Back to home
Legal

Policies & Terms

The policies and terms governing the use of Axra banking and payment services by GoFree Global Inc.

Axra (a product of GoFree Global Inc)

Effective Date: February 2026 Version: 1.0 Last Reviewed: February 16, 2026


1. Policy Statement & Commitment

GoFree Global Inc and its affiliates (collectively, "Axra," "we," "us," or "our") are committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance with all applicable anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) laws and regulations. We recognize our responsibility to prevent our agentic banking and payments infrastructure from being exploited for money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, or other illicit activities.

This Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Policy (the "Policy") establishes the framework for our AML/CFT compliance program and applies to all Axra operations, services, employees, agents, contractors, and business relationships.

Our Commitment

Axra is committed to:

  • Compliance: Full adherence to all applicable AML/CFT laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance in jurisdictions where we operate
  • Prevention: Implementing robust controls to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Detection: Maintaining systems and processes to detect suspicious activities and patterns
  • Reporting: Timely and accurate reporting of suspicious activities to relevant authorities
  • Transparency: Cooperating fully with law enforcement and regulatory investigations
  • Culture: Fostering a culture of compliance throughout our organization
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and enhancing our AML/CFT program

2. Regulatory Framework

Axra's AML/CFT program is designed to comply with applicable laws and regulations in all jurisdictions where we operate, including but not limited to:

United States

  • Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and implementing regulations (31 CFR Chapter X)
  • USA PATRIOT Act and related AML provisions
  • FinCEN Regulations for Money Services Businesses (MSBs)
  • Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions regulations
  • Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) guidance and advisories

Registration Details:

  • FinCEN MSB Registration Number: 20222296774
  • FinCEN License Number: 31000281485025

Canada

  • Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) and regulations
  • FINTRAC Regulations for Money Services Businesses
  • Canadian Criminal Code provisions on money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Bank of Canada Retail Payments Activities Act (RPAA) requirements (registration in progress)

Registration Details:

  • FINTRAC Registration Number: 1001010436
  • FINTRAC License Number: C100000512

Other Jurisdictions

  • Nigeria: Applicable AML/CFT regulations and Central Bank of Nigeria directives
  • Rwanda: National Bank of Rwanda AML/CFT requirements
  • International Standards: Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations

Corporate Structure

  • Parent Entity: GoFree Global Inc (Delaware, USA)
  • Canadian Operations: GoFree Global Technology Limited (Canada)
  • Additional Entities: GoFree Global operations in Nigeria and Rwanda

3. Compliance Officer & Governance

AML/CFT Compliance Officer

Axra has designated a qualified AML/CFT Compliance Officer (the "Compliance Officer") who is responsible for:

  • Overseeing and managing the AML/CFT compliance program
  • Ensuring compliance with all applicable AML/CFT laws and regulations
  • Developing, implementing, and updating AML/CFT policies and procedures
  • Monitoring transactions and investigating suspicious activities
  • Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs/STRs) and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs)
  • Coordinating with law enforcement and regulatory authorities
  • Managing sanctions screening programs
  • Overseeing employee training and awareness programs
  • Reporting to senior management and the Board on AML/CFT matters
  • Maintaining records and documentation
  • Coordinating independent audits and testing

Governance Structure

The Compliance Officer reports directly to senior management and has direct access to the Board of Directors. The Compliance Officer has sufficient authority, independence, and resources to perform their duties effectively.

Escalation Process:

  1. Compliance Officer reviews all alerts and suspicious activities
  2. Material matters escalated to Chief Legal Officer and Chief Executive Officer
  3. Significant matters reported to the Board of Directors
  4. Regulatory reporting to FinCEN, FINTRAC, and other authorities as required

Contact Information

AML/CFT Compliance Officer Email: compliance@useaxra.com Address: [Corporate Address] Phone: [Compliance Hotline]


4. Risk Assessment Methodology

Axra conducts comprehensive risk assessments to identify, assess, and understand the money laundering and terrorist financing risks associated with our business activities, products, services, customers, and geographic locations.

Risk Assessment Framework

Our enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk assessment considers:

Customer Risk Factors

  • Identity Verification Level: NONE, BASIC, STANDARD, or ENHANCED
  • Customer Type: Individual, business, or platform
  • Customer Profile: Source of funds, occupation, business activities
  • Transaction Patterns: Volume, frequency, amounts, counterparties
  • Geographic Risk: Customer location and jurisdictions involved in transactions

Product and Service Risk Factors

  • Multi-Currency Wallets: Currency types, balances, transaction patterns
  • International Transfers: Cross-border payment risks, correspondent banking
  • Virtual Accounts: Account usage patterns, beneficiary relationships
  • Payment Processing: Merchant services, payment flows

Geographic Risk Factors

  • Prohibited Jurisdictions: Countries subject to comprehensive sanctions
  • Controlled Jurisdictions: High-risk countries with enhanced monitoring
  • Restricted Jurisdictions: Medium-risk countries with additional controls
  • Not High Risk: Lower-risk jurisdictions with standard monitoring

Channel Risk Factors

  • Digital-Only Operations: All transactions conducted electronically
  • No Cash Handling: Eliminates cash-related ML/TF risks
  • Third-Party Partners: Bridge.xyz and other service provider risks

Transaction Risk Factors

  • Transaction Size: Large or unusual transaction amounts
  • Transaction Velocity: Frequency and speed of transactions
  • Transaction Patterns: Structuring, rapid movement of funds, round amounts
  • Beneficiary Risk: Sanctions screening, high-risk jurisdictions

Risk Classification

Based on the risk assessment, we classify customers and transactions into risk categories:

  • Low Risk: Standard monitoring and controls
  • Medium Risk: Enhanced monitoring and periodic reviews
  • High Risk: Enhanced due diligence, continuous monitoring, senior management approval
  • Prohibited: Transaction blocked, account restricted, regulatory reporting

Risk Assessment Updates

Axra conducts:

  • Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Annually, or more frequently as needed
  • Targeted Assessments: Upon introduction of new products, services, or markets
  • Ad Hoc Assessments: In response to regulatory changes, emerging risks, or incidents

5. Customer Due Diligence (CDD)

Axra implements risk-based Customer Due Diligence (CDD) procedures to verify customer identities, understand the nature and purpose of customer relationships, and assess money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

KYC Tier System

Axra employs a tiered KYC approach with transaction limits based on verification level:

Tier 1: NONE (Email Only)

Verification Requirements:

  • Valid email address only

Transaction Limits:

  • $0 daily transfer limit (no outbound transfers permitted)
  • $0 monthly transfer limit
  • Receive-only account functionality

Use Case:

  • Initial account creation
  • Transitional state before identity verification

Risk Controls:

  • No outbound transfer capability
  • Funds held until identity verification completed
  • Mandatory upgrade required for any transaction activity

Tier 2: BASIC (Email + Phone)

Verification Requirements:

  • Valid email address
  • Valid phone number with SMS verification

Transaction Limits:

  • $1,000 USD equivalent per day
  • $5,000 USD equivalent per month

Use Case:

  • Low-value personal transactions
  • Entry-level users

Risk Controls:

  • Transaction velocity monitoring
  • Cumulative volume tracking
  • Automatic suspension if limits exceeded

Tier 3: STANDARD (Government ID + Selfie)

Verification Requirements:

  • Valid email address
  • Valid phone number
  • Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, national ID)
  • Live selfie verification (liveness detection)
  • Identity verification via Bridge.xyz and/or Persona

Transaction Limits:

  • $10,000 USD equivalent per day
  • $50,000 USD equivalent per month

Information Collected:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Residential address
  • Nationality and country of residence
  • Government ID number and issuing authority

Use Case:

  • Standard personal and business transactions
  • Most retail customers

Risk Controls:

  • ID document verification (authenticity, validity, tampering detection)
  • Biometric matching (selfie to ID photo)
  • Sanctions screening against 75+ global lists
  • Transaction monitoring and pattern analysis

Tier 4: ENHANCED (Enhanced Due Diligence)

Verification Requirements:

  • All STANDARD tier requirements, plus:
  • Source of funds documentation
  • Source of wealth documentation (for high-net-worth individuals)
  • Business verification documents (for business accounts)
  • Beneficial ownership information (for entities)
  • Enhanced background checks

Transaction Limits:

  • $50,000 USD equivalent per day
  • $250,000 USD equivalent per month

Use Case:

  • High-value transactions
  • Business and platform accounts
  • PEPs and high-risk customers (if approved)

Risk Controls:

  • Continuous transaction monitoring
  • Periodic account reviews (at least annually)
  • Senior management approval required
  • Enhanced sanctions screening (including adverse media)
  • Real-time transaction alerts

Beneficial Ownership Requirements

For business and entity accounts, Axra collects and verifies:

  • Beneficial Owners: Individuals who own 25% or more of the entity
  • Control Persons: Individuals with significant management control
  • Information Required: Name, date of birth, residential address, identification documents

Customer Information Updates

Axra maintains current customer information through:

  • Periodic Reviews: Risk-based review frequency (annually for high-risk, every 2-3 years for lower-risk)
  • Event-Driven Updates: Changes in customer circumstances, transaction patterns, or risk profile
  • Customer Notifications: Proactive outreach requesting information updates
  • Transaction Monitoring: Identification of information inconsistencies during monitoring

Simplified Due Diligence

Axra does not apply simplified due diligence procedures given the digital nature of our services and the risk profile of our customer base.


6. Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

Axra applies Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures to customers and transactions that present higher money laundering or terrorist financing risks.

