For setting up a business offshore banking account at a bank in Seychelles banks require full personal and business information about potential clients. Banks need know beneficial owners of the company that is opening an account. Owners of the company, people that actually control the company and those having signatory rights need to be identified by presenting documents required by the bank: copy of passport certified by public notary, reference from the bank, business description and forecasted turnover. Although different documents may be required, their scope remains the same in all banks around the world.

Anonymity: in Seychelles banks there is no such thing as anonymity. Offshore banking institutions are required by legislation to possess information in detail about their clients. No exceptions are allowed.

Bank Secrecy: although banks do not provide anonymity, they certainly provide bank secrecy for their clients. Bank secrecy is fundamental cornerstone in Seychelles offshore banking. By bank secrecy is meant bank’s obligation to keep client specific-information in secrecy.

Client specific information can only be disclosed in case Seychelles court makes decision on disclosing such information. Such decision is made rarely and only in case of serious criminal investigation. Sharing or exchanging information with any foreign financial institution or governmental entity is strictly prohibited in Seychelles and is subject to strict penalties.