If your business is based in Europe — or targets European clients — a SEPA-enabled bank account is a necessity. SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) allows for fast, low-cost EUR transfers across 36 countries. But if you operate in a high-risk industry like crypto, gambling, or forex, getting access to SEPA is anything but simple.
Most EU banks are reluctant to offer SEPA accounts to “risky” companies — even if those companies are fully legal and well-structured. Fortunately, SEPA access is still possible in 2025 — through EMIs, hybrid setups, and compliant offshore routes.
This article will show you how to access SEPA-enabled accounts as a high-risk business — and what to avoid along the way.
What Is SEPA and Why It Matters
SEPA enables fast, fee-free or low-cost EUR payments across:
- All EU member states
- EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
- Switzerland, UK, and some microstates (Monaco, Andorra)
SEPA transactions:
- Usually settle within 24 hours
- Use IBAN format
- Require no SWIFT codes
- Are crucial for PSP payouts, supplier invoices, client billing
If your business operates in or around the EU, not having SEPA access cuts off a huge part of your market.
Why SEPA Access Is Difficult for High-Risk Industries
Most traditional SEPA banks avoid crypto, gambling, and adult sectors due to:
- Regulatory pressure (e.g., AMLD6, FATF guidance)
- Risk of reputational damage
- Increased compliance overhead
- No local licensing or substance
Even when your business is legal, banks often apply a “blanket no” policy to avoid risk.
💡 That’s where EMIs and specialized providers come in.
Who Offers SEPA to High-Risk Clients in 2025?
| Provider Type | SEPA Access | High-Risk Friendly? | Notes |
| EU EMIs | ✅ Yes | ✅ If structured | Ideal for crypto/gaming/forex |
| Tier 2 banks (Eastern EU) | ✅ Sometimes | ⚠️ Selectively | Needs licensing/local ties |
| Offshore banks | ❌ No | ✅ | Usually only SWIFT, not SEPA |
| Hybrid EMI + PSP setups | ✅ Yes | ✅ | Enables SEPA via EMI-issued IBANs |
Most crypto and gambling clients in 2025 use EMIs for SEPA — not banks.
SEPA via EMIs: What’s Changed?
In 2025, EMIs are still the go-to for high-risk businesses needing SEPA access — but the market has matured.
✅ What Works:
- Declaring business model transparently (even crypto/gambling)
- Using KYT and risk-scoring tools
- Having prior banking history or clear flow of funds
- Pre-approval through introducers
❌ What No Longer Works:
- Hiding crypto transactions under “consulting”
- Sending SEPA payouts to anonymous wallets
- Mixing personal & business flows
- Failing to explain incoming/outgoing payment structure
EMIs now expect bank-level compliance packaging — even if the onboarding is remote.
Continuing the post:
Offshore Banks + SEPA: Is It Possible?
Most offshore banks do not offer direct SEPA access, because SEPA participation requires:
- Being located in a SEPA member country
- Having correspondent banking relationships with SEPA participants
- Full compliance with EU AML/KYC standards
That said, offshore companies can still access SEPA — but only through a hybrid structure. For example:
- The offshore company opens an account with a SEPA-enabled EMI (e.g., Lithuania)
- EMI issues a EUR IBAN in the company’s name
- All SEPA transactions are handled through that EMI, while USD/crypto is managed offshore
This structure works well for:
- Crypto platforms
- Gambling operators
- Forex brokers with EU clients
Common SEPA Restrictions for Crypto, Gambling, Adult
Even EMIs that offer SEPA don’t accept every high-risk client. Here are the typical restrictions:
| Sector | Common Limitations |
| Crypto | Must declare flows, source of funds, KYT tools |
| Gambling | Prefer licensed operators, no P2P platforms |
| Adult | Often rejected if P2P or subscription-based |
| Forex | Licensing preferred; transparent flow required |
To get approved, you’ll need to declare your risk honestly and show controls (compliance manual, KYT, transaction logic).
How to Structure Your Business to Qualify for SEPA
If you’re aiming to access SEPA from a high-risk sector, your company should ideally:
- Have transparent ownership
- Operate through a legally structured entity (EU or compatible offshore)
- Be able to explain payment flow (in and out)
- Use or be ready to adopt KYT/compliance tools
- Be willing to declare your partners (PSPs, exchanges, wallet providers)
💡 A professional introducer (like BankMyCapital) can help package your application in a way that avoids red flags.
