Hamilton Reserve Bank signs Cyprus-based referral agreement targeting regional business links

Hamilton Reserve Bank has announced a cooperation agreement with SEE Capital Hamilton Ltd, a Nicosia-based corporate finance and advisory firm, aimed at developing new business contacts in Cyprus, Greece and Israel. The agreement, announced on 6 August, covers an independent marketing and prospective client referral arrangement. According to the announcement, SEE Capital Hamilton will introduce potential business relationships to Hamilton Reserve Bank and assist with market research. The announcement makes clear, however, that SEE Capital Hamilton is not a bank, branch or representative office of Hamilton Reserve Bank in Cyprus, nor is it a licensed deposit-taking institution. The Cyprus company will not provide banking services, accept deposits, approve clients or open bank accounts. Banking services will be provided exclusively by Hamilton Reserve Bank, while prospective clients will be subject to the bank’s own due diligence and compliance procedures. Focus on Cyprus and the wider region The agreement has a clear regional focus. Hamilton Reserve Bank said SEE Capital Hamilton has extensive business relationships in Cyprus, Greece and Israel, while the bank is seeking to increase its visibility among businesses and professionals in the region. Hamilton Reserve Bank chairman Sir Tony Baldry said the bank was available to consider the banking needs of shipowners, businesses, lawyers, bankers, family offices and financial advisers across Southern Europe, Israel and beyond. The reference to shipowners is particularly relevant to Cyprus and Greece given the significant presence of both countries in the international shipping sector. Not a bank operating in Cyprus A check of the Central Bank of Cyprus’ official register shows that Hamilton Reserve Bank is not listed among the domestic or foreign credit institutions and branches of foreign banks operating in the Republic of Cyprus. The Central Bank states that a credit institution licensed in a third country which wishes to operate in Cyprus through a branch must obtain the relevant operating licence. The agreement should therefore not be interpreted as establishing a banking presence or branch of Hamilton Reserve Bank in Cyprus. Who is Hamilton Reserve Bank? Hamilton Reserve Bank is based in Nevis, part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. In its announcement, the bank said it serves clients from around 150 countries in 126 currencies and holds more than $20 billion in deposits and assets under custody. Those financial figures are figures provided by Hamilton Reserve Bank itself in its announcement. SEE Capital Hamilton Ltd is described in the announcement as a private investment, strategic, administrative and advisory services company active in business development services and introducing clients to new markets.