Answers to the questions clients most often ask. For anything not covered here, the Private Client Office responds personally.
How do I open an account? Continental relationships begin with a sponsored introduction or a request through the Private Client Office. After your application is submitted, a relationship manager will contact you to coordinate identification and source-of-wealth documentation.
How long does approval take? Typically one business day for qualifying applications. Complex relationships involving multiple jurisdictions or beneficial owners may require additional review.
Why three currencies? Continental clients hold USD, EUR, and GBP positions independently. Each portfolio is reconciled separately. Consolidated figures shown on your dashboard are computed at the EOM Geneva fix for reporting convenience only.
How are interest credits calculated? Interest is accrued daily against the prevailing rate for each currency band and credited monthly on the first business day.
How long does a withdrawal take? Approved withdrawals settle within one business day for SEPA, UK Faster Payments, Wise, Revolut, and PayPal. Bank wire to non-correspondent institutions may take two to three business days depending on the receiving bank.
Why does the amount sit in pending balance first? Funds move from available to pending balance when an instruction is received. They settle fully (and are removed from pending) once your banker has executed and confirmed.
Why does a destination need approval? Continental only routes outbound funds to destinations a finance officer has verified against your KYC file. This protects you from misdirection by impersonators.
How long does approval take? Typically within the business day. Domestic SEPA and UK Faster Payments are usually faster than international wires, which may require a confirmation call to the receiving institution.
Where do I find my statements? The Document Vault on your dashboard contains every statement, account letter, KYC confirmation, withdrawal receipt, refund evidence, and annual tax summary issued in your name.
Can I request a custom report? Yes. Open a thread in the Secure Message Center and your banker will prepare it within the business day.
The Secure Message Center is the fastest way to reach your private banker for any non-urgent matter. For urgent operational issues — a suspected unauthorised instruction or a freeze request — call the Private Client Office directly on the number you have on file.
General inquiries: concierge@continental.example.