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Check if you qualify.

Five questions to check the basic criteria. Guidance only: every application is verified and Olympus decides at onboarding.

Start the checkRestricted businesses

Five questions.

Nothing you enter is stored or sent. The check runs in your browser.

1. What are you opening an account for?
2. Where are you based?
3. Are you, the business, or its owners subject to sanctions?
4. Does the account involve any of these?

Select every one that applies.

5. Can you provide these?

Who can open an account.

WhoCriteriaStatus
IndividualsResidents of Botswana who pass identity verification. The Basic plan is for individuals.Available
Registered businessesCompanies incorporated, registered or operating in Botswana, with directors, shareholders and beneficial owners verified. The Business and Merchant plans are for businesses.Available
Businesses in the United KingdomServices are provided through an FCA-authorised and regulated partner. Eligibility is set by them; write to hello@olympuspay.co.Per country

What you will need.

  • A government-issued photo ID (national ID card or passport) and a biometric selfie.
  • For a business: the registered name, registration number, physical address, business type, director information, shareholder structure and source of funds.
  • For a business: verification of beneficial owners, one by one.
  • Passing verification to Olympus’s satisfaction and in line with Botswana AML/CFT rules.
During the Bank of Botswana Regulatory Sandbox, a single transaction is capped at BWP 5,000 and an account balance at BWP 20,000, by regulatory directive.

Who cannot.

Olympus’s Terms prohibit using an account for the following. If your activity falls in these categories, you will not be able to open one.

  • Any activity that is unlawful under the laws of Botswana or any other applicable jurisdiction.
  • Money laundering, terrorist financing, or any activity that violates the Financial Intelligence Act, 2022 of Botswana or international AML/CFT standards.
  • Transactions involving countries, entities or individuals subject to sanctions by the Bank of Botswana, the United Nations, OFAC or other applicable sanctions authorities.
  • Gambling, online gaming with real money, or betting services, unless you hold a valid Botswana licence to operate such services.
  • Purchasing, selling or facilitating transactions in unlicensed financial instruments, unregistered securities or prohibited assets.
  • Processing payments on behalf of third parties without Olympus’s prior written consent.

Full list and how UK and Botswana institutions treat restricted clients

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