When a counterparty asks for “proof of funds,” what they usually want is a credible, bank-issued confirmation that a real relationship exists and that the stated capacity is not invented. A bank reference letter can provide that comfort when it stays non-committal, verifiable, and aligned with bank policy.
This works when it is treated as onboarding comfort, not a substitute for payment security. From a compliance standpoint, the structure is straightforward: the issuing bank communicates only what it is permitted to communicate, to a defined recipient, under the client’s authorization, and with limitations that prevent reliance as a funding commitment. If the bank requires a temporary funds placement, the funds sit in an account opened in the client’s name and remain subject to the bank’s controls, documentation, and monitoring.
Some banks require the client to place funds temporarily as a condition to issue any capacity statement. If that applies, funds are placed at the issuing institution in an account opened in the client’s name. Financely does not receive, hold, or control those funds. Terms, duration, and release conditions are set by the issuing bank and the client’s documentation.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Bank Reference Letter Arrangement | From USD 5,000 per letter. |
| Capacity Range | Up to USD 10,000,000 per letter, subject to bank policy, client profile, and documentation. |
| Third-Party Costs | Bank fees, legal review, and compliance charges (if any) are billed separately by the issuing institution or counsel. |
A bank reference letter is a bank-issued, informational letter that provides limited confirmation such as a client relationship and general standing, and sometimes an indicative capacity statement if the bank permits it. It is not a payment undertaking.
Banks will sometimes issue them because they can be drafted as factual and informational, with tight qualifiers. The bank controls the language, limits reliance, and restricts verification to defined recipients and channels.
The issuing bank applies its standard controls: client identification, beneficial ownership checks, KYC and AML, sanctions screening where applicable, confidentiality rules, and internal approvals. The letter is structured to avoid becoming a promise to pay, and verification is limited to avoid open-ended reliance.
Yes, subject to bank policy. Verification is normally limited to named recipients or a defined verification channel. It often requires client consent. We align the issuance and verification mechanics so the letter is usable for legitimate onboarding.
Typically no. Banks avoid language that implies a transfer commitment or a guarantee. If a bank requires a temporary funds placement for a capacity statement, that is documented under the bank’s account terms and controls, and the letter remains informational.
No. If the counterparty needs a payment undertaking, the correct tool is a documentary credit, standby letter of credit, demand guarantee, or an escrow or pledged deposit structure. A reference letter is not designed to carry bank payment liability.
Banks generally require that any funds placement, if required, is in an account opened in the client’s name and under the client’s control, with bank-led compliance review. Requests that attempt to present third-party liquidity as the client’s capacity are typically rejected.
If you need a non-committal bank reference letter for counterparty onboarding, share the recipient details, intended use, target amount (up to USD 10,000,000), and your preferred timeline. We will revert with the cleanest executable path and the requirements to proceed.
Request A QuoteDisclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory, investment, or credit advice and it is not an offer or solicitation. Financely is not a bank and does not issue bank letters or transmit SWIFT messages. Any letter is issued solely by a regulated financial institution under its own policies and approvals and may be subject to KYC and AML review, sanctions screening, confidentiality restrictions, and definitive documentation. Bank reference letters are informational only and may not be relied upon as a payment undertaking or commitment to fund.
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