Cross-border settlement for precious metals and bullion dealers with a US LLC

Xavion Capital arranges multi-currency settlement facilities for US LLC bullion dealers by preparing a bank-ready file and introducing the company to appropriate financial institutions in the US and abroad. Our process begins by mapping your corporate structure and the settlement corridors you need, whether that is moving funds between a US parent and a foreign subsidiary, settling with international suppliers, or repatriating profits.

We then match your specific flows to the right institution types. For example, a transfer from the US to the UK might be best served by a US-licensed money transmitter on one side and a UK-authorised EMI on the other. For each corridor, we ensure the intercompany agreements and transfer rationale are clearly documented to satisfy underwriter scrutiny. This documentation justifies the movement of funds, explaining why and how money flows between your entities.

Our team reviews your US LLC's formation documents, AML policies, and dealer registrations to build a complete compliance narrative. By presenting a file that anticipates and answers underwriter questions, we introduce your business to providers equipped to handle high-value settlements for the precious metals industry, minimising delays and strengthening the application from the outset.

Underwriters assessing a US LLC for bullion settlement accounts focus on the legitimacy and transparency of the entire group structure and its cash flows. They will request a complete group chart illustrating the ownership and control of all related entities, paying close attention to the jurisdictions involved. Intercompany agreements are scrutinised to understand the legal and commercial basis for each settlement corridor. You must provide a clear rationale for each transfer, such as for supplier payments, internal liquidity management, or profit repatriation.

The tax residency of each entity is a key point of diligence, as institutions must avoid facilitating structures designed for tax evasion. Underwriters will verify your LLC’s US tax status, including its EIN and any foreign ownership reporting obligations like Form 5472. They will analyse projected settlement volumes, frequency, and the nature of the end counterparties (e.g., refineries, mints, or other dealers) to ensure the activity aligns with your stated business model. The origin of the metals is also critical; providers will expect to see evidence of a clean, verifiable supply chain and robust AML/CFT policies to prevent the trade of illicit goods.

Using a US LLC for precious metals dealing offers a credible, high-trust legal structure, but it comes with specific compliance and operational realities. While US LLCs, particularly from states like Wyoming or Delaware, are fast to form, non-resident owners must secure an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a process that can take several weeks and is essential for opening accounts.

The primary currency for US-based institutions is USD. Accessing EUR and GBP settlement is typically achieved through UK or EEA-based EMIs that are comfortable onboarding US entities. While no physical substance is legally required for the LLC, underwriters at premier institutions look for evidence of genuine operations, such as a commercial US address, active supplier contracts, and a US-based director or contact point. This helps distinguish legitimate enterprises from shell companies.

From a reporting standpoint, foreign-owned single-member LLCs have a specific obligation to file Form 5472 with the IRS to disclose transactions with foreign related parties. Demonstrating awareness and compliance with these reporting requirements is a crucial part of the underwriting file and shows you operate a transparent, well-governed business. We ensure your documentation clearly reflects this.

Settlement accounts for US bullion dealers are most often declined because of an incomplete or inconsistent narrative in the application file. Providers will reject applications that fail to articulate a clear, lawful purpose for the requested transfers. If the relationship between the sending and receiving entities is not supported by legal agreements, or if the economic rationale is weak, underwriters may suspect illicit activity such as money laundering or tax avoidance and will refuse the account.

Account closures often happen after recurring compliance reviews flag new risks. A common trigger is a sudden change in settlement patterns, such as unexpected high-value transfers to new jurisdictions, without prior notification to the provider. Another major red flag is any suspicion about the provenance of the metals. If your LLC cannot provide a clear paper trail from the refinery or mint to your inventory, the institution may freeze or close your account to avoid regulatory risk.

Our process is designed to prevent these outcomes. We build a comprehensive file that establishes a strong commercial basis for every settlement corridor from day one. We also advise on how to maintain a transparent relationship with your provider, including communicating changes to your business model, so that compliance reviews are passed smoothly without service interruption.

The timeline for establishing a cross-border settlement corridor for a US LLC dealing in bullion typically ranges from 3 to 8 weeks. This period covers the preparation of the file and the onboarding processes at both the sending and receiving institutions. The exact duration depends on the complexity of your group structure, the jurisdictions involved, and the responsiveness of your team in providing the required documentation.

Onboarding begins with our team gathering and reviewing all necessary documents, including your LLC’s articles of organisation, operating agreement, EIN confirmation, and your group's AML policy. We then complete the applications on your behalf and submit the full file to the selected institutions. The process often involves a video verification call between the institution’s compliance team and the LLC's principals.

To keep your settlement facilities live, proactive communication with your financial partners is essential. We recommend providing regular updates on your business performance and notifying them in advance of any significant changes, such as entering new markets, changing suppliers, or planning unusually large transfers. This transparency helps the provider’s compliance team understand your activity, reduces the risk of automated transaction flags, and ensures the long-term stability of your settlement accounts.