Approved KYT Tools & Compliance Tips for SEPA Providers
SEPA providers are under pressure to monitor flows. Here’s what can help your case:
✅ Recommended KYT tools:
- Chainalysis KYT
- Crystal Blockchain
- Elliptic
- Coinfirm
- Scorechain
Using these tools (or being willing to integrate them) shows that you take compliance seriously — even as a high-risk business.
📌 Compliance Tips:
- Prepare a basic AML/KYC policy
- Avoid mixing personal wallets and business flows
- Keep a simple, documented transaction logic
- Be ready to explain each counterparty (especially large clients)
How BankMyCapital Helps Clients Access SEPA Accounts
We’re not a bank or EMI — but we know the landscape, and we help structure cases that pass SEPA onboarding.
Here’s how we assist:
- Assess your case to determine SEPA eligibility
- Recommend suitable EMI partners based on your vertical
- Package your documents and flow explanations for compliance teams
- Pre-approve your case with partners before applying
- Coordinate onboarding steps & expectations
All introductions are made to licensed third parties — and we only proceed if we believe your case has realistic SEPA potential.
Final Thoughts: SEPA Is Still Within Reach — If Done Right
Despite increased scrutiny, SEPA accounts are still absolutely possible for crypto, gambling, and other high-risk clients — if:
- You’re transparent about what you do
- You use the right compliance tools
- You work through introducers, not direct applications
- You structure your business around European banking expectations
Don’t risk rejections or account freezes. Instead, start with strategy.
Bonus Section: SEPA Member Countries in 2025 — Who’s In, and What It Means for You
As of 2025, SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) includes 36 countries. These nations either use the euro or have agreed to process euro payments under the same standard. Being in SEPA means fast, low-fee, EUR-denominated transfers across borders — typically settling within 1 business day.
Here’s a quick SEO-focused overview of each SEPA country, grouped by relevance to high-risk businesses (crypto, gambling, forex, adult).
EU/EEA Countries with Strong EMI or Banking Infrastructure (Good for SEPA Access)
- Lithuania – Top EMI hub for crypto, gambling, and forex businesses. Fast onboarding, SEPA-ready.
- Estonia – Former crypto licensing hotspot. Fewer EMIs now, but still relevant for SEPA payments.
- Cyprus – Home to PSPs and forex companies. Banking cautious, but SEPA available via EMIs.
- Czech Republic – Rising EMI hub with SEPA access and flexible policies.
- Malta – iGaming jurisdiction with SEPA capabilities, though limited EMI options.
- Bulgaria – Some PSP presence; SEPA supported. Not crypto-friendly.
- Ireland – SEPA-compliant, fintech-friendly. Banks limited for high-risk.
- Netherlands – Solid SEPA infrastructure, but risk-averse toward crypto/gambling.
- Germany – Top-tier SEPA player. Strict AML = difficult onboarding for high-risk clients.
- Austria – SEPA bank access possible for well-structured EU entities.
- France – SEPA stronghold. Avoid direct banking unless licensed.
- Spain – SEPA access, but not crypto/gambling friendly.
- Portugal – Good SEPA jurisdiction for passive income structures.
Non-EU SEPA Participants (Useful for Holding Companies or Cross-Border Structure)
- Iceland – SEPA member. Some PSPs operate here.
- Liechtenstein – Part of EEA. High privacy and banking standards.
- Norway – SEPA participant. Forex-friendly environment.
- Switzerland – Not in the EU, but SEPA-ready. Boutique banks accept high-risk flows via introducers.
- UK – Still SEPA-compliant post-Brexit. Access possible with UK-licensed PSPs.
Smaller SEPA States (Less Access, But SEPA-Compatible Accounts Still Work)
- Andorra – SEPA member since 2019. Niche use for private clients.
- San Marino – SEPA access; minor relevance for high-risk industries.
- Monaco – SEPA enabled; limited EMI or business banking infrastructure.
- Vatican City – SEPA member but not relevant for corporate structuring.
Eastern & Southern Europe (Less expensive Structures, Use EMI for SEPA)
- Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Latvia – All SEPA-enabled, mostly EMI-based access. Traditional banks are cautious.
- Greece – SEPA member, banking highly conservative post-crisis.
- Belgium, Luxembourg – Strong SEPA countries. Crypto acceptance varies by institution.
💡 Want to know if your company qualifies for a SEPA-enabled account?
📩 Reach out to BankMyCapital for a no-obligation eligibility review — and get pre-approved with an EMI that fits your risk profile.