What is shell banks?

A shell bank refers to a financial institution that does not have a physical presence in any country and is not subject to the banking regulations of any jurisdiction. These banks can also be referred to as "paper banks" or "mailbox banks." They typically offer offshore banking services to individuals or companies seeking to maintain anonymity and avoid taxes or financial regulations.

Shell banks can be associated with money laundering and terrorist financing because they offer banking services without any physical presence or real business operations. According to the Financial Action Task Force, shell banks pose a significant risk to the global financial system because they can be used to facilitate illegal activities.

Many countries have banned shell banks or require that they be subject to strict anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing regulations. In the United States, for example, it is illegal to establish and operate shell banks. The European Union has also implemented similar regulations. Overall, shell banks have become a contentious issue for many governments and financial regulators around the world.