EDD Triggers

Enhanced due diligence is required for:

Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)

Definition:

  • Individuals who hold or have held prominent public positions
  • Immediate family members of PEPs
  • Close associates of PEPs

PEP Categories:

  • Foreign PEPs (senior foreign political figures)
  • Domestic PEPs (senior domestic political figures)
  • International organization PEPs (senior officials of international organizations)

EDD Requirements for PEPs:

  • Senior management approval for account opening
  • Enhanced identity verification and background screening
  • Source of wealth and source of funds documentation
  • Ongoing monitoring of transactions and account activity
  • Periodic reviews (at least annually)
  • Enhanced sanctions and adverse media screening

High-Risk Jurisdictions

Customers or transactions involving:

  • Prohibited Jurisdictions: Account opening declined
  • Controlled Jurisdictions: Enhanced verification and monitoring required
  • Restricted Jurisdictions: Additional documentation and approval required
  • FATF High-Risk Countries: Countries identified by FATF as having strategic AML/CFT deficiencies

EDD Requirements for High-Risk Jurisdictions:

  • Enhanced identity verification
  • Source of funds documentation
  • Purpose of transaction documentation
  • Compliance Officer review and approval
  • Continuous transaction monitoring

Large Transactions

Transactions meeting or exceeding:

  • $10,000 USD equivalent in a single transaction
  • $25,000 USD equivalent in aggregated transactions within 24 hours
  • $50,000 USD equivalent in cumulative monthly transactions (for STANDARD tier)

EDD Requirements for Large Transactions:

  • Source of funds verification
  • Purpose of transaction documentation
  • Beneficiary due diligence
  • Compliance Officer review (for amounts over $25,000)
  • Enhanced transaction monitoring

High-Risk Business Activities

Customers engaged in:

  • Money services businesses
  • Cryptocurrency exchanges or trading platforms
  • Casinos and gaming operations
  • Arms dealing or defense contracting
  • Precious metals or gemstone dealers
  • Non-profit organizations (particularly those operating in high-risk jurisdictions)
  • Cash-intensive businesses

EDD Requirements for High-Risk Businesses:

  • Business licensing and registration verification
  • Regulatory compliance documentation
  • Enhanced beneficial ownership verification
  • Business premises verification
  • Transaction monitoring with lower alert thresholds

Complex Ownership Structures

Entities with:

  • Multiple layers of ownership
  • Offshore structures or shell companies
  • Bearer shares or nominee arrangements
  • Trusts or other opaque structures

EDD Requirements for Complex Structures:

  • Full beneficial ownership chain documentation
  • Purpose and legitimacy of structure documentation
  • Source of funds for all beneficial owners
  • Legal opinion or professional verification
  • Senior management approval

Unusual Transaction Patterns

Customers exhibiting:

  • Transactions inconsistent with customer profile
  • Sudden changes in transaction patterns
  • Structuring or layering patterns
  • Unexplained source of funds
  • Complex transaction routing

EDD Requirements for Unusual Patterns:

  • Enhanced transaction monitoring
  • Customer interview and documentation
  • Re-verification of customer information
  • Investigation by Compliance Officer
  • Consideration of suspicious activity reporting

EDD Documentation

For all EDD cases, Axra collects and maintains:

  • Source of Funds: Documentation demonstrating the origin of funds (bank statements, employment contracts, sale agreements, etc.)
  • Source of Wealth: Documentation explaining the customer's overall wealth accumulation (business ownership, inheritance, investments, etc.)
  • Purpose of Relationship: Detailed explanation of why the customer needs Axra's services
  • Expected Transaction Activity: Anticipated transaction volumes, amounts, frequencies, and counterparties
  • Supporting Documentation: Business licenses, financial statements, contracts, tax returns, etc.

EDD Approval Process

  1. Initial Review: Compliance Officer reviews all EDD triggers
  2. Documentation Collection: Request and collect all required EDD documentation
  3. Risk Assessment: Comprehensive risk assessment of customer and relationship
  4. Senior Management Approval: Approval required from Chief Legal Officer or CEO
  5. Ongoing Monitoring: Enhanced monitoring with lower alert thresholds
  6. Periodic Review: At least annual review of EDD customers

EDD Rejection Criteria

Axra will decline to establish or continue business relationships when:

  • Customer refuses to provide required EDD information
  • Information provided is insufficient, inconsistent, or suspicious
  • Customer is located in or transacting with Prohibited Jurisdictions
  • Risk assessment determines relationship presents unacceptable ML/TF risk
  • Adverse information identified during screening (sanctions, criminal activity, etc.)

7. Ongoing Monitoring

Axra maintains continuous monitoring of customer accounts and transactions to detect unusual or suspicious activities that may indicate money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illicit conduct.

Transaction Monitoring Program

Our automated transaction monitoring system analyzes all transactions in real-time and on a batch basis to identify:

Velocity Checks

Daily Transfer Velocity:

  • Monitoring of transaction frequency within 24-hour periods
  • Alerts for rapid-fire transfers (multiple transactions in short timeframes)
  • Comparison against customer historical patterns
  • Tier-based velocity thresholds

Thresholds:

  • BASIC: >5 transactions per day or >$1,000 aggregate
  • STANDARD: >10 transactions per day or >$10,000 aggregate
  • ENHANCED: >20 transactions per day or >$50,000 aggregate

Cumulative Volume Monitoring

Monthly Volume Tracking:

  • Aggregation of all inbound and outbound transfers
  • Comparison against tier limits and historical averages
  • Automatic suspension when tier limits exceeded
  • Trend analysis for unusual increases

Monitoring Parameters:

  • 30-day rolling cumulative totals
  • Month-over-month growth rates
  • Comparison to customer profile and stated activity
  • Deviation alerts (>200% increase from baseline)

Suspicious Pattern Detection

Structuring Detection:

  • Multiple transactions just below reporting thresholds
  • Pattern of consistent amounts designed to avoid detection
  • Timing patterns suggesting coordinated activity
  • Split transactions to the same beneficiary

Rapid Movement of Funds:

  • Funds received and immediately transferred out
  • Minimal time between deposit and withdrawal
  • Pass-through account behavior
  • Lack of legitimate business purpose

High-Risk Jurisdiction Transfers:

  • Transactions involving Prohibited, Controlled, or Restricted countries
  • Unusual routing through multiple jurisdictions
  • Transactions with no apparent economic purpose involving high-risk countries
  • Patterns of transfers to/from sanctioned or high-risk regions

Round Amount Transactions:

  • Unusually round transaction amounts (e.g., exactly $10,000)
  • Pattern of round amounts across multiple transactions
  • Inconsistent with customer profile or business type

Unusual Transaction Types:

  • Transactions inconsistent with customer profile or business
  • Sudden changes in transaction patterns
  • Transactions with inadequate explanation or documentation
  • Transactions involving known high-risk activities

Beneficiary Concentration:

  • High percentage of transactions to single beneficiary
  • Sudden addition of multiple new beneficiaries
  • Beneficiaries in high-risk jurisdictions
  • Beneficiaries with sanctions screening concerns

Alert Management

Alert Generation:

  • Automated rules-based alert generation
  • Risk scoring for prioritization
  • Alert queuing for Compliance Officer review
  • Escalation procedures for high-priority alerts

Alert Investigation:

  1. Initial Review: Compliance Officer reviews alert and transaction details
  2. Customer Profile Analysis: Review customer information, history, and risk rating
  3. Transaction Analysis: Analyze transaction purpose, counterparties, and patterns
  4. Additional Information: Request customer explanation if needed
  5. Risk Determination: Assess whether activity is suspicious or consistent with legitimate business
  6. Disposition: Close alert, escalate for investigation, or prepare SAR/STR

Alert Resolution Timeframes:

  • Low-priority alerts: Within 5 business days
  • Medium-priority alerts: Within 3 business days
  • High-priority alerts: Within 24 hours
  • Critical alerts (sanctions, terrorism): Immediate review

Account Activity Reviews

Risk-Based Review Frequency:

  • Low Risk: Every 3 years or as needed
  • Medium Risk: Every 2 years
  • High Risk: Annually or more frequently
  • Enhanced Due Diligence Customers: At least annually

Review Components:

  • Customer information accuracy and currency
  • Transaction activity consistency with customer profile
  • Changes in risk profile or circumstances
  • Sanctions screening update
  • Assessment of ongoing relationship appropriateness

Transaction Audit Trail

All transactions are logged with comprehensive audit trails including:

  • Transaction ID and timestamp
  • Customer ID and KYC tier
  • Transaction amount and currency
  • Source and destination details
  • Beneficiary information
  • Purpose of transaction
  • IP address and device information
  • User agent and session details
  • Sanctions screening results
  • AML monitoring flags and alerts
  • Approval/rejection status and authorizing party

Retention Period: 7 years from transaction date

Monitoring System Capabilities

Axra's transaction monitoring system provides:

  • Real-Time Screening: Immediate sanctions and AML checks at transaction initiation
  • Batch Processing: Daily comprehensive analysis of all account activity
  • Pattern Recognition: Machine learning and statistical models for anomaly detection
  • Risk Scoring: Dynamic risk scoring of customers and transactions
  • Case Management: Workflow system for alert investigation and documentation
  • Reporting: Management dashboards and regulatory reporting capabilities
  • Audit Trail: Complete documentation of all monitoring activities and decisions

8. Sanctions Screening Program

Axra maintains a comprehensive sanctions screening program to ensure compliance with economic sanctions and to prevent transactions involving sanctioned individuals, entities, or jurisdictions.

Sanctions Lists Screened

Axra screens against 75+ sanctions and enforcement lists via the Dilisense API, including:

United States

  • OFAC Sanctions Lists:
    • Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List
    • Consolidated Sanctions List
    • Sectoral Sanctions Identifications (SSI) List
    • Foreign Sanctions Evaders (FSE) List
    • Non-SDN entities subject to blocking orders
    • Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) List

United Nations

  • UN Security Council Sanctions Lists:
    • UN Consolidated List
    • UN Al-Qaida Sanctions List
    • UN ISIL/Da'esh and Al-Qaida Sanctions List
    • Country-specific UN sanctions lists

European Union

  • EU Sanctions Lists:
    • EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions List
    • EU Terrorism List
    • Country and entity-specific sanctions

United Kingdom

  • HM Treasury Sanctions Lists:
    • UK Financial Sanctions List
    • UK Consolidated List
    • Country and entity-specific UK sanctions

Other Global Lists

  • World Bank Ineligible Firms and Individuals List
  • Interpol Most Wanted Lists
  • Canadian Sanctions Lists (Global Affairs Canada)
  • Australian Sanctions Lists (DFAT)
  • Additional jurisdictional sanctions lists (Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, etc.)

Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)

  • Global PEP databases
  • Domestic and foreign PEPs
  • PEP family members and close associates

Adverse Media and Enforcement

  • Financial crime enforcement actions
  • Money laundering and terrorist financing cases
  • Adverse media screening for reputational risk

Screening Triggers

Sanctions screening is performed:

At Registration

  • Customer Onboarding: Automatic screening of all new customers during account creation
  • Information Collected: Name, date of birth, address, nationality, identification documents
  • Pre-Funding Check: Screening must clear before account is activated for transactions

At Beneficiary Creation

  • New Beneficiary Addition: Automatic screening when customer adds new transfer beneficiary
  • Information Screened: Beneficiary name, account details, bank information, jurisdiction
  • Pre-Transaction Check: Beneficiary must clear screening before first transaction is permitted

At Transaction Initiation

  • Real-Time Screening: Immediate screening of customer and beneficiary at transaction attempt
  • Transaction Details: Amount, destination, purpose, routing information
  • Dynamic Lists: Screening against most current sanctions lists (updated daily)

Periodic Re-Screening

  • Customer Re-Screening: Quarterly re-screening of all active customers
  • Beneficiary Re-Screening: Quarterly re-screening of all saved beneficiaries
  • Watchlist Updates: Re-screening triggered when sanctions lists are updated
  • Event-Driven: Re-screening upon changes to customer information or risk profile

Screening Methodology

Fuzzy Matching:

  • Name variation algorithms to account for spelling differences, transliterations, aliases
  • Date of birth matching with allowance for data quality issues
  • Address and nationality matching
  • Configurable match score thresholds

False Positive Reduction:

  • Weighted scoring based on data quality and match strength
  • Contextual analysis (e.g., age consistency, jurisdiction relevance)
  • Whitelisting of confirmed false positives (with periodic review)
  • Manual review of all potential matches

Match Scoring:

  • 100% match: Exact match on all critical fields → BLOCK
  • 95-99% match: Very high confidence → HOLD for review
  • 85-94% match: High confidence → Manual review required
  • 75-84% match: Moderate confidence → Enhanced review
  • <75% match: Low confidence → Clear with documentation

Match Handling Procedures

Confirmed Sanctions Match (True Positive)

  1. Immediate Action:

    • Transaction blocked immediately
    • Account frozen/restricted
    • Customer notification (if legally permissible)
    • Asset freezing in compliance with sanctions regulations
  2. Compliance Review:

    • Comprehensive investigation by Compliance Officer
    • Documentation of all findings
    • Determination of sanctions violation scope
    • Assessment of potential licensing opportunities (if applicable)
  3. Regulatory Reporting:

    • Filing with OFAC (for U.S. sanctions): Within 10 business days
    • Filing with Global Affairs Canada (for Canadian sanctions): Immediately
    • Filing with other applicable authorities as required
    • SAR/STR filing for suspicious activity
    • Terrorist Property Report (if terrorism-related)
  4. Ongoing Obligations:

    • Asset maintenance (no disbursement without authorization)
    • Periodic reporting to OFAC/regulators
    • Legal and licensing consultation
    • Complete documentation and record retention

Potential Match Requiring Review

  1. Transaction Hold: Transaction placed on hold pending investigation
  2. Investigation: Compliance Officer conducts detailed investigation within 24 hours
  3. Enhanced Screening: Additional database checks, adverse media, public records
  4. Documentation: Collection of additional customer information if needed
  5. Determination: Clear determination of true positive vs. false positive
  6. Resolution:
    • False Positive: Whitelist entry, transaction approval, customer notification
    • True Positive: Follow confirmed match procedures above

False Positive Determination

  1. Documentation: Detailed documentation of why match is false positive
  2. Whitelisting: Addition to false positive whitelist to prevent future alerts
  3. Transaction Approval: Immediate processing of held transaction
  4. Customer Communication: Explanation of brief delay (if customer inquired)
  5. Periodic Review: Quarterly review of whitelisted items

Compliance Alerts

All sanctions screening hits generate compliance alerts that are:

  • Logged in the compliance case management system
  • Assigned to Compliance Officer for immediate review
  • Tracked through resolution with complete audit trail
  • Reported to senior management (for confirmed matches)
  • Retained for 7 years

OFAC 50% Rule

Axra applies OFAC's 50% Rule, which provides that:

  • Entities owned 50% or more by one or more sanctioned persons are themselves blocked
  • Entities owned 50% or more in the aggregate by multiple sanctioned persons are blocked
  • Ownership determinations include direct and indirect ownership interests

Application:

  • Beneficial ownership screening during onboarding and EDD
  • Entity ownership structure analysis
  • Blocked party aggregation analysis
  • Legal entity screening in addition to individual screening

Prohibited Transactions

Axra prohibits:

  • Transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities
  • Transactions involving blocked property or interests
  • Transactions that would violate comprehensive country sanctions
  • Facilitation of transactions for or on behalf of sanctioned parties
  • Evasion or circumvention of sanctions requirements

Sanctions Licensing

In limited circumstances, Axra may apply for specific licenses from OFAC or other sanctions authorities to:

  • Reject blocked property
  • Process humanitarian transactions
  • Wind down existing relationships
  • Other legally permissible activities

Licensing Process:

  • Legal counsel consultation
  • Detailed license application preparation
  • Submission to appropriate authority
  • No transactions pending approval (unless authorized)
  • Strict compliance with license terms and conditions

9. Suspicious Activity Reporting (SARs/STRs)

Axra files Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with FinCEN (United States) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with FINTRAC (Canada) when we detect transactions or patterns of activity that may involve money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, or other financial crimes.

Reporting Obligations

FinCEN SAR Filing (United States)

Mandatory Reporting: SARs must be filed when:

  • Transaction or pattern of transactions involves or aggregates to $5,000 or more
  • AND Axra knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that the transaction:
    • Involves funds derived from illegal activity
    • Is designed to evade Bank Secrecy Act requirements
    • Has no business or lawful purpose
    • Involves use of Axra to facilitate criminal activity

Timing:

  • File within 30 calendar days after initial detection
  • If no suspect identified on Day 30, additional 30 days to identify suspect (60 days total)
  • Critical cases (terrorism, ongoing criminal activity): File immediately

Form: FinCEN SAR (BSA E-Filing System)

FINTRAC STR Filing (Canada)

Mandatory Reporting: STRs must be filed when:

  • There are reasonable grounds to suspect that a transaction or attempted transaction is related to:
    • Money laundering offense
    • Terrorist activity financing offense

Timing:

  • File within 30 days of detecting facts giving rise to reasonable grounds to suspect

Form: FINTRAC STR (FINTRAC Web Reporting System)

Red Flags and Suspicious Activity Indicators

Axra investigates and considers filing SARs/STRs for the following indicators:

Structuring and Smurfing

  • Multiple transactions just below reporting thresholds ($10,000 CTR threshold)
  • Patterns suggesting deliberate avoidance of reporting requirements
  • Use of multiple accounts or identities to structure transactions
  • Transactions split across multiple days or beneficiaries

Unusual Transaction Patterns

  • Transactions inconsistent with customer's business or profile
  • Sudden unexplained increases in transaction volume or amounts
  • Transactions with no apparent economic or lawful purpose
  • Complex transaction routing without business justification

Identity Concerns

  • Suspicious or potentially false identification documents
  • Reluctance to provide information or documentation
  • Multiple customers using the same identification or address
  • Customers using third-party identities or acting as nominees

High-Risk Jurisdictions

  • Transactions involving sanctioned countries or high-risk jurisdictions
  • Transfers to/from jurisdictions known for terrorism, drug trafficking, or financial crime
  • Transactions routed through multiple high-risk jurisdictions
  • No apparent business reason for transactions with high-risk countries

Rapid Movement of Funds

  • Funds deposited and immediately transferred out
  • Pass-through account behavior with minimal retention
  • Circular transactions (funds return to origin after multiple transfers)
  • No legitimate business reason for rapid fund movement

Terrorism Financing Indicators

  • Transactions to/from countries or entities associated with terrorism
  • Transfers to charitable organizations with terrorism concerns
  • Small transactions to multiple high-risk locations
  • Customers with connections to known terrorist organizations
  • Transactions following terrorism events or alerts

Fraud Indicators

  • Customer claims fraud or unauthorized transaction after completion
  • Beneficiary information changes immediately before large transaction
  • Transaction based on misrepresentation or false pretenses
  • Romance scams, business email compromise, or other fraud patterns

Sanctions Evasion

  • Attempts to transact with sanctioned parties
  • Use of intermediaries to obscure beneficial owner
  • Transactions structured to evade sanctions screening
  • False beneficiary information to disguise sanctioned party

Customer Behavior

  • Reluctance to provide information about transaction purpose
  • Customer exhibits unusual knowledge of AML requirements
  • Customer attempts to avoid contact with financial institution
  • Customer nervous or evasive when questioned
  • Customer makes statements suggesting money laundering or illegal activity

SAR/STR Investigation Process

  1. Initial Alert or Detection:

    • Transaction monitoring alert
    • Employee observation or report
    • Customer due diligence concern
    • Law enforcement inquiry
    • Third-party notification
  2. Preliminary Review:

    • Compliance Officer reviews initial information
    • Determination whether investigation warranted
    • Assignment of investigation priority
  3. Investigation:

    • Review of customer profile and account history
    • Analysis of transaction patterns and activities
    • Review of all available customer information and documentation
    • Enhanced screening (sanctions, adverse media, public records)
    • Consultation with relevant employees or departments
    • Collection of supporting documentation
  4. Determination:

    • Assessment whether activity is suspicious
    • Evaluation of whether SAR/STR filing threshold met
    • Documentation of analysis and conclusion
    • Senior management consultation for complex cases
  5. SAR/STR Preparation:

    • Completion of SAR/STR form with all required information
    • Narrative describing suspicious activity in detail
    • Attachment of supporting documentation
    • Review by Compliance Officer
    • Approval by senior management (for significant cases)
  6. Filing:

    • Electronic filing via FinCEN BSA E-Filing System (U.S.)
    • Electronic filing via FINTRAC Web Reporting System (Canada)
    • Secure retention of filed report and supporting documentation
    • Log in SAR/STR tracking system
  7. Post-Filing:

    • Ongoing monitoring of customer and related accounts
    • Enhanced monitoring for continuing suspicious activity
    • Consideration of customer relationship continuation
    • Response to any law enforcement follow-up inquiries

SAR/STR Content Requirements

SARs/STRs include:

  • Subject Information: Name, address, date of birth, identification numbers, account numbers
  • Suspicious Activity Dates: When activity occurred or was detected
  • Transaction Details: Amounts, dates, types, instruments, account numbers
  • Narrative Description: Detailed explanation of why activity is suspicious, who is involved, what occurred, when, where, and how
  • Supporting Documentation: Account statements, transaction records, identification documents, correspondence

Confidentiality

SAR/STR filing is strictly confidential:

  • No Customer Notification: Customer is NOT notified that SAR/STR has been filed
  • No Disclosure: SAR/STR filing is NOT disclosed to customer or third parties
  • Limited Internal Access: Access restricted to compliance personnel, senior management, and legal counsel on need-to-know basis
  • Document Security: SARs/STRs maintained in secure, segregated filing system
  • Prohibition on Tipping Off: Federal crime to disclose SAR/STR filing or investigation to subject

Exception: Disclosure permitted to law enforcement, regulators, and certain other financial institutions for AML purposes.

