SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
It depends. Funds from international accounts can be acceptable, but they will require enhanced due diligence and verification to ensure they are legally sourced, unencumbered, and comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
While not explicitly prohibited, funds originating from foreign accounts are subject to strict scrutiny regarding their source and legal transfer. Lenders must satisfy BSA/AML requirements and ensure the funds are indeed the borrower's unencumbered equity. This often involves more extensive documentation and a longer verification process.
If you transfer $100,000 from a personal bank account in Canada, the lender will require detailed bank statements from the Canadian institution, proof of the wire transfer, and possibly an explanation of the source of those funds.
Insider move
Lenders are highly sensitive to anti-money laundering (AML) and 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) regulations. International fund transfers raise red flags, requiring thorough verification of the source and legitimacy of funds to comply with federal regulations.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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