Compliance & Regulation

Modified on: Friday, December 12, 2025

Licensing

SMART VALOR is licensed in Liechtenstein and regulated by the Financial Market Authority (FMA).

FMA-Register Link

Link to Official Commercial Register information of the Principality of Liechtenstein

AML / KYC Obligations

Why documents are required?
As a regulated platform, we are legally required to collect certain information and documentation from our users to verify their identity. This process is called KYC (Know Your Customer) and is part of our broader Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations.
What happens if incomplete?
Failure to complete the KYC process may result in restricted account functionality or temporary suspension until the required documents are provided.

Source of Funds / Source of Wealth

Why am I being asked to provide proof of my funds or wealth?
To comply with AML regulations, we must ensure that the funds used on our platform come from legitimate sources. 
What are acceptable documents?
Acceptable documents vary depending on the source, but they must clearly show the origin of funds and match the information provided in your account, such as:

  • Bank statements
  • Payslips
  • Tax declarations from the past year
  • Any other documents reflecting your income and total wealth 

Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

Why does SMART VALOR have an AML/CTF policy?
To keep our platform safe, comply with international regulations, and protect clients from fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing.

 

What does AML/CTF mean for me as a client?
It means you may need to provide identification documents, answer verification questions, and have your transactions monitored for unusual activity.

 

Why does SMART VALOR restrict clients from certain countries?
Some countries are considered too risky due to sanctions, terrorism financing, corruption, or lack of AML laws. As of April 2025, users from 21 countries (including Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, USA – non-accredited individuals – and others) cannot open an account.

 

How does SMART VALOR decide which countries are high-risk?
We rely on international indexes and regulators such as FATF, Transparency International (CPI), UN sanctions, Swiss SECO, Liechtenstein ISG, and the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). Countries with a CPI score ≤30, FATF “call for action” status, or subject to UN/EU sanctions are automatically classified as high risk.

 

Can my account be blocked if my country is newly sanctioned?
Yes. If your country is added to the high-risk or prohibited list during your business relationship, SMART VALOR must block or terminate your account in line with regulations.

 

Can SMART VALOR refuse my application?
Yes. We cannot accept clients if they are Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), come from sanctioned or high-risk countries, use shell companies, or are involved in prohibited industries such as gambling, pornography, drugs, weapons, or pyramid schemes.

 

What is a PEP and why can’t you accept them?
A Politically Exposed Person (PEP) is someone who holds a prominent public position, or their relatives and close associates. Regulators consider them higher risk for corruption and money laundering, so SMART VALOR does not onboard them.

 

Do you accept all clients?
No. We cannot onboard:

Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and their close associates

Clients from sanctioned or high-risk countries

Businesses in illegal or high-risk industries (gambling, drugs, weapons, etc.)

Customer Verification & Due Diligence

What is Customer Due Diligence (CDD)?
It is the process where we check your identity, verify your documents, and confirm the purpose of your account. We also make sure that your information stays up to date.

 

What information do I need to provide when opening an account?

  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
  • Sometimes information about your source of funds/wealth (especially for higher transaction volumes)

Why do you ask about my source of funds or wealth?
Regulations require us to make sure your money comes from legal and transparent sources. This protects both you and our platform.

 

Can I refuse to provide additional information?
If you do not provide required documents or information, we cannot open or maintain your account.

 

What is Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)?
For higher-risk clients we may ask for more information, such as proof of source of wealth and funds. Senior management must approve these accounts, and they are monitored more closely.

 

Will all clients go through the same checks?
No. Most clients are standard risk and go through regular verification. Clients from higher-risk countries or with higher transaction volumes may require additional checks (Enhanced Due Diligence).

 

Are all industries treated the same way?
No. Some industries (like financial services, military, construction/real estate, or government administration) are considered higher risk and may require stricter checks.

 

What are the KYC levels and their limits?

Blue – up to CHF 5,000/day or CHF 10,000/year, basic ID and PEP check

Silver – up to CHF 25,000/day/year, requires more financial details

Gold – up to CHF 50,000/day or CHF 100,000/year, source of wealth required

Platinum – up to CHF 500,000/day, unlimited yearly, requires full documentation and extra checks

 

What happens if my transactions exceed thresholds?
If you exceed daily or yearly thresholds, you will receive an “Account Upgrade Request” email asking for proof of funds and wealth (such as bank statements or tax declarations). If you don’t respond, your account may be locked.

Transaction Monitoring & Fraud Prevention

Are my transactions monitored?
Yes. All transactions are monitored using automated systems and blockchain analytics. This helps detect fraud, hacks or links to illicit activities.

 

How does SMART VALOR monitor crypto wallets?
We use Coinfirm blockchain analytics. Every wallet is scored:

  • 0–32 = Low risk
  • 33–65 = Medium risk
  • 65+ = High risk → requires investigation and possible rejection of the transaction

What if my wallet is flagged as high-risk?
Deposits from high-risk wallets may be returned. Withdrawals to high-risk wallets may be blocked until you provide another safe wallet address.

