Last updated: January 1, 2026

The short answer is Yes. You can register a company in the US, UK, or Singapore while sitting in your pajamas in Tokyo, Berlin, or Shanghai. Digital incorporation is now a mature industry.

However, successful business operation involves more than just a Certificate of Incorporation. It requires a bank account. And this is where the dream often hits a wall. In this guide, we connect the dots between legal registration and banking reality.

(Read our full Step-by-Step Registration Guide for the legal details.)

1. The Disconnect: Registry vs. Bank

Company Registries (like Companies House or ACRA) want your business. Banks want to avoid risk.

When a foreigner registers a company remotely, banks classify it as "High Risk" for money laundering. If you walk into a Chase branch in New York or an HSBC branch in Hong Kong, they will ask for:

• Proof of local physical office (not a virtual address).
• Proof of local employees.
• A face-to-face interview.

2. The Solution: Fintech & EMIs

Since 2020, the rise of Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) has saved the remote industry. These are regulated financial institutions that operate without branches. They are the only viable option for 99% of remote founders.

3. The "Substance" Requirement

To approve your account remotely, Fintechs will check your digital footprint. To pass compliance, you must have:

• A live website: It must clearly explain what you sell. "Coming Soon" pages are automatic rejections.
• LinkedIn Profile: Match your CV to your business.
• Contracts: Have a draft contract with a supplier or client ready to upload.

Tip: keep contracts, invoices, and shipping evidence ready—processors can ask again later during risk reviews.

1. Primary account: fintech/EMI account for fast onboarding and payouts.
2. Processor: Stripe/PayPal/other—confirm country/entity eligibility and product rules.
3. Backup rails: Wise/Airwallex-like options for FX and supplier payments.
4. Bookkeeping: a clean chart of accounts and monthly reconciliation to reduce reviews and holds.

For sellers, the “best banking” outcome is usually a stack:

Payments stack for Amazon/Shopify sellers

• No credible online presence: launch a real store, add policies, contact info, and consistent branding.
• Inconsistent KYC: align names/addresses across all documents; explain discrepancies.
• No supply chain evidence: prepare supplier invoices, contracts, and fulfillment documentation.
• High-risk categories: verify processor policies before applying; consider alternative providers.
• Volume mismatch: don’t project unrealistic revenue without proof; scale gradually with evidence.

Common rejection reasons (and fixes)

Documents you need (e-commerce checklist)

4. Conclusion

Can you register remotely? Yes. Can you bank remotely? Yes, if you choose the right jurisdiction (like the UK or US) and the right banking partner (Fintechs).

If you choose a jurisdiction like Hong Kong, be prepared to travel. To see which country fits your needs, check our Country Comparison Matrix.

Ready to start? Get a Free Assessment from HSJGlobal.

References (official sources)

• FinCEN (US beneficial ownership / AML)
• FCA (UK financial services regulator)
• IRS (US tax)
• Companies House (UK)
• ACRA (Singapore)

About the Author

Elara Vance helps B2B SaaS companies scale through sustainable strategies. Formerly Head of Growth at TechCo.