Eligibility
Who can open a Helm account, the documents on the list, and how long it takes.
Who can open a Helm account
Registered businesses that trade internationally. Helm serves companies worldwide, with the exception of businesses registered in the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area.
- Importers and exporters
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Trading and sourcing companies
- Freight forwarders and logistics firms
- Manufacturers that sell abroad
Your account manager confirms your countries and corridors on the first call. The country guides for the United States, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Vietnam describe how Helm works for businesses in each one.
The documents on the list
One list, sent by your account manager before the first call. Most clients have everything on it already.
| Document | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Certificate of incorporation or registration extract | The company exists and its registered details |
| Register of directors and shareholders | Who controls the company; owners of 25% or more are identified |
| Identity document and proof of address for each director and owner | Who the people are |
| Proof of business address | Where the company operates |
| Recent bank statement or management accounts | The scale and pattern of the company's trade |
| Two or three recent invoices or contracts | Who the company buys from and sells to |
| Import or export licence, where the goods require one | The company is permitted to trade the goods it trades |
Your account manager tells you on the first call if anything else is needed for your trade.
How long it takes
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| First call and document list | Same day |
| Document review by a compliance specialist | One to two business days after documents are received |
| Account live with USD details | Most accounts within days of the first call |
| EUR and GBP details | Added from inside the account once the USD account is live |
Businesses Helm does not serve
Helm does not open accounts for the following businesses or activities. The full list is on the Prohibited businesses page.
- Businesses registered in the United Kingdom or the European Economic Area
- Businesses owned or controlled by sanctioned persons, or trading with sanctioned countries, persons or goods
- Shell companies with no trading activity
- Unlicensed money services, including informal value transfer
- Gambling, adult content, weapons and ammunition, and narcotics
- Businesses that cannot show the source of their funds