AML / KYC Policy

Zest Exchange and its exchange partners have established this comprehensive framework addressing anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) principles. We are committed to preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and illicit activities through transparent, ethical conduct aligned with global regulatory standards.

Users from high-risk jurisdictions listed by the Financial Action Task Force cannot use our services. Access is prohibited from: USA, Afghanistan, North Korea, Crimea, Sevastopol, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Syria, Mali, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Lebanon, and countries under UN Security Council sanctions.

We may modify this policy without notice; continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of any changes.

• Strict adherence to local and international AML/KYC regulations
• Implementation of a robust Customer Identification Program verifying user identities
• Prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing through stringent measures
• Enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers
• Risk-level tailored approaches optimising resource allocation
• Prompt reporting of suspicious activities to relevant authorities
• Regular policy reviews aligned with evolving regulations

Zest and its partners have established a Customer Identification Program (CIP) to ensure accurate, timely customer identification, mitigating illicit activity risks.

• Customer Verification: Obtaining and cross-referencing valid government-issued identification where required
• Risk-Based Approach: Identification procedures calibrated to assessed customer risk levels
• Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous transaction monitoring to detect suspicious patterns
• Record Keeping: Comprehensive documentation of identification and transaction history for regulatory compliance

Customers must cooperate fully by providing accurate, current information. Non-compliance may result in access restrictions or necessary risk-mitigation measures.

We adopt a risk-based methodology for effective AML/KYC procedure management while efficiently allocating resources.

• Regular risk assessments identifying inherent risks associated with products, services, customers, and geographic locations
• Customer risk profiling based on business activities, transaction volumes, and geographic location
• Customer categorisation into risk levels: low, medium, or high
• Enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers including additional information and heightened monitoring
• Advanced transaction monitoring systems detecting unusual or suspicious activity

Zest and its partners are committed to preventing exploitation of our services for illicit purposes. All employees are obligated to report any suspicions of such activities promptly per established procedures.

• Employees remain vigilant to unusual activities indicating potential money laundering
• Suspicious activity must be reported immediately to the designated AML Officer
• Confidentiality is ensured; good-faith reporters receive retaliation protection
• The AML Officer reviews reports and escalates to appropriate authorities as required

We recognise the critical importance of maintaining accurate, up-to-date records as an integral AML/KYC compliance component. Records ensure transparency and facilitate regulatory oversight and ongoing due diligence. All relevant transaction and identification records are maintained in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

All personnel undergo regular comprehensive AML/KYC training covering:

• Legal and regulatory frameworks and internal policies
• Red flag identification and suspicious activity indicators
• New employee specialised onboarding training
• Periodic updates on regulatory changes and emerging trends

Zest and its partners maintain transparent, collaborative relationships with regulatory authorities combating financial crimes. We are committed to:

• Maintaining confidentiality and security of sensitive information shared with regulatory authorities
• Maintaining documentation records of authority cooperation
• Active contribution to broader financial crime prevention

For law enforcement requests, direct official documents to aml@zest.exchange.

A qualified AML Compliance Officer oversees, implements, and enforces these AML and KYC policies. The officer operates with high independence and authority, maintaining direct senior management access. Key responsibilities include reviewing and updating policies, conducting risk assessments, implementing enhanced due diligence, overseeing transaction monitoring, and developing employee training programs.

This policy undergoes periodic reviews to ensure effectiveness and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. Updates occur as necessary, with users notified through publication of the revised policy on this page.