Continuing Activity SARs

For continuing suspicious activity previously reported:

  • File continuing activity SAR every 90 days (U.S.) or as activity continues (Canada)
  • Reference prior SAR/STR filings
  • Update narrative with new information or developments
  • Maintain ongoing monitoring and documentation

Account Closure

SAR/STR filing does not automatically require account closure. Axra evaluates:

  • Severity and nature of suspicious activity
  • Risk of continuing relationship
  • Regulatory guidance and expectations
  • Law enforcement interest in maintaining account open
  • Risk to Axra's reputation and compliance program

Decision Process:

  • Compliance Officer recommendation
  • Senior management approval
  • Legal counsel consultation (for complex cases)
  • Gradual relationship wind-down (if appropriate)
  • Documentation of decision rationale

10. Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs)

Axra files Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) with FinCEN for currency transactions exceeding $10,000 USD in accordance with Bank Secrecy Act requirements.

CTR Reporting Thresholds

Mandatory Filing: CTR must be filed for:

  • Currency transactions exceeding $10,000 USD
  • Multiple currency transactions aggregating to more than $10,000 USD conducted by or on behalf of the same person in one business day

Form: FinCEN Currency Transaction Report (CTR) - FinCEN Form 112

Timing: Within 15 calendar days after the transaction date

Applicability to Axra's Operations

Given Axra's digital-only operations:

No Cash Transactions: Axra does not handle physical currency (cash, coins) in any form. All transactions are conducted electronically through:

  • Bank transfers (ACH, wire, SWIFT)
  • Card payments
  • Blockchain-based transfers
  • Digital payment rails

CTR Filing Obligation: As Axra does not conduct currency transactions, CTR filings are generally not applicable to our business operations.

Monitoring for Equivalent Reporting: While CTRs are not filed, Axra maintains awareness of:

  • Large transaction monitoring (for amounts exceeding $10,000 USD)
  • Structuring patterns that would be reportable if involving currency
  • Potential SAR filing obligations for suspicious activity involving large transactions

Large Transaction Monitoring

Although CTRs are not filed, Axra implements controls for large transactions:

Monitoring Thresholds:

  • Transactions ≥ $10,000 USD: Enhanced monitoring flag
  • Transactions ≥ $25,000 USD: Compliance Officer review
  • Transactions ≥ $50,000 USD: Enhanced due diligence verification

Review Process:

  1. Automatic system alert for large transaction
  2. Review of customer profile and transaction history
  3. Verification of source of funds (if not previously documented)
  4. Assessment of transaction consistency with customer profile
  5. Consideration of SAR filing if activity is suspicious
  6. Documentation of review and decision

Structuring Detection

Axra's transaction monitoring system detects potential structuring patterns that would be reportable if involving currency:

  • Multiple transactions just below $10,000 USD
  • Pattern suggesting deliberate avoidance of reporting threshold
  • Aggregation of transactions to same beneficiary
  • Timing patterns consistent with structuring

Response to Structuring Detection:

  • Investigation by Compliance Officer
  • Review of customer intent and explanation
  • Consideration of SAR filing for suspicious structuring patterns
  • Enhanced monitoring of customer account

Record Keeping

Axra maintains records of all transactions exceeding $10,000 USD, including:

  • Transaction amount and currency
  • Date and time of transaction
  • Customer information and account details
  • Source and destination information
  • Purpose and nature of transaction
  • Supporting documentation

Retention Period: 7 years from transaction date

Future Applicability

If Axra's business model changes to include currency transactions (cash handling, currency exchange, etc.):

  • CTR filing procedures will be implemented immediately
  • Staff will be trained on CTR requirements and procedures
  • Systems will be updated to capture required CTR information
  • This policy will be updated to reflect CTR filing obligations

11. Record Keeping

Axra maintains comprehensive records of customer information, transactions, and compliance activities in accordance with Bank Secrecy Act, PCMLTFA, and other applicable record-keeping requirements.

Retention Period

Standard Retention: 7 years from the date of the record or transaction, or longer if required by applicable law or regulation.

Ongoing Matters: Records relating to ongoing investigations, litigation, or regulatory matters are retained until the matter is fully resolved and the standard retention period has elapsed.

Customer Records

Axra maintains the following customer records:

Identity Verification Records

  • Government-issued identification documents (passport, driver's license, national ID)
  • Selfie photographs and liveness detection results
  • Identity verification reports from Bridge.xyz and Persona
  • Address verification documents
  • Date of birth and nationality information

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Records

  • Customer application and account opening information
  • Risk assessment and risk rating documentation
  • Customer profile information (occupation, source of funds, expected activity)
  • Beneficial ownership information (for entities)
  • Enhanced due diligence documentation (for high-risk customers)

Ongoing Monitoring Records

  • Periodic review documentation
  • Customer information updates
  • Risk rating changes and rationale
  • Account activity reviews
  • Customer correspondence related to AML/CFT matters

Sanctions Screening Records

  • Initial screening results at onboarding
  • Periodic re-screening results
  • Match investigation documentation
  • False positive determinations and whitelisting
  • Enhanced screening results (adverse media, PEP status)

Transaction Records

Axra maintains comprehensive transaction records including:

Transaction Details

  • Transaction ID and timestamp (date and time)
  • Transaction amount and currency
  • Exchange rates applied
  • Source account and customer information
  • Destination account and beneficiary information
  • Bank details and payment routing information
  • Transaction type and payment method
  • Purpose of transaction
  • Transaction status (completed, pending, rejected, cancelled)

Transaction Audit Trail

  • IP address and geolocation
  • Device information and user agent
  • Session ID and authentication details
  • AML monitoring results and flags
  • Sanctions screening results
  • Approval/rejection decisions and authorizing parties
  • System logs and timestamps

Supporting Documentation

  • Customer instructions or authorization
  • Source of funds documentation (for large or high-risk transactions)
  • Invoices, contracts, or other business documentation
  • Correspondence related to transaction
  • Third-party verification or confirmation

AML/CFT Compliance Records

Axra maintains records of all AML/CFT compliance activities:

Policy and Procedures

  • AML/CFT policy and all amendments
  • Risk assessment methodology and results
  • AML/CFT procedures and training materials
  • Independent audit reports and findings
  • Regulatory examination reports and responses

Monitoring and Investigations

  • Transaction monitoring alerts and investigations
  • Alert disposition documentation (closed, escalated, SAR filed)
  • Suspicious activity investigations and analysis
  • SAR/STR filings and supporting documentation (maintained separately with strict access controls)
  • Enhanced due diligence investigations

Regulatory Reporting

  • Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) - if applicable
  • Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and supporting documentation
  • Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to FINTRAC
  • Sanctions blocking reports to OFAC and other authorities
  • Large Cash Transaction Reports (LCTRs) - if applicable
  • Electronic Funds Transfer Reports (EFTRs) to FINTRAC

Training and Compliance

  • Employee training records (dates, topics, attendance, test results)
  • Compliance Officer appointment and qualifications
  • Management and Board reporting
  • Regulatory correspondence and submissions
  • Third-party due diligence (service providers, partners)

Business Correspondence

Axra maintains records of:

  • Customer inquiries and complaints related to AML/CFT matters
  • Requests for documentation or information
  • Account closure correspondence
  • Subpoenas, law enforcement requests, and regulatory inquiries
  • Responses to government or regulatory requests

Record Format and Storage

Electronic Records:

  • Primary storage in secure, encrypted databases and document management systems
  • Access controls and authentication requirements
  • Regular backups with offsite storage
  • Version control and audit trail of changes
  • System logs of record access and modifications

Physical Records:

  • Secure storage in locked, access-controlled facilities (if applicable)
  • Document tracking and inventory system
  • Climate-controlled environment to prevent deterioration

Record Availability

Records must be:

  • Accessible: Retrievable promptly upon request by authorized personnel or regulators
  • Complete: Containing all required information elements
  • Legible: Readable and understandable
  • Organized: Systematically filed and indexed for efficient retrieval
  • Secure: Protected against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction

Record Destruction

Records are destroyed only:

  • After the required retention period has elapsed
  • After any legal holds or regulatory holds are lifted
  • In accordance with documented record destruction procedures
  • With appropriate security measures (secure deletion, shredding)
  • With documentation of destruction date and method

Regulatory Access

Axra provides records to regulators and law enforcement:

  • Promptly: Within timeframes specified by regulator (typically 5-10 business days, or shorter for urgent matters)
  • Completely: All records responsive to the request
  • Organized: In a format that facilitates review
  • Securely: Via secure transmission methods or secure access portal

Third-Party Recordkeeping

When Axra relies on third parties (Bridge.xyz, Persona, etc.) for certain AML/CFT functions:

  • Written agreements require third parties to maintain records for required retention period
  • Axra maintains right to access third-party records
  • Axra retains ultimate responsibility for recordkeeping compliance
  • Periodic verification that third parties maintain required records

12. Prohibited Jurisdictions

Axra does not provide services to customers located in, or facilitate transactions involving, jurisdictions that present unacceptable money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions, or other compliance risks.

