Common Questions
Answers before
the first call.
Engagement
- How does an initial engagement begin?
- All new mandates begin with a confidential partner call. If the matter aligns with our practice, we issue an engagement letter and commence KYC and conflicts screening within 24 hours.
- What is your minimum transaction size for paymaster mandates?
- The firm's paymaster & escrow practice accepts transactions of USD 500,000 and above. Smaller matters may be referred to trusted correspondent firms.
Fees
- How are paymaster fees calculated?
- Fees are quoted on a published basis-point (bps) schedule tied to transaction value, with a fixed minimum. Full schedule is provided during engagement review.
- Do you charge hourly for transactional work?
- No. Transactional mandates are typically flat-fee or basis-point priced. Hourly billing is reserved for ongoing advisory relationships and disputes.
Compliance
- What jurisdictions can you receive funds from?
- The firm receives wires from FATF-compliant jurisdictions worldwide, subject to OFAC, sanctions, and internal AML screening. Restricted jurisdictions are declined at intake.
- Are client funds insured?
- Client funds are held in New York attorney trust account accounts at federally-insured depository institutions. The firm additionally maintains professional liability and cyber coverage above industry norms.
Confidentiality
- How is my matter kept confidential?
- All communications with the firm are protected under attorney-client privilege and work-product doctrine. Internal access is restricted on a need-to-know basis, with all files encrypted at rest and in transit.
- Do you provide references from prior clients?
- Given the discretion required in our practice, references are furnished only under mutual NDA and with the referring client's written consent.
Process
- How long does a paymaster closing typically take?
- Once KYC is complete and the IMFPA is executed, most closings settle within 48–72 hours of funds landing in the trust account.
- Can you serve as escrow agent for M&A transactions?
- Yes. The firm regularly acts as neutral escrow agent for indemnity holdbacks, earn-outs, and closing consideration in corporate M&A.