 

How do I prove ownership of a self-hosted wallet?
We may ask you to verify your wallet through:

  • Cryptographic signature proofs
  • Micro transactions
  • Wallet screenshots
  • Self-declaration

How does SMART VALOR detect fraud?

SMART VALOR uses a combination of internal monitoring systems, transaction pattern analysis, and manual reviews to detect potential fraud. We analyze key indicators such as email, phone number, IP address, device information, and user behavior patterns. Any unusual or suspicious activity is flagged for further investigation by our team.

 

What happens if a transaction looks suspicious?
We may temporarily pause it and ask for more details. 

Account Management & Data Protection

How often do you review my account?
At least once a year, and more frequently if you are considered higher risk or your activity changes significantly.

 

How long do you keep my data?
We are legally required to store your KYC and transaction data for at least 10 years after the end of your business relationship with us.

 

How do you protect my privacy?
Your data is stored securely and only used for compliance purposes. We follow strict data protection standards in line with EU and Liechtenstein law.

 

What is the Travel Rule and how does it affect me?
When you send or receive crypto above 1 CHF, we must exchange sender and receiver details with the other financial institution. This ensures transparency and compliance.

 

What happens if I send funds to a VASP not following the Travel Rule?
If the counterparty VASP does not provide correct data, your transaction may be delayed, rejected, or require extra clarification before approval.

 

Do all employees receive AML training?
Yes. Our team is regularly trained to detect and prevent financial crime, ensuring the safety of all clients.

 

What happens if I refuse to provide documents?
We cannot onboard you or continue the business relationship without the required verification documents.

 

How does this policy benefit me?
It ensures a secure platform, protects your assets, and helps us maintain trust and credibility with regulators and clients worldwide.

 

What if my account becomes inactive and then I want to use it again?
Reactivating a dormant account may trigger additional checks, including new KYC verification.

Market abuse prevention at SMART VALOR

What is “market abuse”?

Market abuse refers to unfair practices such as insider trading, leaking confidential information, or manipulating prices that can harm investors and disrupt fair markets.

 

Why does SMART VALOR have a Market Abuse Policy?

To comply with European rules (MiCA, ESMA standards) and Liechtenstein law, and to ensure our customers trade in a fair, transparent, and trustworthy environment.

 

Who oversees market abuse prevention at SMART VALOR?

Our Board of Directors, Compliance Department, and Market Surveillance Officers. They monitor trading activity and enforce rules to protect customers.

 

How does this policy protect me as a customer?

It ensures that you trade on a platform where insider abuse, manipulation, and misleading communications are actively monitored and reported.

 

What counts as insider trading?

When someone trades based on material non-public information (MNPI) like token listings, protocol changes, or regulatory decisions before they are public.

 

What is unlawful disclosure?

Sharing confidential information (e.g., upcoming listings, partnerships) with outsiders via chats, social media, or private conversations. Even accidental leaks can cause harm.

 

What is market manipulation?

Tricks that distort real prices or volumes, such as:
• Wash trading (fake trades to boost volume)
• Pump-and-dump schemes
• Spoofing (placing fake orders with no intent to trade)
• Fake volume generation

 

What are DLT-specific risks?

In decentralized systems, risks include validator collusion, oracle manipulation, or MEV exploitation. SMART VALOR monitors these even though it operates as a centralized exchange.

 

How does SMART VALOR detect suspicious activity?

Through:
• Real-time and post-trade monitoring
• Automated alerts for unusual trading patterns
• Blockchain analytics tools
• Human compliance reviews

 

What happens if suspicious activity is detected?

Our Compliance team investigates. If there is reasonable suspicion, we file a Suspicious Transaction and Order Report (STOR) with the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority (FMA).

 

What is a STOR?

Suspicious Transaction and Order Report – a mandatory report to the regulator when there are signs of market abuse.

 

Will customers be informed if a STOR is filed?

No. STORs are confidential by law. They go directly to the regulator to protect the integrity of investigations.

 

How does SMART VALOR handle my personal data in investigations?

All data is handled under strict confidentiality and GDPR rules. Only authorized staff can access it, and records are retained securely for 10 years.

 

What are my responsibilities as a customer?
• Do not trade using inside information.
• Avoid manipulation schemes.
• Trade honestly and transparently.
• Report any suspicious activity you observe to support@smartvalor.com.

 

How are communications and marketing monitored?

All external materials are reviewed to ensure they are clear, accurate, and not misleading about customer protections under MiCA.

 

Can SMART VALOR outsource monitoring?

Yes, but only to approved vendors like Coinfirm (for blockchain analytics). Contracts ensure SMART VALOR retains full control and access to data.

 

How does SMART VALOR cooperate internationally?

If needed, SMART VALOR shares information with other regulators (NCAs, ESMA) for cross-border cases.

 

How often is the policy updated?

At least annually, or sooner if regulations change or new risks emerge.

 

How are employees trained?

Every relevant employee receives:
• Mandatory onboarding training
• Annual refreshers
• Ad-hoc workshops on new risks or regulatory updates.

 

How am I protected if I raise concerns?

SMART VALOR guarantees whistleblower protections – reports made in good faith are protected against retaliation.