How a European Company Legally Structured Payments Between the EU and Russia Through Serbia

Against the backdrop of sanctions-related restrictions and increasingly complex international payment processes, many European companies face challenges when settling transactions with Russian counterparties. REVERA’s specialists assisted a European medical equipment supplier in establishing a lawful and sustainable international payment framework through Serbia, enabling the company to maintain business continuity while ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Client’s Situation

The client’s business had several critical operational requirements:

1. To receive payments from Russian counterparties;
2. To make payments to suppliers in the EU;
3. To conduct re-export transactions;
4. To ensure full compliance with banking requirements, sanctions regulations, and foreign exchange control rules.

Why Serbia

At the time of the project, certain Serbian banks were willing to consider servicing international trade transactions involving counterparties from both the EU and Russia, provided that the transaction structure was transparent, KYC/AML procedures were successfully completed, and a full set of supporting documentation was provided.

This enabled the company to process payments in both euros and Russian rubles, while ensuring that the entire supply chain was properly verified, including contracts, invoices, and transportation documents.

What We Did

• Conducted a comprehensive legal and compliance review of the client’s business structure, supply chains, and payment flows;
• Developed and coordinated with the bank a compliant framework for servicing international trade transactions;
• Prepared corporate documentation, KYC materials, and supporting documents confirming the source of funds;
• Assisted with client identification procedures and the opening of a corporate bank account;
• Implemented a payment structure aligned with all applicable banking, compliance, and regulatory requirements.

Result

As a result, the client obtained a fully functioning banking and legal infrastructure for conducting international trade and cross-border settlements. The company retained the ability to work with Russian buyers and European suppliers in compliance with applicable legal requirements, as well as currency control and AML regulations.

How We Support Clients

We assist international businesses with banking matters, corporate structuring, and the organization of cross-border payments in full compliance with applicable legislation, sanctions regulations, and banking requirements.

Typical Client Requests

1. Difficulties with international settlements and cross-border payments;
2. Opening corporate bank accounts for international business operations;
3. Structuring payments between the EU, Serbia, and other jurisdictions;
4. Assessment of sanctions risks in cross-border transactions;
5. Support for re-export operations;
6. Corporate structuring of international businesses;
7. Interaction with banks on KYC and AML compliance matters.

Authors: Bogić Sekulović, Anna Miritskaya and Maryna Matsiuk.

How We Can Help

REVERA provides end-to-end support for international businesses in banking, corporate structuring, sanctions compliance, and cross-border payment arrangements.

If your company faces challenges with international settlements, opening corporate accounts, processing payments between the EU and Russia, or structuring foreign trade operations, our team can help design a lawful and sustainable solution tailored to applicable regulatory and banking requirements.

Your international payments need stability and security – contact REVERA today.