Banking Challenges for Companies in Cyprus
As an independent banking and payment consultant, I've encountered numerous clients eager to establish or expand their businesses in Cyprus. While the attractive tax and regulatory environment draws many, they often overlook one critical aspect: banking and payment processing. Choosing the right banking partner in Cyprus isn't just a checkbox task—it requires a deep understanding of the diverse landscape of financial services, which are tailored to various business needs.
Navigating the Banking Maze: Challenges for Businesses in Cyprus
Much like the rest of Europe, the Cypriot banking sector is governed under stringent regulations. However, the history of Cyprus, characterized by various financial and political hiccups in the past (such as the famous 2013 bank haircut or the island's strong connections to now-sanctioned Russia) necessitates a cautious approach when selecting a banking partner within the island.
Choosing the right banking partner is complex and can significantly impact your business's operational efficiency and financial health. Fortunately, companies in Cyprus are not legally obligated to use Cypriot banks exclusively and can use any bank or financial institution globally as they please.
Example: The High Cost of Banking Missteps
In 2017, there was no regulation around digital assets. A client of mine in Cyprus invested in Bitcoin through a crypto exchange. As the price rose, he attempted to withdraw his profits to his local Cypriot bank. However, the bank, alarmed by the unregulated and unknown nature of the transaction, froze his account and placed him in a high-risk category.
This not only affected his banking, increasing his mortgage payments, but also impacted his businesses. As a director and shareholder, all his companies were classified as high-risk, leading to significantly higher banking fees. This single oversight cost him and his businesses thousands of euros, highlighting the risks of not consulting with a professional who can identify potential issues before certain transactions are made.
Common Misconceptions Around Banks
Many entrepreneurs assume that all banks offer similar services and that the processes and fees are standardized. This assumption could not be further from the truth. Banks differ vastly in their offerings, risks, prices, and technologies.
This difference becomes even more prominent when supporting businesses in niche markets or those operating under high-risk categories. Banks can also concentrate on specific areas or needs. For example, a company in Germany might benefit from a different provider than a company in Cyprus, not just due to the prices but also due to the customer service level and technological infrastructure.
When Payment Experts Matter
Today, every company needs to understand banking and payments to make informed decisions about their money flows. Accountants or corporate lawyers are often the go-to advisors for many businesses, but banking and payment processing require specialized knowledge. Only payment and banking specialists can bring the relevant market expertise to businesses, which goes beyond comparing fees.
Payment consultants understand the nuances of specific issues such as compliance regulations, safekeeping of funds, chargebacks, card scheme restrictions, and data security. They can assist with decisions around technological integration and standards necessary for a modern e-commerce operation. Payment expertise is learned through experience and is usually unknown to traditional, local fiduciary service providers.
Let's Calculate: The Financial Impact of Payment Processing
Imagine an online business selling a product for €100. The selling price usually includes local consumer tax (VAT or GST), which can be 10-30% depending on the location. For this example, let's assume the consumer tax is 20%. The payment processing will be charged based on €120, not just €100. If we take an average payment processing fee of 3%, we see that when we apply this to the €120, it immediately becomes €3.60.
But the impact of this fee doesn't end there. Suppose the company has €80 in costs to produce the €100 product, leaving a 20% profit margin. When we consider the €3.60 fee compared to the profit, the result is shocking – in this example, the 3% payment processing fee eats up 18% of our profit! You must plan for such a significant cost and consider it before making operational decisions.
The Role of a Payment Consultant
Payment consultants specialize in the global banking and payment market. With a vast network of banks and financial providers, we tailor our consulting services to match our client's needs. This includes everything from setting up efficient payment systems to renegotiating fees and managing cross-border financial transactions. Our goal is to ensure that our clients not only find a banking solution but also choose one that enhances their business operations and growth.
Choosing the Right Bank: Key Considerations
Banking and payments are the lifelines of your business. It is crucial to secure reliable and viable payment partners that can integrate as you wish, provide all the financial products and services you need, and charge fees you can afford before even considering setting up a foreign operation. It is vital to consider various aspects of the financial company which will handle your funds:
- Industry-specific services: Banks offer varied services depending on the industry and business size. Find a partner who understands your industry-specific needs and provides the best support for your operation.
- Transactional needs: Your banking needs will vary depending on whether your transactions are domestic or international, involve fiat or cryptocurrencies, or require specialized payment methods like open banking or vouchers.
- Geographical considerations: Where your clients and shareholders are based can influence your choice of bank, especially with considerations around currencies and hedging. Processing times and the security of the funds must also be considered. Various international regulations or whether your provider operates under a less stringent license might also pose a significant risk to your operations.
- Technology and integration: Today, every bank or financial institution is a fintech company as it needs to keep up to date with the demands of innovative business needs. Understanding technological risks and integration needs are critical aspects of your banking partnership. Efficient and seamless connectivity with your banking and payment partners is essential. You must ensure their technology platforms are compatible with your business systems and that their data security is safe enough that it will not make you vulnerable to fraud or, even worse - penalties.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bank and payment system for your Cypriot business involves more than just comparing fees and services. It requires strategic planning and expert advice to ensure that every financial decision aligns with your business objectives and market demands. Before setting up a company in Cyprus and taking advantage of numerous economic and regulatory benefits, success heavily relies on the banking and payment partnerships you establish.
Engaging with a payment consultant isn't just about setting up bank accounts; it's about crafting a comprehensive financial strategy that supports your business's long-term goals.