How founders and family offices use Dubai/Abu Dhabi banks for operating and wealth solutions.
- Why UAE: 0% personal income tax, time zone bridge, robust correspondent networks.
- Entity Choices: FZ-LLC vs mainland; substance & active operations.
- Account Stack: operating account, multicurrency, merchant/collection, private banking.
- KYC Themes: business model clarity, UBO tree, invoices/contracts, trade lanes.
- Cost & SLAs: account opening 2–6 weeks; minimum average balances; FX margins.
- Risk Areas: sanctioned counterparties, cash-heavy models, crypto-adjacent flows.
- Playbook: present clean trade narrative, show office & staff, phased limits. FAQ:
- Can I open remotely? Some banks allow partially remote; final KYC often in person.
- Crypto-related firms? Possible with specialized compliance; higher scrutiny. Editor’s Note: Start with a bank friendly to your sector; expand later. Tags: UAE, Free Zone, Private Banking, Trade Finance