A useful way to think about a large decision is to remove the marketing noise and return to a few simple questions. What follows is not a recipe; it is a framework for a calmer conversation.
01
Clarify the bank’s role. A transaction bank, custody bank and lending partner do not have to be the same institution.
02
Understand where assets are legally held and what happens if an institution or intermediary fails.
03
Request a full fee map: custody, advisory, product fees, foreign exchange, transfers, credit spreads and exit charges.
04
Test operational reality before moving major assets: transfer times, documents, digital access and problem resolution.
05
Evaluate cross-border capability using the countries you actually need, not the size of the bank’s map.