Prohibited Countries (Comprehensive Restrictions)

Axra prohibits account opening and all transactions involving the following jurisdictions:

Sanctioned Jurisdictions

Comprehensive U.S. Sanctions Programs (OFAC):

  • Afghanistan (Taliban-controlled areas)
  • Belarus
  • Burundi
  • Central African Republic
  • Cuba
  • Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
  • Eritrea
  • Iran
  • Lebanon (certain sanctioned entities)
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Myanmar (Burma) - certain entities and sectors
  • Nicaragua
  • Russia (comprehensive sanctions)
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan (Darfur region)
  • Syria
  • Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions)
  • Venezuela (Maduro regime)
  • Yemen (certain entities)
  • Zimbabwe (certain entities and individuals)

High-Risk and Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions

FATF High-Risk Jurisdictions (Call for Action):

  • Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
  • Iran
  • Myanmar

FATF Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring (Grey List): (As of February 2026 - subject to updates)

  • Albania
  • Barbados
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cambodia
  • Cayman Islands
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Gibraltar
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Jordan
  • Mali
  • Mozambique
  • Panama
  • Philippines
  • Senegal
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Syria
  • Tanzania
  • Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Uganda
  • United Arab Emirates (enhanced monitoring)
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen

State Sponsors of Terrorism

U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism:

  • Cuba
  • Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
  • Iran
  • Syria

Other Prohibited Jurisdictions

  • Somalia (weak governance, terrorism risks)
  • Iraq (certain regions - ongoing conflict zones)

Controlled Jurisdictions (Enhanced Due Diligence Required)

Transactions involving the following jurisdictions are permitted only with Enhanced Due Diligence, Compliance Officer approval, and continuous monitoring:

Enhanced Monitoring Jurisdictions

  • China (People's Republic) - capital controls, monitoring concerns
  • Hong Kong - increased controls following national security law
  • Pakistan - terrorism financing risks, weak AML enforcement
  • Egypt - political instability, weak institutions
  • Lebanon - economic crisis, Hezbollah concerns
  • Morocco - human trafficking, corruption risks
  • Tunisia - political instability, terrorism concerns
  • Bangladesh - weak AML controls, corruption
  • Indonesia - terrorism financing risks
  • Malaysia - money laundering concerns
  • Thailand - human trafficking, weak enforcement
  • Argentina - capital controls, economic instability
  • Brazil - corruption, organized crime
  • Bolivia - drug trafficking, weak institutions
  • Colombia - drug trafficking, despite improvements
  • Ecuador - money laundering hub, weak controls
  • Peru - drug trafficking, corruption
  • Paraguay - smuggling, weak institutions
  • Ukraine (government-controlled areas) - conflict zone, corruption

EDD Requirements for Controlled Jurisdictions:

  • Enhanced identity verification
  • Source of funds documentation
  • Purpose of transaction documentation
  • Beneficial ownership verification
  • Compliance Officer approval for transactions >$5,000 USD
  • Continuous transaction monitoring

Restricted Jurisdictions (Additional Controls)

Transactions involving the following jurisdictions require additional documentation and monitoring:

Medium-Risk Jurisdictions

  • Nigeria - fraud risks, weak AML enforcement, but significant legitimate economy
  • Kenya - money laundering concerns, terrorism financing risks
  • Ghana - emerging AML framework, fraud risks
  • Ethiopia - weak institutions, conflict concerns
  • Tanzania - grey list jurisdiction, weak controls
  • Uganda - corruption, weak enforcement
  • Mozambique - terrorism, weak institutions
  • Cameroon - corruption, weak controls

Additional Controls for Restricted Jurisdictions:

  • Purpose of transaction required
  • Beneficiary verification
  • Transaction pattern monitoring
  • Periodic account reviews

Not High Risk (Standard Controls)

The following jurisdictions are subject to standard AML/CFT controls with no enhanced restrictions:

Low-Risk Jurisdictions

North America:

  • United States
  • Canada

Western Europe:

  • European Union member states (excluding grey list countries)
  • United Kingdom
  • Switzerland
  • Norway
  • Iceland

Asia-Pacific:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Singapore

Other:

  • Israel
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Uruguay

Standard Controls for Low-Risk Jurisdictions:

  • Standard KYC/CDD procedures
  • Regular transaction monitoring
  • Routine sanctions screening
  • Risk-based account reviews

Dynamic Risk Assessment

Axra continuously monitors global developments affecting jurisdiction risk:

  • FATF Updates: Quarterly review of FATF high-risk and grey list changes
  • Sanctions Developments: Real-time monitoring of new sanctions designations
  • Regulatory Guidance: Review of FinCEN, FINTRAC, and other regulatory advisories
  • Geopolitical Events: Assessment of conflicts, regime changes, and instability
  • Emerging Threats: Monitoring of terrorism, trafficking, and transnational crime trends

Jurisdiction Classification Updates

This jurisdiction classification is reviewed and updated:

  • Quarterly: Scheduled review of all jurisdiction risk ratings
  • Ad Hoc: Upon FATF list updates, new sanctions, or significant events
  • Annual: Comprehensive review as part of enterprise risk assessment

Communication of Updates:

  • Policy updates distributed to all staff
  • Transaction monitoring rules updated
  • Customer communication (if services are discontinued in jurisdiction)

Customer Impact

Customers in Prohibited Jurisdictions:

  • Cannot open new accounts
  • Existing accounts (if any) will be closed in orderly manner
  • Funds returned in compliance with sanctions regulations (if applicable)

Customers Transacting with Prohibited Jurisdictions:

  • Transactions blocked automatically
  • Customer notified of restrictions
  • Compliance alert generated for review

Customers in Controlled/Restricted Jurisdictions:

  • Enhanced due diligence required for onboarding or transactions
  • Transaction limits may be imposed
  • More frequent account reviews

Sanctions Compliance

All jurisdiction restrictions are implemented in coordination with sanctions screening to ensure:

  • Compliance with OFAC, UN, EU, HMT, and other sanctions programs
  • Blocking of prohibited transactions
  • Asset freezing when required
  • Timely regulatory reporting

13. Employee Training

Axra provides comprehensive AML/CFT training to all employees, agents, contractors, and authorized representatives to ensure awareness of money laundering and terrorist financing risks, regulatory requirements, and internal policies and procedures.

Training Requirements

Initial Training

New Hire Training:

  • Provided to all employees within 30 days of hire
  • Covers fundamental AML/CFT concepts and Axra's program
  • Role-specific training based on responsibilities
  • Assessment to verify understanding
  • Documentation of completion

Content:

  • Overview of money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Regulatory framework (BSA, PCMLTFA, FinCEN, FINTRAC)
  • Axra's AML/CFT policy and procedures
  • Customer due diligence and identity verification
  • Transaction monitoring and suspicious activity detection
  • Red flags and warning signs
  • Reporting obligations and procedures
  • Sanctions screening requirements
  • Record keeping requirements
  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations

Annual Refresher Training

All Employees:

  • Comprehensive refresher training provided annually
  • Updates on regulatory changes and emerging risks
  • Review of recent case studies and typologies
  • Assessment to verify continued understanding
  • Documentation of completion

Content Updates:

  • New regulations, guidance, or enforcement actions
  • Changes to Axra's policies and procedures
  • Emerging money laundering and terrorist financing trends
  • Recent Axra incidents or lessons learned (anonymized)
  • Industry best practices and regulatory expectations

Role-Specific Training

Compliance Team:

  • Advanced AML/CFT training covering complex topics
  • Transaction monitoring and alert investigation techniques
  • SAR/STR preparation and filing procedures
  • Enhanced due diligence methodologies
  • Sanctions compliance and OFAC regulations
  • Regulatory examination preparation
  • Industry conferences and professional development

Customer Service and Operations:

  • Customer onboarding and KYC procedures
  • Identity verification requirements
  • Escalation procedures for suspicious activity
  • Handling of customer inquiries related to AML/CFT
  • Transaction processing controls

Engineering and Product Teams:

  • AML/CFT technology requirements and system controls
  • Data security and privacy considerations
  • Transaction monitoring rule configuration
  • Sanctions screening API integration
  • Audit trail and logging requirements

Senior Management:

  • Enterprise risk management perspectives
  • Regulatory expectations for Board and senior management
  • Compliance program effectiveness assessment
  • Strategic AML/CFT initiatives
  • Regulatory examination and enforcement trends

Specialized Training

Topics Covered as Needed:

  • Fraud detection and prevention
  • Cryptocurrency and blockchain AML considerations
  • Trade-based money laundering
  • Human trafficking and smuggling indicators
  • Politically exposed persons (PEPs) identification
  • Beneficial ownership verification techniques
  • Complex corporate structures analysis
  • Sanctions evasion techniques
  • Terrorism financing typologies

Training Methodology

Delivery Methods:

  • Online learning management system (LMS) modules
  • Live instructor-led sessions (virtual or in-person)
  • Workshops and case study exercises
  • Webinars on emerging topics
  • Self-study materials and reference guides

Assessment and Certification:

  • Knowledge assessment quizzes or exams
  • Minimum passing score required (typically 80%)
  • Remedial training for employees not meeting standard
  • Certificate of completion upon successful assessment
  • Annual recertification requirement

Training Content Development

Training materials are:

  • Current: Updated regularly to reflect regulatory changes and emerging risks
  • Relevant: Tailored to Axra's business model and risk profile
  • Practical: Include real-world examples and case studies
  • Engaging: Use multimedia, interactive elements, and scenarios
  • Accessible: Available to all employees through learning management system

Training Record Keeping

Axra maintains comprehensive training records including:

  • Employee name and position
  • Date of training completion
  • Training topic and materials provided
  • Assessment scores and certification
  • Training provider (internal or external)
  • Acknowledgment of understanding

Retention Period: 7 years after employment termination

Accountability

  • Employee Responsibility: All employees are required to complete training on time
  • Manager Responsibility: Managers ensure team members complete required training
  • Compliance Oversight: Compliance Officer monitors training completion rates
  • Consequences: Failure to complete training may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination

New Product or Service Training

When Axra introduces new products, services, or markets:

  • Training materials updated to address new risks and controls
  • Supplemental training provided to affected employees
  • Assessment of training effectiveness before product launch
  • Ongoing training as product evolves

Training Effectiveness Assessment

Axra assesses training effectiveness through:

  • Knowledge Assessments: Test scores and pass rates
  • Feedback Surveys: Employee feedback on training quality and relevance
  • Performance Metrics: Quality of alert investigations, SAR narratives, CDD documentation
  • Audit Findings: Independent testing of employee knowledge and compliance
  • Regulatory Feedback: Examiner comments on training program adequacy

Continuous Improvement

Based on effectiveness assessments, Axra:

  • Updates training content and delivery methods
  • Addresses knowledge gaps identified through testing or audits
  • Incorporates regulatory feedback and industry best practices
  • Enhances training for areas with higher error rates or compliance issues

Third-Party Training

Axra employees may attend external training programs including:

  • ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists) certification courses
  • FinCEN and FINTRAC webinars and guidance
  • Industry conferences and seminars
  • Legal and regulatory updates from law firms or consultants
  • Professional development courses

Training Budget

Axra allocates sufficient budget for:

  • Learning management system and training platform
  • Content development and updates
  • External training programs and certifications
  • Industry conferences and events
  • Subject matter expert instructors

14. Independent Audit & Testing

Axra conducts regular independent testing and auditing of its AML/CFT compliance program to assess effectiveness, identify deficiencies, and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.

