How We Charge Our Fees for Commercial Services

Our commercial service fees cover expert introductions, relationship negotiations, due diligence support, and deal facilitation—typically for banking relationships, payment network partnerships, licensing strategies, or major compliance engagements. We've settled on a transparent, milestone-based billing model that reflects the value created at each stage.

Milestone-Based Billing: The Current Approach

We divide commercial engagements into three key stages, with fees earned progressively:

25% at Referral Agreement Signing. You commit to our services and we begin active work: vetting your company, identifying appropriate partners, and conducting preliminary discussions on your behalf. This portion is non-refundable because we've invested time and reputation.
25% Upon Due Diligence Completion. Your prospective partner has conducted their review of your company and approved you to move forward. Refundable if the deal doesn't close after this stage.
50% Upon Final Contract Signing. The relationship is finalized and you're executing the commercial agreement. This is fully earned because the engagement objective has been met.

This structure ensures we're motivated to see deals through, while protecting you if a relationship falls apart early in the process.

Application Assessment Fees

Before we commit to a commercial engagement, we conduct an initial assessment of your business—your structure, financials, regulatory standing, and market opportunity. This assessment is non-refundable because it occurs regardless of whether we move forward together. Assessment fees are pre-paid and typically low ($500–$2,000 depending on complexity).

Package Upgrading

If you've engaged us on a smaller scope and later want to expand—for example, adding international banking relationships after securing your primary correspondent—you can upgrade to a larger package within one year. You'll receive full credit for your previous fees and pay only the difference.

Commercial Services vs. Global Advisory Program (GAP)

Our commercial services (described above) work well for discrete projects: closing a single banking relationship, securing a money transmitter license in one key jurisdiction, or brokering a specific partnership.

However, if you're building a financial services business with ongoing, evolving needs—multiple jurisdictions, multiple banking relationships, continuous compliance guidance—consider our Global Advisory Program (GAP). GAP is an annual engagement providing unlimited access to our team, introductions, strategic advice, and deal support. Many clients find GAP more cost-effective than paying per-transaction fees once they reach a certain scale.

Why Milestone-Based, Not Success-Based?

We used to charge entirely on success (100% of fees earned only upon contract signing). We changed because this created misaligned incentives: some clients would engage us, have us invest weeks securing approvals, and then walk away without paying. Others would attempt deals they weren't genuinely interested in simply to avoid paying application fees. Milestone billing ensures both parties are committed to a genuine outcome and protects us from bearing costs on deals that collapse due to client indecision.

Transparency & No Surprises

Our proposals are fixed-price. If we estimate a $24,000 engagement, that's what you pay—broken into three milestones as described. There are no surprise "closure fees" or "success bonuses." What you see in the proposal is what you'll pay.

Ready to Discuss Your Engagement?

Contact us with details about the commercial opportunity you're exploring. We'll schedule a consultation, discuss your business model, and provide a detailed, transparent fee proposal tailored to your situation.