Why Choose us

world-class private banking services

We hold an international as well as domestic banking licence. We cater to international clients seeking full-service private banking and investment and trading solutions.

Typically, our clients:

  • are of higher net worth and prefer a higher level of personal service;
  • are looking to invest conservatively for wealth preservation;
  • and value discretion and confidentiality in the handling of their personal and financial information.
Global Access

We provide access to all major markets, asset classes and instruments worldwide.

International Outlook

We service international clients with high standards of privacy and security.

Partner Platforms

We offer fully supportive platforms for External Asset Managers and client advisers.

Smooth Onboarding

We maintain a streamlined and efficient account opening process.

Customised Reporting

We provide customized reporting to suit the particular requirements of our clients.

Complex Structures

We are well-versed in servicing complex ownership structures.

Why Cook Islands?

Privacy, Security, Stability.

Thanks to its globally-recognised asset protection legislation and world-class financial regulation, Cook Islands is a compelling proposition for individuals, companies, trusts and foundations looking to safeguard their financial assets over the longer term. Cook Islands is the globally pre-eminent jurisdiction for the establishment of asset protection trusts, foundations, and corporate structures.

Asset Protection Legislation

Cook Islands was the first jurisdiction to enact legislation specifically for the protection of assets, which has been tested and upheld repeatedly by the courts.

 

 

Sovereignty and Independence

Cook Islands is a sovereign jurisdiction, well suited to international clients seeking asset protection with full tax transparency in a fully compliant and internationally-recognised regime.

Banking in cook islands

A sovereign nation in free association with New Zealand

Cook Islands is a sovereign nation of 15 islands in the South Pacific ocean, south-west of Tahiti and south of (and in the same time-zone as) Hawaii. It is a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model of government. The Head of State is the ruling British monarch. The jurisdiction is particularly noted for the world-class standards of financial regulation and the quality of its legal system (in terms of both its asset-protection legislative framework and the expertise of its judiciary in such matters).

 
World-class regulatory standards

Cook Islands has promulgated comprehensive legislation to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The legislation can be found on the Cook Islands‘ Financial Intelligence Unit’s website.

The OECD’s Asia Pacific Group on money laundering has rated Cook Islands in the top 20% of 165 nations (higher than New Zealand or Australia) for the implementation of international regulatory standards.

In 2016, the Cook Islands national financial regulator, the Financial Supervisory Commission, released a letter detailing the regulatory standards to which financial institutions are subject. 

Privacy

Privacy and secrecy are different concepts. Secrecy in the form of numbered accounts, bearer shares, anonymous accounts, nominee owners and prohibition of account holder disclosure are things of the past.

CSB and the Cook Islands require complete information on our customer so that we know them, can verify the information we base our knowledge on, and understand their business aims and transactions.

Cook Islands financial institutions are bound by strict laws regarding client data privacy and confidentiality. CSB also maintains and adheres to a strict internal privacy policy regarding client information. 

Financial Supervisory Commission & Financial Intelligence Unit

The Cook Islands Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) ensure that financial institutions of the Cook Islands are operating within applicable laws and regulations. They were established in 2003 and 2002 respectively, as independent agencies of the Government of Cook Islands.

 

Role of the FSC

The FSC as national financial regulator is the licensing and supervisory authority for all Cook Islands financial institutions and financial services, and operates the national company register.

 

Role of the FIU

The FIU collects, analyses, and shares financial information and intelligence on suspected financial crime and other serious offences with domestic and internationalbodies and authorities.