01
Working capital
Introductions to lenders for term loans and overdraft facilities once you have trading history.
Service
Banking & SME finance.
Getting a UAE business account is the step that stalls more companies than any other. We prepare the application properly and introduce you to the bank most likely to say yes.
Why applications get rejected
Banks aren't being difficult for the sake of it — they're managing compliance risk, and an application that raises questions is cheaper to decline than to investigate. The rejections we see almost always come down to the same handful of causes: an activity the bank considers high-risk, a shareholder structure that isn't clearly explained, no evidence of actual business activity, or a business plan that doesn't match the licence.
Most of that is fixable before you apply. Which is the entire point of preparing the application rather than just submitting one.
How we approach it
- 01
Pre-assessment
We review your structure, activity and shareholders against what each partner bank actually accepts.
- 02
Document preparation
Corporate documents, business plan, source-of-funds narrative and shareholder profiles, assembled properly.
- 03
Bank matching
We introduce you to the bank whose risk appetite fits your profile, not just the one nearest to you.
- 04
Application & follow-up
Submission, then handling the compliance questions that come back — which is where most applications die.
- 05
Account opened
Signatory attends in person, account activated, online banking and cards set up.
Beyond the account
Access to working capital through relationships we already hold.
02
Invoice finance
Unlock cash tied up in receivables — particularly useful for B2B companies with long payment terms.
03
Payment gateways
Preferential merchant rates for online and in-store card acceptance through partner providers.
04
FX & international payments
Better spreads on cross-border transfers than standard retail banking rates.
05
Asset & equipment finance
Lease or finance vehicles, equipment and fit-out rather than tying up capital.
06
Trade finance
Letters of credit and guarantees for companies importing or exporting through the UAE.
Banking questions
How long does account opening take?
Typically two to six weeks from submission, depending on the bank and how clean the application is. Complex shareholder structures and higher-risk activities take longer.
Can you guarantee an account?
No, and be suspicious of anyone who does. The decision is the bank's alone. What we can do is materially improve the odds by preparing the application the way their compliance team wants to receive it.
What minimum balance will I need?
It varies significantly by bank and account type, and some require a maintained average balance with charges if you fall below. We factor this into which bank we recommend.
Can you help if I've already been rejected?
Yes — and it's worth understanding why before reapplying. A second rejection at the same bank is much harder to recover from than a first application elsewhere, done properly.