Frequently asked questions

Taper is a non-bank fintech boutique specialising in international payments and FX hedging and trade finance for internationally operating businesses. We are not a bank: we work with fully regulated European partners so you combine the benefits of modern fintech technology with the security of regulated structures.

Our strength is personal contact: you have a dedicated specialist, not a call centre. Reachable on their direct line.

Taper works exclusively with fully regulated European financial institutions for payments, IBAN accounts and FX services alike. Our partners are supervised by the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Client funds are held in segregated, ring-fenced accounts at Tier 1 credit institutions, never commingled with operational funds.

Three key differences:

• Personal: you call your specialist directly, no queue, no automated menu.
• Faster: IBAN accounts operational within 2 weeks; financing decisions within 72 hours.
• More transparent: no hidden FX margins, no surprise fees.

Taper is designed for internationally operating SMEs, corporates and investment funds that pay or receive in foreign currencies, need trade financing or want to actively manage their currency risk. Both Dutch and foreign entities are welcome.

Through our partner network we reach 140+ countries and support payments in 30+ currencies. For specific destinations or currencies, always check with your specialist.

You reach out via the contact form or call your specialist directly. After an introductory call we start the onboarding process: KYC documentation (company registration, UBO identification) and compliance screening. The entire process takes on average 2 weeks. Learn more about multi-currency accounts.

Yes. Taper introduces multi-currency IBAN accounts in your company name. You can receive and send in multiple currencies from one integrated environment, including EUR, USD, GBP and 30+ other currencies.

SWIFT GPI (Global Payments Innovation) provides real-time trackingof your international payments, from sending to credit on the recipient's account. You can see exactly where your payment is, what fees were deducted and when it will arrive. This eliminates the uncertainty around international transfers.

Yes. Taper has specific expertise in multi-jurisdiction structures: groups with entities in multiple countries, investment funds, SPVs and complex ownership structures. Our specialists understand the compliance nuances and connect you with the right partner banks willing to serve such structures.

Client funds are held in segregated, ring-fenced accountsat Tier 1 credit institutions, strictly separated from Taper's operational accounts. This is a legal requirement under PSD2. Our regulated partners are under prudential supervision of the National Bank of Belgium (NBB). Learn more about regulation and safety →

FX Spot is a direct currency exchange at the current market rate, settled within 2 business days. Ideal when you need currency now.

Forward contracts (Fixed, Window, Dynamic) lock in a rate for a future date. This protects your margins against adverse rate movements while you know exactly what a transaction will cost.

Choose based on your certainty about timing:

• Fixed Forward: you know the exact date of payment or receipt.
• Window Forward: you know the period but not the exact day, you want flexibility to draw down.
• Dynamic Forward: you want certainty but also benefit if rates move favourably, you accept a slightly less favourable starting rate.

Not sure? Your specialist will advise you free of charge based on your specific cash flow. See all FX contract types in detail →

There is no fixed minimum for FX Spot transactions. For forward contracts we apply a practical minimum of approximately €10,000 equivalent value, but this is also negotiable. Reach out to your specialist for a tailored solution.

You call or message your specialist with the desired amount and currency pair. You receive an immediate quote. On agreement you confirm the transaction verbally or via email, after which settlement takes place via your Taper account. The entire flow, from rate request to settlement, happens without paperwork or portal hassle.

Yes. Taper publishes weekly market reports on economic trends and FX developments. Clients can subscribe to receive these reports directly in their inbox. You can sign up via our market reports page.

With non-recourse debtor finance, Taper purchases your outstanding receivables and takes over the credit risk. If your debtor doesn't pay, that is our risk, not yours. You receive immediate liquidity on your outstanding invoices without carrying the insolvency risk yourself. International receivables are included. Learn more about debtor finance →

For Structured Commodity Finance, Taper applies a minimum financing size of €3,000,000. This product targets goods in transit and covers import, export and domestic trade flows. The draw-down period aligns with your trade cycle. Learn more about commodity finance →

Portfolio-based lending is a revolving credit facility secured against your entire debtor portfolio. The facility scales with your turnover. Taper integrates with your ERP system (read-only access) for automated debtor data, no manual reporting required. Decision within 72 hours. Learn more about portfolio-based lending →

Yes. Taper accepts international receivables. Through our network of trade credit insurers and legal partners we assess foreign debtors and take on the risk, including outside the EU. This is a key differentiator versus traditional factoring parties that limit themselves to domestic receivables.

Taper makes financing decisions within 72 hours of receiving the required documentation. This is in sharp contrast to the weeks or months traditional institutions typically need. Once approved, the facility is set up as quickly as possible.

Taper Trade Finance B.V. is our own dedicated fund and is 100% founder-owned, with no external shareholders and no institutional pressure. Capital is primarily provided by a private bank, supplemented by alternative funding sources. Taper is the risk taker: we guarantee every financing we provide.

All receivables are pledged to Taper (pledge on collateral) and are fully covered via credit insurers. Because we do not depend on bank committees or external credit lines, we make decisions independently within 72 hours. View our funding structure →

Standard KYC documentation includes:

• Chamber of Commerce extract or foreign equivalent (not older than 3 months)
• ID documents of all UBOs (passport or national ID)
• Ownership structure / organogram
• Recent financial statements (if available)

Your specialist will guide you step by step through the process.

Taper works with transparent pricing structures: no hidden FX margins and no unexpected fees. Exact rates depend on your volume, currency pair and product type. Your specialist provides a clear quote before any transactions take place. Contact us for a personalised proposal.

For an IBAN account you should expect approximately 2 weeks from initial application to an operational account. For FX transactions via our trading desks you can often start sooner after an initial conversation and agreement on KYC documentation. Financing decisions follow within 72 hours.

Yes. IBAN accounts are available for both Dutch and foreign entities. Taper has experience with European and non-European companies and understands the specific compliance requirements per jurisdiction.

Every Taper client has a dedicated specialist with a direct phone number and email address. No call centre, no ticket system. As a client you call directly, and that call gets answered. Not yet a client? Use our contact form or book a meeting directly.