Independent Testing Requirement

Regulatory Requirement:

  • FinCEN regulations (31 CFR 1022.210) require MSBs to provide for independent testing of AML compliance
  • FINTRAC expects MSBs to have mechanisms to test compliance program effectiveness
  • Testing must be conducted by independent personnel or external auditors

Axra's Commitment:

  • Annual independent testing of AML/CFT program at minimum
  • More frequent testing for high-risk areas or following significant changes
  • Testing conducted by qualified internal audit function or external audit firm
  • Independence from AML compliance function

Scope of Independent Testing

Independent testing covers all elements of Axra's AML/CFT program:

Policy and Procedures Review

  • Assessment of AML/CFT policy comprehensiveness and currency
  • Review of procedures for clarity, completeness, and consistency with policy
  • Evaluation of procedures against regulatory requirements and industry standards
  • Identification of gaps or deficiencies

Risk Assessment

  • Review of enterprise AML/CFT risk assessment methodology
  • Assessment of risk assessment comprehensiveness (customer, product, geographic, channel risks)
  • Evaluation of risk rating accuracy and appropriateness
  • Testing of risk-based approach application

Customer Due Diligence (CDD)

  • Sample testing of customer onboarding and identity verification
  • Assessment of KYC documentation completeness and quality
  • Testing of tier classification accuracy
  • Review of enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers
  • Evaluation of beneficial ownership verification (for entities)
  • Testing of customer information currency and update procedures

Sanctions Screening

  • Testing of sanctions screening at onboarding, beneficiary creation, and transaction
  • Assessment of screening list comprehensiveness (75+ lists)
  • Evaluation of match scoring methodology and thresholds
  • Testing of alert investigation and disposition procedures
  • Review of false positive determinations
  • Assessment of OFAC 50% Rule application

Transaction Monitoring

  • Testing of transaction monitoring rules and scenarios
  • Assessment of alert generation appropriateness and completeness
  • Evaluation of alert investigation quality and documentation
  • Testing of alert disposition decisions (close, escalate, SAR)
  • Review of monitoring system tuning and false positive rates
  • Assessment of lookback adequacy when rules are adjusted

Suspicious Activity Reporting

  • Review of SAR/STR decision-making process
  • Assessment of SAR narrative quality and completeness
  • Testing of filing timeliness (30-day requirement)
  • Evaluation of SAR supporting documentation
  • Testing of continuing activity SAR procedures
  • Review of SAR confidentiality controls

Record Keeping

  • Testing of record retention compliance (7-year requirement)
  • Assessment of record completeness and accessibility
  • Review of document management system controls
  • Testing of record destruction procedures
  • Evaluation of regulatory request response capabilities

Training

  • Review of training program comprehensiveness and currency
  • Assessment of training completion rates and timeliness
  • Testing of employee knowledge through interviews or assessments
  • Evaluation of training effectiveness measures
  • Review of role-specific training adequacy

Information Systems

  • Assessment of AML/CFT system functionality and performance
  • Testing of system controls and security
  • Review of system change management procedures
  • Evaluation of data integrity and audit trail completeness
  • Testing of system disaster recovery and business continuity

Governance and Management Oversight

  • Review of Compliance Officer authority and independence
  • Assessment of management and Board reporting
  • Evaluation of compliance program resources and staffing
  • Review of senior management engagement and accountability

Testing Methodology

Independent testing employs various methodologies:

  • Sample Testing: Statistical sampling of customers, transactions, and alerts
  • File Reviews: Detailed review of CDD files, investigations, and SARs
  • System Testing: Review of system configurations, rules, and thresholds
  • Interviews: Discussions with compliance, operations, and management personnel
  • Benchmarking: Comparison to industry standards and regulatory expectations
  • Process Walkthroughs: Step-by-step review of key processes
  • Data Analytics: Analysis of transaction data, alert data, and program metrics

Testing Frequency

Annual Comprehensive Testing:

  • Full scope testing of all AML/CFT program elements
  • Conducted by independent internal audit or external auditor
  • Report issued to senior management and Board

Periodic Focused Testing:

  • Quarterly or semi-annual testing of high-risk areas
  • Targeted testing following significant changes (new products, system implementations)
  • Follow-up testing of prior audit findings

Continuous Monitoring:

  • Ongoing quality assurance reviews by Compliance Officer
  • Real-time system monitoring and performance metrics
  • Management information reporting and dashboard reviews

Independence Requirements

To ensure independence and objectivity:

Internal Audit:

  • Reports to Board Audit Committee or CEO (not Compliance Officer)
  • No operational responsibilities for AML/CFT compliance function
  • Free from conflicts of interest

External Auditor:

  • Independent audit firm with AML/CFT expertise
  • No consulting or advisory relationship with Axra that would impair independence
  • Rotation of engagement partners as appropriate

Audit Findings and Remediation

Finding Classification:

  • Critical: Significant deficiency presenting substantial compliance risk (immediate action required)
  • High: Material deficiency requiring prompt remediation
  • Medium: Moderate deficiency to be addressed within reasonable timeframe
  • Low: Minor observation or best practice recommendation

Remediation Process:

  1. Management Response: Written response to each finding with remediation plan and timeline
  2. Responsibility Assignment: Designation of responsible party for each remediation action
  3. Tracking: Monitoring of remediation action status by Compliance Officer
  4. Validation: Testing of remediation effectiveness by auditor
  5. Escalation: Critical and High findings reported to senior management and Board
  6. Follow-Up: Follow-up audit or testing to verify remediation completion

Remediation Timeframes:

  • Critical findings: Immediate action (within 30 days)
  • High findings: 60 days
  • Medium findings: 90 days
  • Low findings: Next audit cycle or 180 days

Reporting

Audit Report Content:

  • Executive summary of scope, approach, and key findings
  • Detailed findings with risk ratings and recommendations
  • Assessment of overall program effectiveness
  • Comparison to prior audit and status of previous findings
  • Management responses and remediation plans

Distribution:

  • Compliance Officer
  • Chief Legal Officer
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Board of Directors (or Audit Committee)
  • Regulatory authorities (upon request)

Board Reporting:

  • Annual presentation of audit results to Board
  • Discussion of significant findings and remediation actions
  • Assessment of compliance program adequacy and effectiveness
  • Discussion of resources, staffing, and strategic initiatives

Regulatory Expectations

Axra's independent testing program is designed to meet regulatory expectations including:

  • FinCEN Guidance: Compliance with FinCEN expectations for MSB independent testing
  • FINTRAC Guidance: Alignment with FINTRAC compliance program requirements
  • FFIEC BSA/AML Examination Manual: Consideration of examination procedures and expectations
  • Industry Standards: Adherence to industry best practices and standards (e.g., Wolfsberg Group, FATF)

Program Improvements

Audit findings drive continuous improvement:

  • Policy Updates: Revisions to AML/CFT policy and procedures based on findings
  • System Enhancements: Technology improvements to address deficiencies
  • Training Enhancements: Additional or revised training to address knowledge gaps
  • Process Improvements: Streamlining or strengthening of compliance processes
  • Resource Allocation: Staffing or budget adjustments to address capacity issues

15. Regulatory Cooperation

Axra is committed to full cooperation with law enforcement agencies, financial regulators, and other authorities in their efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.

Regulatory Authorities

Axra cooperates with:

United States

  • Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) - Primary AML regulator
  • Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) - Sanctions enforcement
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Criminal investigations
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Terrorism and border security
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Tax crimes and money laundering
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Drug trafficking investigations
  • U.S. Secret Service - Financial crimes investigations
  • State regulators - State money transmitter licensing authorities

Canada

  • Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) - AML/CFT regulator
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - Federal policing and investigations
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Border enforcement
  • Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) - National security
  • Bank of Canada - Retail payments oversight (RPAA)
  • Provincial regulators - Provincial money services licensing authorities

Other Jurisdictions

  • Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) - Nigerian AML/CFT
  • Central Bank of Nigeria - Financial regulation
  • National Bank of Rwanda - Rwandan financial regulation
  • Financial Investigation Unit Rwanda - Rwandan FIU
  • International organizations - Interpol, Egmont Group, FATF

Forms of Cooperation

Information Requests

Subpoenas and Legal Process:

  • Prompt response to subpoenas, court orders, and legal process
  • Verification of legal process authenticity
  • Production of records within specified timeframes
  • Legal counsel review for privilege or legal issues
  • Documentation of response and records provided

Regulatory Inquiries:

  • Timely response to FinCEN, FINTRAC, and other regulator requests
  • Provision of customer records, transaction data, and compliance documentation
  • Cooperation with regulatory examinations and investigations
  • Transparent communication regarding compliance issues

Law Enforcement Requests:

  • 24/7 emergency contact procedures for urgent requests
  • Prompt response to law enforcement inquiries
  • Provision of transactional data, account information, and evidence
  • Coordination with legal counsel on sensitive matters
  • Secure transmission of information

Regulatory Examinations

FinCEN and FINTRAC Examinations:

  • Advance preparation and document gathering
  • Onsite or virtual examination support
  • Access to personnel, systems, and records
  • Transparent discussion of compliance program
  • Prompt response to examination findings and recommendations

Examination Cooperation:

  • Designated contact person for examiners
  • Conference room and technology access (for onsite exams)
  • Timely response to document requests and questions
  • Exit interview participation
  • Remediation action plans for identified deficiencies

Suspicious Activity Reporting

SAR/STR Filing:

  • Timely filing of Suspicious Activity Reports with FinCEN (U.S.)
  • Timely filing of Suspicious Transaction Reports with FINTRAC (Canada)
  • Complete and detailed narrative descriptions
  • Supporting documentation and evidence
  • Follow-up information if requested by authorities

Law Enforcement Follow-Up:

  • Response to law enforcement inquiries regarding filed SARs
  • Provision of additional information or evidence as requested
  • Testimony or witness cooperation if needed
  • Ongoing monitoring and supplemental reporting

Sanctions Compliance

OFAC Reporting:

  • Immediate blocking of transactions involving sanctioned parties
  • Filing of blocked property reports with OFAC within 10 business days
  • Annual reports of blocked property (if applicable)
  • Voluntary self-disclosure of sanctions violations
  • Cooperation with OFAC investigations and licensing requests

Asset Freezing:

  • Immediate account freezing upon sanctions match
  • No disbursement without OFAC authorization
  • Maintenance of blocked assets in interest-bearing accounts
  • Periodic reporting and account statements to OFAC

