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Frequently Asked Questions

Tell me about BFC Bank

We are a specialised bank focused on international payments and cash management services that complement the current bank arrangements of Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). We provide support and services to Payment Service Providers (PSPs) who may face difficulty with access to UK bank accounts and payments.

Why do we need another bank?

We believe levels of client service and support generally available in business banking are less than desired. They do not give value for money. We are also aware of a general retreat by the financial industry from provision of services to Payment Service Providers (PSPs). Feedback from our extensive market research confirmed that Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) who trade internationally are confused over expensive prices, and lower than expected service levels. The need for a specialist bank is very apparent.

What does that mean for my business?

Reliable and cost-effective payments are a vital requirement for internationally focused Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). You need efficient solutions you can be confident in. We offer a much-needed fresh, open and transparent approach. We also play an important role in the remittance sector at a time when Payment Service Providers (PSPs) may find it difficult to access bank services. We care that your transaction is made on time and in a cost-efficient way. If you need more information, our dedicated support staff are available to help. You are also looked after by a Relationship Manager who understands your requirements and visits regularly.

What services does BFC Bank offer?

We offer low-cost, basic corporate banking products with a strong emphasis on international payments, multi-currency cash management and UK domestic payments. Accounts are available in up to 20 currencies. Access and payment instructions are provided online, in a fully secure environment. Overdrafts and short-term loans are only considered for international trade purposes.

What services does BFC Bank NOT offer?

We do not operate a retail bank for individual customers and we do not offer services like mortgages or personal credit cards. Corporate bank services are only provided online; we do not issue cheque books or support direct debits. We are a specialist bank that supports international trade and payments. Overdrafts and short-term loans are to help finance trade. Long-term loans for property or other purposes are not offered.

Why should I choose BFC Bank instead of another bank?

We are not a replacement for a Small to Medium-sized Enterprise’s (SME’s) day-to-day business bank. We supplement the day-to-day provider through our focus on international payments and multi-currency solutions. This is supported by a high quality, secure system, which is essential for an organisation to trade internationally. For Payment Service Providers (PSPs), we are a bank that understands and is truly committed to your industry. We give you peace of mind for the future. If you are an SME or PSP that operates internationally, our cost-effective and transparent services should be of interest.

What branches will you open and when?

We only operate an online service for our business clients. Our headquarters are in the UK at Canary Wharf, London. Our service is backed by high quality relationship management and expert payments teams based at the Canary Wharf office.

Tell me about BFC Bank's transparent processes and pricing

We clearly display our exchange rates and/or other fees on-screen on our online system. Other payment systems may obscure these. We publish our tariffs and online transaction details to give you complete confidence in the cost of the payment and when it will take place.

How is BFC Bank able to do this?

We are part of BFC Group Holdings which has specialised in Foreign Exchange and International Payments for 100 years. As a specialised bank, our business model and technology have been constructed from the ground up to be fit for purpose.

What type of customers does BFC Bank best serve?

Our mission is to complement the current bank arrangements of Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). We provide support and services to Payment Service Providers (PSPs) who may find it difficult to access UK bank accounts and payments.

How do I open an account with BFC Bank and what will the process be?

We provide a service to register for an account on our website. This asks you to provide some basic information about your business. After your submission, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your requirements. Alternatively you can contact us by email at info@bfcbank.co.uk

I am aware that BFC Bank has branches. Will I be able to use these?

BFC Exchange continues to operate as a trading name of BFC Bank. BFC Exchange offers a personal remittance service through its 15 branches and online. Corporate banking services are only for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) clients, and are only offered online with full relationship management support. BFC Exchange branches cannot be used to transact corporate bank business.

As director/ owner of a business will I be able to have a personal account with BFC Bank?

No. We only provide accounts for corporate organisations.

Is BFC Bank part of a wider group?

Yes. BFC Group Holdings specialises in global money transfers, currency exchange and wholesale currency services. BFC Group Holdings operates five international exchange houses across Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, India and Malaysia. Its history dates from 1917 when Bahrain Financing Company was established in Bahrain to trade in gold bullion and currency exchange. In 2003, BFC Exchange Ltd began operations in the United Kingdom trading under its previously registered name, EzRemit Money Transfer Limited. It was renamed BFC Exchange Ltd and currently operates 15 retail branches across London and online. EzRemit Money Transfer is a product of BFC Exchange, which sends and receives money in over 55,000 agent locations across 40 countries.