AML and CTF Policy
Stake works as an online gaming platform under a license issued by the Curaçao Gaming Authority, license number OGL/2024/1451/0918.
Services are available to users across many jurisdictions, and that reach comes with responsibility. Preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions breaches is taken seriously.
The platform is intended for lawful entertainment purposes only. Any attempt to use the services for illegal activity is strictly prohibited. Stake applies compliance standards that align with international expectations and regulatory guidance relevant to its business model.
Business Model and Compliance Approach
Stake operates as a licensed gaming operator under Curaçao law and does not act as a bank, money service business, or virtual asset service provider under Curaçao financial statutes. Even so, the platform applies strong compliance controls that reflect global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.
The compliance framework focuses on risk awareness, prevention, detection, and response. Controls are designed to identify suspicious activity early and prevent misuse of the platform, while continuously adapting to evolving regulatory expectations.
Policy Statement and Regulatory Alignment
Use of the platform for money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions violations is not permitted under any circumstances. Stake’s policies align with the AML and CFT regulations applicable in Curaçao and reflect guidance issued by global standard-setting bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force.
Regulatory developments and industry guidance are reviewed regularly. Internal policies are updated where required to reflect changes in law, risk trends, and operational requirements.
Understanding Key AML Concepts
Money laundering describes the process used to hide the origin of funds generated through illegal activity. The process typically involves three stages.
Placement involves introducing illegal funds into a financial system. Layering refers to complex transactions designed to hide the origin of those funds. Integration occurs when funds appear legitimate and re-enter the economy.
Suspicious activity includes behavior that suggests illegal intent, fraud, sanctions evasion, or terrorist financing. Sanctions are restrictions imposed by governments or international bodies to limit the activities of specific countries, entities, or individuals.
Governance, Oversight, and Internal Responsibility
Stake maintains a formal compliance structure overseen by a Chief Compliance Officer, who is responsible for policy oversight, regulatory alignment, internal controls, and the investigation of unusual activity.
Employees receive compliance training relevant to their roles, with a focus on identifying red flags, understanding reporting obligations, and consistently applying internal procedures. Independent reviews and ongoing monitoring support the effectiveness of the compliance program and help identify areas for continuous improvement.
Know Your Customer Standards and Risk Assessment
User due diligence forms the foundation of Stake’s AML framework. A risk-based approach is applied to understand who users are and how they interact with the platform.
Customer Identification and Verification
Account access requires completion of identity verification procedures. Information collected may include wallet address, email address, full name, date of birth, residential address, nationality, and other details needed to confirm identity.
Third-party verification services assist with validating documents, confirming age, and screening against sanctions databases. Verification also includes checks to verify that users do not access the platform from prohibited or sanctioned jurisdictions.
Jurisdiction Controls and Geo-Blocking
Access from restricted or prohibited jurisdictions is blocked. IP-based geo-blocking and related controls help enforce location restrictions. Users must confirm that they do not access the services from jurisdictions where online gaming is not permitted.
Users connected to comprehensive sanctions programs or watch lists are not permitted to use the services.
Enhanced Due Diligence and Ongoing Review
Some accounts present a higher risk due to transaction behavior, geographic indicators, or other red flags. In such cases, enhanced due diligence applies.
Enhanced review may require additional information, including full legal name, proof of address, identification documents, source of funds, and source of wealth. Verification may involve third-party providers.
Accounts under enhanced review may face temporary restrictions until review completion.
User Acceptance and Rejection Standards
Account access is denied or restricted where users fail to meet compliance standards. Situations leading to rejection or suspension include failure to provide required information, submission of false documents, attempts to hide location, connection to sanctioned regions, or links to illegal activity.
We also restrict accounts where the source of funds raises concern or where platform use presents unacceptable risk.
Transaction Monitoring and Activity Analysis
Transactions and account behavior are monitored on an ongoing basis. Monitoring combines automated systems with manual review to identify unusual patterns.
Detection of Unusual or Suspicious Activity
Monitoring focuses on transaction size, frequency, pattern, and behavior inconsistency. Alerts may arise from internal systems, third-party tools, or external inquiries.
When alerts trigger, accounts may face restrictions while reviews occur. Users may be asked to provide additional clarification or documentation.
Sanctions and Blockchain Screening
Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals undergo blockchain analysis through specialist tools. Wallet addresses are screened against sanctions databases and risk indicators.
High-risk addresses may be blocked, and withdrawals may be refused where risk exceeds acceptable thresholds. Accounts associated with elevated risk may require further review.
Withdrawal Threshold Verification
Accounts reaching certain withdrawal levels undergo mandatory verification reviews based on risk profile. Access to withdrawals resumes only after satisfactory completion of required checks.
Additional Monitoring Controls and Safeguards
Beyond transaction review, additional controls are applied to limit misuse of the services.
Multiple Account Detection
Technical tools help detect attempts to operate multiple accounts. Links between devices, behavior, and access patterns support the identification of such activity. Cases are reviewed individually, and explanations may be requested.
Location and Time Zone Review
Device and time zone data support the identification of location masking attempts. Use of tools designed to hide true location violates platform rules and triggers review.
Product and Asset Controls
Only approved assets may be used on our platform. Use of anonymity-enhancing technologies such as mixers or certain privacy tools is not permitted. Attempts to bypass these restrictions result in account action.
Vendor and Partner Oversight
The platform relies on established third-party providers for verification, monitoring, and analytics. Vendor performance is reviewed periodically to confirm compliance alignment and operational reliability.
Education and Staff Awareness
Employees receive AML, counter-terrorist financing, and sanctions training appropriate to their roles. Training covers regulatory obligations, internal procedures, and risk indicators.
Ongoing education supports consistent application of controls and helps adapt to emerging threats.
Reporting and Regulatory Cooperation
Suspicious activity is reported to relevant authorities where required by law. Reports may relate to sanctions exposure, suspected money laundering, terrorist financing, or other criminal conduct.
Cooperation with regulators and lawful authorities forms part of the compliance commitment, and information is shared only where legally required.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
The AML and CFT framework evolves alongside regulatory expectations and industry standards. Policies, systems, and controls undergo regular review to maintain effectiveness and relevance.
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