Investigations Support

Evidence Preservation:

  • Preservation of records and data for ongoing investigations
  • Legal holds to prevent record destruction
  • Forensic data collection and analysis support
  • Chain of custody documentation

Witness Cooperation:

  • Employee interviews and testimony
  • Deposition and trial testimony
  • Expert witness assistance from Compliance Officer
  • Document authentication and foundation testimony

Information Sharing

314(a) Information Requests (U.S.):

  • Response to FinCEN 314(a) information requests within 14 days
  • Search of customer and transaction databases for named subjects
  • Reporting of positive matches to FinCEN
  • Confidentiality of 314(a) requests and responses

314(b) Information Sharing (U.S.):

  • Voluntary information sharing with other financial institutions
  • Sharing of information regarding suspected money laundering or terrorism
  • Executed 314(b) agreements with information sharing partners
  • Appropriate use and confidentiality of shared information

Cross-Border Cooperation:

  • Response to foreign law enforcement requests (via proper legal channels)
  • Mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) cooperation
  • International organization cooperation (Interpol, Egmont Group)

Confidentiality and Legal Protections

Legal Protections for Reporting:

  • Safe harbor protections for SAR/STR filing (31 U.S.C. § 5318(g)(3))
  • Immunity from liability for disclosure to authorities
  • Prohibition on customer notification of SAR filing
  • Confidentiality of SAR information

Information Security:

  • Secure transmission methods for sensitive information
  • Encryption and access controls
  • Verification of recipient identity before information release
  • Audit trail of information disclosures

Legal Review:

  • Legal counsel consultation for complex or sensitive requests
  • Review for privilege, privacy, or legal compliance issues
  • Coordination with law enforcement on legal concerns
  • Documentation of legal analysis and decisions

Non-Compliance and Enforcement

Axra takes regulatory enforcement seriously and will:

  • Voluntary Self-Disclosure: Proactively disclose material compliance violations to regulators
  • Cooperation: Fully cooperate with regulatory investigations and enforcement actions
  • Remediation: Promptly remediate identified deficiencies and implement corrective actions
  • Accountability: Hold responsible personnel accountable for compliance failures
  • Transparency: Provide complete and accurate information to regulators

Regulatory Reporting

Routine Reporting:

  • MSB registration renewals with FinCEN (every 2 years) and FINTRAC (as required)
  • Bank of Canada RPAA reporting (when registration complete)
  • State and provincial licensing reporting requirements
  • CTR/SAR/STR statistical reporting

Material Change Reporting:

  • Changes to business model, products, or services
  • Changes to ownership or control
  • Changes to AML Compliance Officer
  • Material compliance incidents or breaches

Incident Reporting:

  • Cybersecurity incidents affecting customer information
  • Data breaches involving AML/CFT data
  • Significant fraud or financial crime incidents
  • Suspicious activity involving employees

Point of Contact

Primary Regulatory Contact: AML/CFT Compliance Officer Email: compliance@useaxra.com Phone: [Compliance Hotline] Address: [Corporate Address]

Legal Contact: Chief Legal Officer Email: legal@useaxra.com Phone: [Legal Department Phone]

24/7 Emergency Contact: [Emergency Contact Information for Urgent Law Enforcement Matters]


16. Technology & Systems

Axra leverages advanced technology and systems to support and enhance its AML/CFT compliance program, enabling effective monitoring, screening, and risk management at scale.

AML/CFT Technology Stack

Customer Onboarding and KYC

Identity Verification Partners:

  • Bridge.xyz: Primary KYC/identity verification provider for STANDARD and ENHANCED tiers
  • Persona: Alternative identity verification provider
  • Capabilities:
    • Government ID verification (authenticity, validity, tampering detection)
    • Biometric matching (selfie to ID photo)
    • Liveness detection (anti-spoofing)
    • Identity document data extraction
    • Database verification (government records, credit bureaus)

Customer Data Management:

  • Secure customer database with encrypted storage
  • AES-256-GCM field encryption via CryptoService for sensitive data (enc: prefix)
  • Customer tiering system (NONE, BASIC, STANDARD, ENHANCED)
  • Beneficial ownership tracking for entity accounts
  • Customer risk rating system

Sanctions Screening

Dilisense API Integration:

  • Real-time sanctions screening via Dilisense API
  • Comprehensive coverage: 75+ global sanctions and enforcement lists
  • Lists Screened:
    • OFAC (SDN, Consolidated, SSI, FSE, PLC)
    • UN Security Council (Consolidated, Al-Qaida, ISIL/Da'esh)
    • EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions
    • HM Treasury (UK) Financial Sanctions
    • World Bank Ineligible Firms
    • Interpol Most Wanted
    • PEP databases
    • Adverse media and enforcement lists

Screening Points:

  • Customer registration (onboarding)
  • Beneficiary creation (new transfer recipients)
  • Transaction initiation (real-time)
  • Periodic re-screening (quarterly batch)
  • Watchlist update triggers

Screening Methodology:

  • Fuzzy matching algorithms for name variations
  • Weighted scoring based on match confidence
  • Configurable match thresholds by risk level
  • False positive whitelisting
  • Manual review workflow for potential matches

Transaction Monitoring

Monitoring Capabilities:

  • Real-time transaction analysis at initiation
  • Batch daily monitoring of all account activity
  • Pattern detection and anomaly identification
  • Risk scoring and alert prioritization

Monitoring Rules and Scenarios:

  1. Velocity Monitoring:

    • Daily transaction count thresholds
    • Daily aggregate amount thresholds
    • Rapid-fire transaction detection (<5 minutes between transactions)
    • Comparison to customer baseline patterns
  2. Cumulative Volume Monitoring:

    • 30-day rolling transaction totals
    • Comparison to tier limits and historical averages
    • Month-over-month growth rate alerts
    • Deviation from expected activity (>200% increase)
  3. Structuring Detection:

    • Multiple transactions just below $10,000 USD (CTR threshold)
    • Pattern of consistent amounts to avoid reporting
    • Aggregation to same beneficiary across multiple transactions
    • Timing patterns suggesting coordination
  4. Rapid Fund Movement:

    • Time between deposit and withdrawal (<24 hours)
    • Pass-through account behavior (funds in/out with minimal retention)
    • Circular transaction patterns
    • Funds received and immediately transferred
  5. High-Risk Jurisdiction Monitoring:

    • Transactions to/from Prohibited countries (blocked)
    • Transactions to/from Controlled countries (enhanced review)
    • Transactions to/from Restricted countries (documentation required)
    • Unusual routing through multiple high-risk jurisdictions
  6. Round Amount Alerts:

    • Transactions in exact round amounts (e.g., $10,000.00)
    • Patterns of round amounts across multiple transactions
    • Inconsistency with customer type or business
  7. Customer Profile Deviation:

    • Transactions inconsistent with stated purpose or business
    • Sudden changes in transaction patterns
    • Transaction types inconsistent with customer profile
    • Source/destination inconsistent with customer
  8. Large Transaction Alerts:

    • Transactions ≥ $10,000 USD
    • Transactions ≥ $25,000 USD (Compliance Officer review)
    • Transactions ≥ $50,000 USD (enhanced due diligence)

Alert Management:

  • Alert queue and case management system
  • Risk-based prioritization
  • Investigation workflow and documentation
  • Disposition tracking (closed, escalated, SAR)
  • Audit trail of all investigations and decisions

Audit Trail and Logging

Comprehensive Logging via RequestContextInterceptor:

  • IP address and geolocation capture
  • User agent and device information
  • Session ID and authentication context
  • Transaction details and amounts
  • Sanctions screening results
  • AML monitoring flags and alerts
  • System access and modifications
  • Timestamp and user identification

Storage and Retention:

  • Secure log storage with access controls
  • Immutable audit trail (no modification after creation)
  • 7-year retention period
  • Efficient search and retrieval capabilities
  • Integration with compliance case management

Data Security and Encryption

CryptoService (AES-256-GCM):

  • Field-level encryption for sensitive customer data
  • Encrypted fields marked with "enc:" prefix
  • Secure key management and rotation
  • Encryption at rest and in transit

Additional Security Controls:

  • Role-based access controls (RBAC)
  • Multi-factor authentication for system access
  • Network segmentation and firewalls
  • Intrusion detection and prevention systems
  • Regular security assessments and penetration testing

Redis and Session Management

RedisService with Circuit Breaker:

  • Global Redis module for distributed caching
  • Circuit breaker pattern for resilience
  • Session management and authentication
  • Token storage with reverse-lookup pattern (key:{token} → userId)
  • Distributed locking for transaction safety

Use Cases:

  • Transfer confirmation codes (15-minute TTL)
  • Rate limiting and velocity controls
  • Real-time alert queuing
  • Performance optimization

Reporting and Analytics

Management Information Dashboards:

  • Customer onboarding metrics (by tier, by country)
  • Transaction volume and value trends
  • Alert generation and disposition statistics
  • SAR/STR filing counts and trends
  • False positive rates and system performance
  • Customer risk distribution
  • High-risk jurisdiction activity

Regulatory Reporting:

  • SAR/STR preparation and filing
  • CTR preparation (if applicable in future)
  • FinCEN and FINTRAC electronic filing
  • Sanctions blocking reports
  • Automated report generation and submission

Data Analytics:

  • Trend analysis and anomaly detection
  • Customer segmentation and risk profiling
  • Transaction pattern analysis
  • Effectiveness metrics (detection rates, false positives)
  • Benchmarking against industry standards

System Performance and Reliability

Availability:

  • 99.9% uptime target for AML/CFT systems
  • Redundancy and failover capabilities
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity plans
  • Regular backup and restoration testing

Performance:

  • Real-time screening (<2 seconds per transaction)
  • Daily batch monitoring completion within processing window
  • Alert investigation tools with fast query response
  • Scalability to handle transaction volume growth

Monitoring:

  • System health monitoring and alerting
  • Performance metrics and dashboards
  • Error logging and exception handling
  • Capacity planning and optimization

System Change Management

Change Control:

  • Formal change request and approval process
  • Testing in development and staging environments
  • User acceptance testing (UAT) for major changes
  • Documentation of changes and rationale
  • Rollback procedures for failed deployments

AML Impact Assessment:

  • Evaluation of AML/CFT impact for system changes
  • Compliance Officer review of monitoring rule changes
  • Lookback analysis when rules are modified
  • Training for staff on system changes

Third-Party Technology Vendors

Vendor Management:

  • Due diligence on AML/CFT technology vendors
  • Contractual requirements for security, availability, and compliance
  • Service level agreements (SLAs) and performance monitoring
  • Regular vendor reviews and assessments
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery requirements

Key Vendors:

  • Bridge.xyz (KYC/identity verification)
  • Persona (identity verification)
  • Dilisense (sanctions screening)
  • [Database provider]
  • [Cloud infrastructure provider]

Technology Roadmap

Continuous Improvement:

  • Regular assessment of AML/CFT technology needs
  • Evaluation of emerging technologies (AI/ML for monitoring)
  • System enhancements based on audit findings and regulatory feedback
  • Investment in automation and efficiency
  • Adoption of industry best practices and standards

Future Enhancements:

  • Machine learning for improved transaction monitoring
  • Network analysis for complex relationship detection
  • Natural language processing for SAR narrative quality
  • Enhanced data visualization and analytics
  • API integrations with additional data sources

17. Policy Review & Updates

This Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Policy is a living document that is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure continued effectiveness and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements, emerging risks, and industry best practices.

