What is an escrow account in UK construction?

It’s an independent account into which funds are deposited, where release is contingent on predefined conditions (e.g. milestone completion, certificates of work).

How do construction project accounts prevent disputes?

By giving all parties transparency around funds, defining clear release criteria, and ring-fencing project payments away from general cash-flows.

Are escrow accounts FCA-regulated in the UK?

Yes, when offered by an FCA-authorised provider. There are non-regulated providers, so it’s vital to check.

Can subcontractors request escrow protection?

Yes, it can be arranged as part of the contract framework or funded by the developer/main-contractor. Subcontractors should ask how payments are guaranteed.

What’s the difference between an escrow account and a project account?

An escrow account is primarily a funds-holding mechanism triggered by conditions. A project account is a more dynamic, flow-based vehicle for handling the full payment lifecycle for a project.

What’s the right account for me?

If you’re looking to secure one or a few milestone payments, escrow may suffice. If you’re managing full-scale project payment flows across tiers, a project account is likely more appropriate. We’ll help you work that out.

Are there any risks to an escrow?

The main risks are: the agreement isn’t drafted properly, funds are not truly segregated, or release criteria are unclear/ambiguous.

Global construction
project-based and
escrow accounts

Project-based and escrow accounts, on an FCA-regulated platform, supporting high-value construction payments globally.

48-hr onboarding | Dedicated relationship management

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A new era of built environment payment solutions

Delays, weak cash flow, and contractual breakdowns disrupt schedules, strain budgets, and halt construction projects across the entire supply chain.

Project failures trigger costly knock-on effects across contractors and timelines.

Late subcontractor payments strain cash flow and delay project delivery.

Poor supply chain visibility increases financial risk & slows decision making.

Untraceable or delayed payments raise compliance burdens and regulatory costs.

Interpolitan Money delivers secure, transparent payment solutions for the built environment, keeping projects on time and stakeholders confident.

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Escrow accounts for the built environment

A fully-governed, independent account, regulated by the FCA, where funds are held securely until pre-agreed project milestones are achieved. Trust, clarity and no surprises.

Escrow protects construction payments.

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Construction project-based accounts

A transparent, project-specific payment account where all stakeholders including developers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers can see flows, understand rules, and trust funds are ring-fenced.

Project-based payment solutions for construction

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Clarity and confidence
for every stakeholder

We provide international capital deployment and payment infrastructure for the people behind the projects.

Contractors

Same-day payments for approved milestones
Hold funds in transparent & accessible accounts
Protect financial liability and capital contamination

Sub contractors & supply chain

Automatically pay & get paid faster for certified work.
Credit consultants and partners in 50+ currencies.
Safeguard capital availability during project lifecycle

Developers and investors

Hold multiple project/SPV balances in one account
Maintain transparent audit reporting & AML trails
Set bespoke recipient deliverables & payment timelines

Legal and compliance

Standard Escrow agreement, available.
FCA, DFSA, and FINTRAC regulated services
SRA-11 compliant TMPA accounts.

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Case study:
£100m Strand property

Securing swift alternative banking solutions for a £100m London property sale.

Business accounts built
for construction

Foreign exchange in 50+ currencies

Pay and get paid in GBP, EUR, AED, INR, CNY and more with 24/7 locked-in rates and long-term forward contracts.

Industry-leading network coverage

Through our Tier-1 banking partnerships, you have access to payment rail and account solutions in 160+ countries.

Open an account in 48hrs

We specialise in rapid online onboarding for complex structures and foreign-owned entities with no required site visits.

Remote account management

Transfer funds, approve payments, and add new beneficiaries with tiered multi-level access for up to 10+ named account users.

Built on trust, backed by
FCA regulation

Interpolitan Money is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide payment services for complex, cross-border transactions. Client funds are held in segregated, safeguarded accounts with tier-1 banking partners, kept separate from Interpolitan’s own assets.

We operate robust internal controls, including multi-user payment approvals, and apply rigorous KYC/AML and counter-terrorist financing standards. Payment releases can be structured in line with agreed project milestones and approval conditions, with safeguarding and compliance processes subject to regular independent review.

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Industry insights

How FCA-regulated escrow is reshaping UK construction projects