When it comes to sending money abroad or making international payments, many people and businesses in countries with currency restrictions (like Bolivia or Argentina) turn to informal alternatives or OTC (Over The Counter) operators. But there is a much safer, more transparent, and efficient option: operating through fintech platforms that work with bank-regulated partners.

In this article, we explain why this alternative is more reliable — and why it can save you from legal, financial, and operational headaches.

What does “bank-regulated partner” mean?

A platform with bank-regulated partners is one that connects with financial institutions supervised by authorities such as:

• The FinCEN (U.S.)

• The FCA (United Kingdom)

• The European Central Bank

• Other international financial regulators

These partners comply with anti-money laundering (AML), know your customer (KYC), and consumer protection standards, making transactions safer, traceable, and legally valid.

What is an OTC and why does it pose a risk?

An OTC (Over The Counter) operator is generally a person or entity that acts as an intermediary to exchange money outside the traditional banking system. In many cases:

• They are not regulated

• They do not have audits

• They do not provide legal guarantees

• They operate with cash, cryptocurrencies, or opaque transfers

Although they may sometimes offer an attractive exchange rate or a quick transaction, the risk is high.

Benefits of operating with platforms with regulated banking partners

1. Legal security

You know with whom you are dealing, under what legislation, and with the backing of recognized financial institutions. This is key if your company is audited or needs to justify payments abroad.

2. Total traceability

Every transaction leaves a clear trace: source of funds, recipient, reason for payment. This is essential for companies that import, export, or pay for services abroad.

3. Compliance with international standards

Regulated platforms must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering), which protects both the sender and the recipient of the funds.

4. Access to global financial systems

Working with regulated partners allows you to send money directly to bank accounts in the United States, Europe, Asia, or Latin America, without going through strange conversions or unclear methods.

5. Lower risk of blockages

Banks or digital wallets can freeze funds if they detect suspicious transactions. By operating with regulated platforms, the risk of blocking is minimized because the entire process is legitimate and justified.

Risks of using OTCs or informal channels

• ❌ Possibility of fraud or loss of funds

• ❌ Difficulty justifying transactions to the tax authority or your bank

• ❌ Risk of unknowingly being involved in money laundering

• ❌ No legal support if something goes wrong

• ❌ Reputation affected before serious clients or suppliers

What types of companies should pay special attention to this?

• Importers making advance payments to China, the U.S., or Europe

• Exporters receiving payments from abroad

• Families sending remittances or funds to students or relatives outside the country

• Freelancers or service providers who get paid in dollars

Conclusion: in international payments, trust is non-negotiable

Choosing how to move your money abroad is not just a matter of exchange rate. It’s a matter of security, traceability, and legal compliance.

At Loula, for example, we operate with bank-regulated partners in the U.S. and Europe, which allows us to offer you a safe, transparent, and efficient solution to:

• Send money abroad

• Pay suppliers

• Receive payments for services or exports

All without banks, without hurdles, without cash… and above all, without unnecessary risks.

Do you want to send money abroad without using OTCs or getting into trouble?
👉 Talk to Loula and discover how to do it 100% safe and legal by clicking on this link: https://www.getloula.com/es/join