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# 🚨 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](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. 
> You can explore alternative banking options that support accounts for non-residents.[click here ](https://help.easyfiling.com/en/article/us-bank-account-opening-guide-14lxvhr/)
 
### 5️⃣ Withdraw Funds Before the Deadline
Transfer remaining balances out well before the transition date to avoid forced physical check disbursement or access delays.

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