Adesco is a licensed Israeli currency specialist (License #57103) that has helped foreign buyers transfer money for property purchases in Israel since 2013. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at major Israeli banks. Adesco converts at transparent market rates and pays every property obligation same-day: Shovar construction vouchers, purchase tax (Mas Rechisha), bank checks, and transfers to sellers or developers.
Who regulates Adesco?
Adesco Bridge Ltd. is licensed by the Israel Capital Market, Insurance, and Savings Authority (the ISA). License number 57103 authorises Adesco to provide currency exchange and payment services for individuals and businesses transferring funds to and from Israel.
As a regulated financial services provider, Adesco is subject to anti-money-laundering (AML) requirements, know-your-customer (KYC) verification, and source-of-funds documentation for property transfers. These are legal requirements for any legitimate transfer above standard thresholds - not optional paperwork.
How long has Adesco been operating?
Adesco has served foreign property buyers, Olim, and international clients since 2013 - more than a decade of handling Israeli real estate payment workflows including Shovarim, Madad adjustments, and purchase tax payments.
Is client money kept separate from Adesco business funds?
Yes. All client funds are held in segregated trust accounts at major Israeli banks. Your money is not used for Adesco business operations, not lent, not invested, and not speculated with. This is a core requirement of operating as a licensed currency specialist in Israel.
Read more about how Adesco protects client funds: Security and licensing at Adesco.
What makes Adesco different for property transfers?
Most currency brokers handle generic international transfers. Adesco is built around Israeli property payments specifically:
- Same-day payout in Israel via Zahav for Shovar deadlines and tax payments
- Shovar construction vouchers, bank checks, and Mas Rechisha handled in one place
- Lawyer trust account services - Adesco can hold client funds in trust for Israeli property lawyers
- Named dedicated advisor on every account - not a call centre
- Transparent published spread with zero transfer fees
Do foreign buyers need an Israeli bank account?
No. Foreign buyers wire funds from their home bank to Adesco. Adesco converts to shekels and pays every property obligation directly. You do not need a personal Israeli bank account or a separate lawyer trust account - though Adesco can transfer to a lawyer trust account if your transaction requires one.
Full guide: How foreign buyers transfer money to Israel.
How much can property buyers save vs. their home bank?
Home banks typically apply a hidden exchange-rate margin of 2-4% above the live market rate, plus wire fees on both ends. Adesco clients save up to 4,000 NIS per $100,000 transferred. On a $500,000 property purchase, that is up to 20,000 NIS compared to a typical bank rate.
See Adesco pricing for the published spread and buying property in Israel for the full payment guide.
Lawyer trust accounts: a capability only Adesco offers among property specialists
Israeli property lawyers often need a licensed trust account to hold client funds during a transaction. Israeli banks have become increasingly reluctant to open trust accounts for foreign buyers. Adesco is licensed to hold client funds in trust for real estate lawyers - setup typically within 48 hours, with full compliance handled.
Learn more: Lawyer trust accounts with Adesco.