🚨 URGENT UPDATE FOR INTERNATIONAL FOUNDERS WITH U.S. ENTITIES

A major disruption is unfolding across the global startup ecosystem.

Over the past few days, Mercury has begun closing accounts for U.S.-registered companies where founders or core operations are based in certain countries. Full closures are expected by May 1st, and Nepal is among the affected jurisdictions.

🔗 https://lnkd.in/gj_J4dza

Why This Is Happening

U.S. fintech platforms operate through partner banks. Those banks are currently facing intensified regulatory scrutiny from U.S. authorities related to:

• AML (Anti-Money Laundering)
• KYC (Know Your Customer)
• Cross-border compliance enforcement

As regulatory pressure rises, risk tolerance drops. Unfortunately, many legitimate founders in emerging markets are being caught in the middle.

The Impact

For affected founders, this creates immediate operational risk:

• Loss of access to the U.S. banking system
• Potential disruption of payroll and vendor payments
• Risk of frozen or delayed working capital
• Forced migration to new financial infrastructure under tight deadlines

This is not just an inconvenience — it’s a serious business continuity issue.

Immediate Action Plan (Complete Before April 16)

1️⃣ Stop Incoming Payments

Pause all ACH and wire transfers to your Mercury account immediately.

Redirect funds to a temporary alternative (e.g., Wise) to prevent bounced or trapped payments.

2️⃣ Clear Outstanding Liabilities

Pay off IO corporate card balances and any pending obligations.

Do not risk a freeze triggered by disputes or unsettled balances.

3️⃣ Secure a Compliant U.S. Operational Address

This is critical.

Most alternative banks (Relay, Airwallex, etc.) are tightening address verification requirements. A basic Registered Agent address or P.O. Box is no longer sufficient.

You will likely need:

• A verifiable U.S. operational address
• A compliant virtual lease agreement
• Documentation that meets enhanced KYC review

Without this, approvals may be rejected.

4️⃣ Open Alternative Accounts Immediately

Apply now to financial institutions that still support non-U.S. resident founders.

Do not wait for your account to be restricted before acting.

5️⃣ Withdraw Funds Before the Deadline

Transfer remaining balances out well before the transition date to avoid forced physical check disbursement or access delays.

Updated on: 03/03/2026