions. This article will break down the current landscape of offshore banking for crypto, gambling, and other high-risk sectors — and show you how to choose the right one for your needs.
Why Offshore Banks Still Matter for High-Risk Businesses
Traditional banks across the EU, UK, and US have largely de-risked from industries like crypto, gambling, adult content, and forex. Their onboarding processes are lengthy, uncertain, and often lead to account closures shortly after activation.
Offshore banks, on the other hand, often have:
- More flexible internal policies
- Niche specialization in high-risk sectors
- Easier multi-currency support (EUR/USD/GBP)
- Higher acceptance rates — especially when introduced properly
These banks typically operate in jurisdictions with less regulatory pressure from FATF or the EU — yet still maintain essential KYC, AML, and banking standards.
What Defines a “Good” Offshore Bank in 2025?
Not every offshore bank is worth your time — some are unregulated, others are on the verge of collapse, and some have poor reputations that cause more harm than good.
Here’s what you should look for:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Correspondent banking network | Must have SWIFT access and ability to send/receive EUR/USD |
| Stable license & regulation | Look for Class A or B banking license with central bank oversight |
| Track record with high-risk clients | Has successfully onboarded similar businesses |
| Customer support | Email-only support is a red flag — look for dedicated account managers |
| Multi-currency support | USD, EUR, GBP — ideally with IBANs or at least named accounts |
Top Offshore Jurisdictions for Crypto & Gambling in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the best offshore jurisdictions for high-risk banking this year:
- ✅ St. Lucia / St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- Good for: Forex, gambling, and digital assets
- Pros: Flexible compliance, USD-friendly, fast onboarding
- Cons: Limited SEPA access, avoid if targeting EU clients
- ✅ Belize
- Good for: Forex, licensed gambling, consultancy setups
- Pros: Known banks with decent risk appetite
- Cons: Risk of blacklisting if not handled correctly
- ✅ Labuan (Malaysia)
- Good for: Crypto, fintech, proprietary trading
- Pros: Respected regulatory framework, supports crypto indirectly
- Cons: Onboarding takes time, higher compliance threshold
- ✅ Puerto Rico (for US-connected entities)
- Good for: Crypto, fintech, DeFi platforms
- Pros: US-based, good reputation, friendly regulators
- Cons: Only for entities with US nexus
- ✅ Dominica / Nevis / Seychelles
- Good for: Adult, gambling, general high-risk verticals
- Pros: Flexible licensing, lower cost
- Cons: Often requires local agents, tricky correspondent banking
Specific Offshore Banks Still Accepting High-Risk Clients
While we can’t list all names publicly, here’s a general profile of institutions our partners have had success with:
- Belize-based institutions offering USD accounts with remote onboarding
- Labuan banks partnered with corporate service providers accepting crypto-related flows
- Caribbean boutique banks working exclusively with introducers for gambling & adult industries
- Hybrid offshore-EMI platforms that offer IBANs with crypto-friendly policies (via licensed EU entities + offshore structuring)
Note: Most of these banks will not accept you directly. They work only through introducers and often require pre-approval before sharing application forms.
Documentation Needed for Offshore Bank Onboarding
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare in 2025:
- Passport & proof of address for all UBOs (not older than 3 months)
- Corporate documents (COI, M&AA, share certificates)
- Description of business activity (in plain English)
- Website, business model, and flow of funds
- KYT tools or compliance policies (especially for crypto/gambling)
- In some cases, source of wealth for shareholders
Pro tip: More transparency = higher approval rate.
Compliance & Due Diligence: What to Expect in 2025
Gone are the days of “pay-and-pray” offshore banking. In 2025, even offshore banks are under pressure to comply with international AML and FATF guidelines. Here’s what to expect:
✅ Common Due Diligence Measures:
- Full KYC on all shareholders/directors
- Proof of funds for initial deposits
- Business activity verification (e.g., domain WHOIS, platform demo)
- In some cases, enhanced due diligence (EDD) for crypto flows or gambling payouts
⚠️ Common Triggers for Rejection or Account Closure:
- Using nominee shareholders/directors without disclosure
- Vague business activity descriptions
- Lack of transactional volume consistency
- Missing or outdated documentation
- Aggressive client behavior or hiding crypto exposure
The key to successful onboarding is full transparency paired with narrative control — making sure your business is presented correctly to the bank from day one.
Offshore vs Onshore vs EMI: Pros and Trade-Offs
| Criteria | Offshore Bank | Onshore Bank (EU/UK) | EMI (EU-based) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Appetite | High–Medium | Low | Medium |
| Setup Time | 1–3 weeks | 6–10 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| License Type | National Offshore License | Full banking license | Electronic money license |
| Crypto/Gambling Friendly | Often yes | Rare | Often yes (with limits) |
| SEPA/SWIFT Access | Sometimes SWIFT only | Full SEPA/SWIFT | SEPA + sometimes SWIFT |
| Account Stability | Medium | High (if accepted) | Medium |
Our recommendation:
Use offshore + EMI for a dual setup. Offshore for flexibility, EMI for reliability. Avoid going direct to onshore banks unless you’re fully licensed or have local presence.
Real Use Cases: Banking Setup Examples That Work
💼 Case 1: Crypto OTC Desk
- Entity: Marshall Islands + Cyprus EMI
- Solution: Offshore bank in Belize + SEPA EMI for client payouts
- Why it worked: Clear business model, KYT tools provided, strong introducer reference
🎰 Case 2: Gambling Platform
- Entity: Curaçao-licensed operator
- Solution: Caribbean boutique bank for USD payouts, Lithuania EMI for EUR gaming revenues
- Risk managed: All PSPs declared upfront, full source of funds documentation
🔞 Case 3: Adult Entertainment Network
- Entity: Nevis holding + Romanian subsidiary
- Solution: EMI with flexible onboarding policy + EMI-to-crypto ramp
- Key detail: Separate legal entities for each brand, compliance policies disclosed in advance
These setups were not DIY — they were introduced, structured, and supported.
How BankMyCapital Helps (Without Being a Bank)
We don’t directly offer offshore bank accounts or process funds.
Instead, we:
- Pre-screen your case for viability
- Introduce you to third-party providers we’ve vetted
- Assist with documentation prep
- Coordinate with local partners for onboarding and structuring
- Guide you through pre-approval before application submission
All banks and EMIs we work with are, to the best of our knowledge, licensed and compliant in their jurisdictions.
Final Thoughts: Pre-Approval or Bust
In today’s environment, applying directly to offshore banks — even those with high-risk tolerance — is no longer effective.
✅ What works:
- Coming through a known introducer
- Presenting a clean, clear business model
- Preparing all documentation before starting
- Opting for pre-approval instead of cold application
Want to see if you’re eligible?
👉 Contact BankMyCapital for a pre-screening consultation — and let’s get you matched with a realistic, secure banking solution tailored for crypto, gambling, or high-risk needs.