Crédit Agricole Account Opening: Private & Corporate Banking Options in Singapore (2025)

Crédit Agricole operates in Singapore primarily through Indosuez Wealth Management (private banking) and Crédit Agricole CIB (corporate & investment banking). If you’re looking for a standard personal retail account, Crédit Agricole generally does not offer mass-market deposit accounts in Singapore. This guide explains viable routes (private/corporate), eligibility, documents, and practical alternatives for residents and expats.

Key Points at a Glance

• Retail availability in Singapore: Not offered for mass-market personal banking.
• Private Banking (Indosuez): Relationship-based onboarding with higher minimums; tailored wealth products.
• Corporate Banking (CA CIB): For companies with Singapore/regional operations; onboarding depends on business profile & compliance review.
• If you need a day-to-day personal account: Consider leading retail banks in SG (DBS/OCBC/UOB etc.) while maintaining CA for wealth/corporate needs.

Account Availability & Paths

1) Private Banking (Indosuez Wealth Management)

• Who it’s for: HNW/UHNW individuals and family offices seeking discretionary/ advisory portfolio management, lending, and international solutions.
• Minimum relationship size: Typically high (varies by client profile and product mix). Expect six to seven-figure SGD equivalent as a working assumption; confirm directly with relationship management.
• What you get: Multi-currency accounts, portfolio services, structured products, custody, lending against assets, dedicated RM team.
• Onboarding style: Relationship-led, with full KYC/Source of Wealth review and suitability assessment.

2) Corporate & Investment Banking (Crédit Agricole CIB)

• Who it’s for: Incorporated businesses, MNCs, commodity traders, project/aviation/real-asset finance users.
• Eligibility: Singapore or regional operating footprint, credible business activity, transparent ownership & governance.
• What you get: Operating accounts (subject to approval), cash management, trade & supply-chain finance, FX/derivatives, capital markets access.
• Onboarding style: Deeper KYB due diligence, may include site/operations checks and documentation across the shareholder chain.

Note: If you’re a retail customer (salary credit, debit card, day-to-day payments), open your transactional account with a retail bank in Singapore first, then use Crédit Agricole for private/corporate needs. See: Expat Account Opening Matrix · Account Fees Comparison · Savings Rates.

Eligibility & Documents (What to Prepare)

For Individuals (Private Banking route)

• Identification: Valid passport; national ID (if applicable).
• Residency/Status: Proof of address (utility bill/bank statement ≤ 3 months); Singapore pass (EP/DP/Student/PR) if resident.
• Financial profile: Proof of income/asset statements; Source of Wealth narrative and supporting evidence (e.g., business sale, accumulated savings, investments).
• Compliance: Tax residency & self-certification (CRS/FATCA), PEP declarations (where relevant).

For Companies (Corporate route)

• Corporate docs: Certificate of incorporation, business profile (ACRA for SG), M&AA/constitution, board resolutions.
• Ownership: Shareholder register, UBO identification, group chart with % holdings.
• Activity proofs: Invoices/contracts, website/marketing materials, key counterparties, licenses (if regulated).
• Operations: Local office/lease, key management bios, transaction flows (expected volume, geographies, currencies).
• Compliance: Sanctions/AML screenings; tax forms; auditor letters (if required).

Can I Open Remotely?

• Private banking: Remote pre-screening is often possible, but final onboarding usually involves face-to-face (in person or bank-approved video KYC) depending on risk, jurisdiction, and product set.
• Corporate banking: Remote document exchange is common; authorized signatories may need in-person verification or certified copies depending on policy.

Timelines (Typical)

• Private banking: 2–6+ weeks from first conversation to account activation, assuming documents are complete and SoW review is straightforward.
• Corporate banking: 3–8+ weeks, varying with structure complexity, cross-border elements, and compliance findings.

Tip: Build in extra time if there are multiple UBOs or trusts.

Fees & Minimums (Indicative)

• Private banking: Relationship-based pricing—expect custody/advisory/transactional fees; FX & margin apply to structured products/lending.
• Corporate banking: Cash management, payments, and trade finance fees vary by package and volume; onboarding/maintenance fees may apply.

Always request a fee schedule and FX markup disclosure relevant to your usage.

Step-by-Step: How to Start (Singapore)

1. Choose your path Private wealth → Contact Indosuez Wealth Management (Singapore). Corporate → Contact Crédit Agricole CIB (Singapore).
2. Initial discussion Clarify goals (AUM, services, geographies), entity/UBO details, expected flows, and timelines.
3. Document pack Bank provides a tailored checklist; prepare certified copies where required.
4. Compliance review KYC/KYB, sanctions/AML, SoW/SoF (source of funds), suitability.
5. Account opening & e-banking setup Activate multi-currency accounts, set user access & approvals (corporates), enable statements & alerts.
6. Go-live Test payments, set standing instructions, define FX hedging/treasury routines if relevant.

Practical Alternatives (Retail Day-to-Day Banking)

If you primarily need a personal transactional account in Singapore (salary credit, PayNow, debit card), consider:

• DBS / OCBC / UOB retail accounts (view our Savings Rates and Fees).
• For remote-friendly or expat-oriented onboarding, review our Expat Matrix.
• For multi-currency cards or cross-border remittance, pair your bank account with reputable FX/remittance providers and compare fees + FX spread.

Compliance & Tax Notes (Read Before You Apply)

• Substance matters：banks assess economic purpose and transaction rationale—especially for cross-border flows.
• Tax residence & reporting：prepare CRS/FATCA self-certs; ensure declared residency aligns with activity.
• Sanctions & restricted geographies：be ready for enhanced due diligence if counterparties/UBOs touch sensitive jurisdictions.
• PEP/Adverse media：expect additional documentation or senior approvals where relevant.

FAQs

Q1: Can I open a standard personal current/savings account with Crédit Agricole in Singapore?
A: Generally no. In Singapore, Crédit Agricole serves private and corporate segments. For everyday retail banking, use a local retail bank and consider CA for wealth or corporate needs.

Q2: What are the minimums for Indosuez (private banking)?
A: Relationship thresholds are client-specific and may change. As a rule of thumb, expect high six-figure SGD equivalent or more. Confirm with the bank.

Q3: How long does onboarding take?
A: Private: 2–6+ weeks; Corporate: 3–8+ weeks, depending on structure and document readiness.

Q4: Can non-residents open via video KYC?
A: Case-by-case. Some steps can be remote, but identity verification and document certification may require in-person or notarized processes.

Q5: What if I only need multi-currency spending and remittances?
A: Open a local retail account first; compare remittance fees + FX spread using our tools and guides, and consider pairing with reputable FX providers.

Internal Links

• Expat Account Opening Matrix → /#expat
• Account Fees Comparison → /#fees
• Savings Rate Comparison → /#rates
• Best Banks for Expats (2025) → /rankings/

Editorial Notes

• Last updated: 2025-09-09
• Review cadence: Quarterly, or when the bank updates onboarding/segment policies.
• Disclosure: We maintain editorial independence. Any affiliate/advertising relationships do not affect our rankings or recommendations.

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About the Author

Helen Lili – Editor, Research Lead
Helen leads tariff analysis and product change tracking. She maintains the normalized dataset that powers our comparison tables and ensures each claim links back to a dated primary source. Read more articles