Tag: escrow

What is an Escrow Provider’s Role in RegA+?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

An escrow provider is a neutral party that handles financial transactions between two or more parties. They are often used in the securities industry to ensure that all parties involved in trade receive their agreed-upon share of the investment. Escrow providers in RegA+ play an essential role, securely holding funds investors have paid until those investors can be verified. This article will explain what an escrow provider is, their importance in RegA+, and some of the benefits they offer companies.

 

An escrow provider is a financial institution or company that holds funds on behalf of two other parties until their agreement has been met. In the context of securities offerings, escrow providers are often used in Regulation A+ transactions to hold funds invested by investors until the broker-dealer has completed their due diligence on those investors. This due diligence includes verifying the investor’s identity and ensuring that the investment is legitimate.

 

The escrow provider plays an important role in protecting both the investor and issuer in a Reg A+ transaction. Holding the funds until the completion of the broker-dealer’s due diligence protects the issuer from fraud and also ensures that the buyer receives their money back if the deal falls through. 

 

Escrow providers help to make sure that all of the necessary steps are taken to complete the transaction and that everyone involved is satisfied with the outcome. Part of this process includes making sure that the correct paperwork is filed and that all of the right people have signed off on it and everyone involved is legitimate. 

 

Beyond using an escrow provider to ensure that your Reg A+ transactions are completed smoothly and efficiently, it is also required for companies utilizing equity crowdfunding. Therefore, choosing an experienced escrow provider can provide valuable assistance and peace of mind throughout the process. 

 

Escrow providers play an essential role in Reg A+ transactions by holding and managing the funds until the necessary due diligence has been completed. They also ensure that all parties involved in the transaction comply with securities laws. These factors make escrow providers in RegA+ a necessary component of a successful offering. 

What is an Escrow Provider?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

If you’ve bought a home, you’ve likely heard the term escrow. In the homebuying process, escrow can be used to hold a good faith deposit while the contract is being finalized. It can also be used after the home is purchased to pay for property taxes, homeowners insurance, or mortgage insurance. In these instances, money held in escrow is managed by an independent, third-party intermediary. However, escrow is also common during the process of investing in a company, where the escrow provider takes custody of funds and assets until specific transaction conditions are met. But what exactly is the role of an escrow provider in a transaction? What responsibilities do they have? And when should they be utilized? 

 

What is an Escrow Provider?

 

An escrow provider is an independent third-party intermediary which ensures that a transaction is completed in accordance with the rules of the agreement. An escrow provider collects, holds, and distributes funds on behalf of the individuals involved in a transaction. The help of certified escrow providers ensures that both parties meet their obligations and bring confidence to complete a transaction reliably. 

 

In many cases, the buyer and seller agree to use an escrow provider for several advantages, such as:

 

  • Mitigating the risk of nonpayment or fraud
  • Ensuring that all funds are securely handled
  • Being an impartial third party to the transaction

 

The process when utilizing an escrow provider generally includes:

 

  • Creating a contract outlining the obligations of the buyer and seller
  • Depositing funds into an escrow account
  • Ensuring that all conditions of the agreement are met before releasing funds

 

At the same time, technology can play an important role in the escrow process. For example, smart contracts that leverage blockchain technology can be programmed to automatically transfer assets between two parties once the conditions of the contract have been met. This can automate some of the escrow process, which can help to streamline the escrow process.

 

JOBS Act and Escrow

 

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act has since become a major factor in creating a secure capital-raising environment in the private capital markets. To raise capital, issuers must follow securities regulations to ensure compliance in the capital-raising process. This provides an additional layer of protection for investors and startups raising capital.

 

An essential component of compliance includes finding an escrow provider to administer transactions. This ensures that all funds are handled securely and that a third-party intermediary manages the transaction. Putting investors and issuers at ease by bringing peace of mind to the transaction. 

 

Escrow providers are essential for any type of business transaction where an impartial third-party intermediary is involved. With an increase in accredited and nonaccredited investors alike being involved in the private capital markets thanks to the JOBS Act, it is crucial to ensure that one is involved in the capital raising process. Whether you are an investor or issuer, using an escrow provider guarantees all funds are handled correctly while avoiding financial risk or fraud. 

Credit Cards, Escrow, and Broker-Dealers for RegA+ = $75 Million for Cannabis Companies

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

 

“It’s About Time”

 

Up until now, it was a real challenge for Cannabis companies to take advantage of Reg A+ exemptions that allow private companies to raise up to $75 million from the crowd; accredited and non-accredited investors alike.  So you have the investor community’s appetite, the table is set and they are ready, willing, and able; but what else do you need?

 

FINRA Broker-dealer

 

The regulation is meant to create jobs, allow private companies another way to raise capital, and allow for the investor community at large to participate. Before RegA+ exemptions, many potential investors were left looking into the candy store without any way to invest.  So with the democratization of capital and the ability of an untapped investor community to now have a seat at the table, the broker-dealer becomes an all-important intermediary.  In a highly regulated environment, the Broker-dealer takes the onerous task of KYC, ID verification, and AML ( anti-money laundering) off the issuer’s shoulder;  so you, the Issuer, can run your business without worrying about this important compliance requirement. As a result, you not only have the opportunity to gain large groups of investors but also develop brand advocates who share in your story.

 

Escrow Agent 

After the broker-dealer, you need an escrow agent that can hold funds from investors in all 50 states and territories and only charge you one flat fee. 

 

This key intermediary holds the investors’ funds on behalf of the Issuer until the broker-dealer completes the ID, KYC, and AML verification. Once these checks are complete, the escrow agent can release the funds. Until recently, a couple of historical challenges for industry sectors such as cannabis included the inability to get Escrow for their capital raises. Not only is Escrow now available but also at a cost-effective price point and with normalized fees, which is really the way it should have always been.  

 

Credit Cards 

 

Now below 2.9%  allowing both cannabis companies and their shareholders to be fairly treated when investing in the growth of their companies;  bringing jobs to communities and opportunities to those that believe in the company. Being responsible with your credit cards is common sense. Still, the ease of use and points as an added bonus is certainly one of the nice perks and perhaps a big reason for their high usage via crowd participation in private capital raises.

 

If you’re part of the Cannabis ecosystem looking to learn more about how KoreConX can help you on your capital raising journey, please fill out the form here.

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