A well managed surety bond program can be the difference between the success or failure of your business. Most states require license bonds from money transmitters, check cashers, payday loan companies and currency exchange (msb’s). These bonds guarantee the licensee will operate their business in compliance with the state and/or federal laws. Many surety companies charge higher rates for these bonds because they perceive they are exposed to higher risk, and often the bond amounts are large and the bond forms have onerous wording. The result is that many MSB’s find the process of obtaining either a single bond or a large aggregate surety program frustrating.
An Insurance Agency who specializes in surety bonds can greatly assist MSB’s in obtaining the surety credit needed either to open a new business or expand geographically and existing business. The underwriting process requires financial statements on the business and personal statements on all owners. Generally, Surety Companies are only willing to write these bonds where the financial condition is strong and where an excellent credit history can be documented.
If a surety underwriter perceives there is insufficient indemnity to support the risk, they may entertain writing the bond(s) if the Licensee posts collateral in the form of an Irrevocable Letter of Credit. However, prior to posting the collateral, it is important that your insurance agent have an understanding with the surety company as to when the collateral will be released.
The Surety Group in Atlanta, Georgia is a surety only agency with decades of experience providing all types of surety bonds. We deal with many of the nation’s largest surety companies and we have a proven record of successfully placing License Bonds for Money Service Companies across the nation. We also provide non-traditional programs for MSB’s that do not meet standard underwriting guidelines. Please visit our site and fill out a Money Transmitter Application or contact us to learn more.
We also have special page for Georgia Money Transmitter Bonds and ND Money Transmitter Bonds