Review Frequency

Annual Comprehensive Review

Timing: At least annually, or more frequently as needed

Scope:

  • Complete review of all policy sections and procedures
  • Assessment of policy effectiveness and relevance
  • Evaluation against current regulatory requirements and guidance
  • Comparison to industry best practices and standards
  • Incorporation of audit findings and regulatory feedback
  • Review of significant compliance incidents or issues

Responsibility: AML/CFT Compliance Officer, with input from Legal, Operations, and senior management

Approval: Senior management and Board of Directors

Event-Driven Reviews

Policy review is triggered by:

  • Regulatory Changes: New laws, regulations, or regulatory guidance affecting AML/CFT requirements
  • Business Changes: New products, services, markets, or customer segments
  • Risk Assessment Updates: Changes in enterprise risk assessment or risk profile
  • Audit Findings: Significant independent audit findings requiring policy changes
  • Regulatory Feedback: Examination findings or regulatory recommendations
  • Significant Incidents: Material compliance failures, breaches, or enforcement actions
  • Technology Changes: Implementation of new AML/CFT systems or capabilities
  • Industry Developments: Emerging money laundering or terrorist financing typologies and trends

Continuous Monitoring

Ongoing Activities:

  • Monitoring of regulatory developments (FinCEN, FINTRAC, FATF, etc.)
  • Review of regulatory advisories, guidance, and enforcement actions
  • Participation in industry forums and working groups
  • Tracking of emerging risks and typologies
  • Assessment of policy effectiveness through metrics and KPIs

Update Process

  1. Identification of Need for Update:

    • Compliance Officer identifies need based on review or triggering event
    • Scope of required changes determined
    • Priority and timeline established
  2. Drafting of Updates:

    • Compliance Officer drafts policy revisions
    • Legal counsel review for legal and regulatory compliance
    • Consultation with affected departments (Operations, Product, Engineering)
    • Consideration of implementation requirements and impacts
  3. Internal Review and Comment:

    • Distribution of draft to senior management for review
    • Comment period for feedback and suggestions
    • Revision based on feedback
  4. Approval:

    • Senior management review and approval
    • Board of Directors approval (for material changes)
    • Documentation of approval date and approvers
  5. Implementation:

    • Communication of policy changes to all employees
    • Training on updated policy and procedures
    • System and process updates to reflect policy changes
    • Documentation updates (procedures, training materials, forms)
  6. Effectiveness Monitoring:

    • Monitoring of policy implementation and compliance
    • Assessment of policy effectiveness
    • Collection of feedback from staff and stakeholders
    • Adjustments as needed

Version Control

Policy Versioning:

  • Each policy update receives a new version number
  • Version history maintained with summary of changes
  • Effective date clearly indicated
  • Superseded versions retained for record-keeping purposes

Current Version:

  • Version: 1.0
  • Effective Date: February 2026
  • Last Reviewed: February 16, 2026
  • Next Scheduled Review: February 2027 (or sooner if needed)

Communication of Updates

Policy updates are communicated through:

  • All-Staff Email: Notification of policy update with summary of key changes
  • Training: Supplemental training on material policy changes
  • Policy Portal: Updated policy posted on internal compliance portal
  • Management Briefing: Presentation to senior management on significant changes
  • Board Reporting: Reporting to Board on material policy updates

Regulatory Notification

Material Changes Requiring Regulatory Notification:

  • Changes to MSB registration information (ownership, control, AML Compliance Officer)
  • Significant changes to business model or services
  • Material changes to AML/CFT program structure or approach

Notification Process:

  • Update of FinCEN MSB registration (as applicable)
  • Notification to FINTRAC (as required)
  • Notification to state and provincial regulators (as required)
  • Documentation of regulatory notifications

Availability

This AML/CFT Policy is:

  • Accessible: Available to all employees via internal compliance portal
  • Searchable: Organized with clear headings and table of contents
  • Downloadable: Available in PDF format for offline reference
  • Secure: Access controls to prevent unauthorized modification

External Availability:

  • Policy overview available to regulators upon request
  • Policy elements communicated to customers as appropriate (e.g., prohibited jurisdictions)
  • Compliance commitments included in customer terms of service

Related Policies and Procedures

This AML/CFT Policy is supported by detailed procedures and related policies:

  • Customer Due Diligence Procedures
  • Sanctions Screening Procedures
  • Transaction Monitoring Procedures
  • Suspicious Activity Investigation and SAR/STR Filing Procedures
  • Enhanced Due Diligence Procedures
  • Record Retention Policy
  • Information Security and Privacy Policy
  • Incident Response and Breach Notification Policy
  • Third-Party Vendor Management Policy

Document Hierarchy:

  1. AML/CFT Policy (this document) - Overarching framework and requirements
  2. Detailed Procedures - Step-by-step implementation guidance
  3. Work Instructions - Specific task instructions and system guides
  4. Forms and Templates - Standardized documentation and reporting tools

Feedback and Questions

Employees with questions, feedback, or suggestions regarding this policy should contact:

AML/CFT Compliance Officer Email: compliance@useaxra.com Phone: [Compliance Hotline]


18. Contact Information

AML/CFT Compliance Officer

Primary Contact for All AML/CFT Matters:

AML/CFT Compliance Officer GoFree Global Inc (Axra) [Corporate Address] Email: compliance@useaxra.com Phone: [Compliance Hotline]

Responsibilities:

  • Oversight of AML/CFT compliance program
  • Customer due diligence and sanctions screening
  • Transaction monitoring and suspicious activity investigations
  • SAR/STR filing and regulatory reporting
  • Training and awareness programs
  • Regulatory examinations and inquiries
  • Policy and procedure development and updates

Legal Department

Legal and Regulatory Matters:

Chief Legal Officer GoFree Global Inc (Axra) [Corporate Address] Email: legal@useaxra.com Phone: [Legal Department Phone]

Responsibilities:

  • Legal interpretation of AML/CFT laws and regulations
  • Regulatory engagement and correspondence
  • Subpoenas and legal process response
  • Enforcement action defense
  • Policy legal review

Senior Management

Executive Oversight:

Chief Executive Officer GoFree Global Inc (Axra) [Corporate Address] Email: [CEO Email] Phone: [CEO Phone]

Responsibilities:

  • Executive accountability for AML/CFT program
  • Strategic direction and resource allocation
  • Regulatory relationship management
  • Board reporting

Regulatory Authorities

United States

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) U.S. Department of the Treasury P.O. Box 39 Vienna, VA 22183 Website: www.fincen.gov BSA E-Filing System: bsaefiling.fincen.treas.gov

Axra Registration:

  • MSB Registration Number: 20222296774
  • License Number: 31000281485025

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20220 Hotline: 1-800-540-6322 Website: www.treasury.gov/ofac

Canada

Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) 234 Laurier Avenue West, 24th Floor Ottawa, ON K1P 1H7 Reporting: fintrac-canafe.gc.ca Phone: 1-866-346-8722

Axra Registration:

  • FINTRAC Registration Number: 1001010436
  • License Number: C100000512

Bank of Canada 234 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0G9 Website: www.bankofcanada.ca (RPAA registration in progress)

Corporate Entities

GoFree Global Inc (Parent Entity) Delaware, USA [Corporate Address] [Phone] Website: www.useaxra.com

GoFree Global Technology Limited Canada [Canadian Address] [Phone]

GoFree Global - Nigeria Nigeria [Nigeria Address] [Phone]

GoFree Global - Rwanda Rwanda [Rwanda Address] [Phone]

Customer Support

General Customer Inquiries:

Customer Support Team Email: support@useaxra.com Phone: [Customer Support Hotline] Hours: [Support Hours]

Note: For AML/CFT compliance matters, customer service will escalate to the Compliance Officer.

Whistleblower and Confidential Reporting

Confidential Compliance Concerns:

Compliance Hotline: [Confidential Hotline] Email: compliance@useaxra.com Anonymous Reporting Portal: [URL if available]

Protection:

  • Confidential and anonymous reporting available
  • No retaliation for good faith reports
  • Investigation of all reported concerns

Emergency Contact

24/7 Emergency Contact for Law Enforcement:

[Emergency Contact Name and Title] Mobile: [24/7 Mobile Number] Email: [Emergency Email]

For Urgent Matters Only:

  • Active investigations requiring immediate action
  • Terrorism or national security threats
  • Time-sensitive law enforcement requests
  • Sanctions blocking requiring immediate guidance

Conclusion

Axra is committed to maintaining a robust, effective, and comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism compliance program. This policy establishes the framework for our AML/CFT efforts and reflects our dedication to preventing financial crime, protecting our customers and platform, and fulfilling our regulatory obligations.

All employees, agents, contractors, and authorized representatives are required to understand and comply with this policy. Questions, concerns, or suspected violations should be reported immediately to the AML/CFT Compliance Officer.

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure continued effectiveness and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.


Approved by:

[Chief Executive Officer Name] Chief Executive Officer GoFree Global Inc

Date: February 16, 2026


Attested by:

[AML/CFT Compliance Officer Name] AML/CFT Compliance Officer GoFree Global Inc

Date: February 16, 2026


Board Approval:

[Board Chair Name] Chair, Board of Directors GoFree Global Inc

Date: February 16, 2026


This document contains confidential and proprietary information of GoFree Global Inc (Axra). It is intended solely for internal use and regulatory review. Unauthorized distribution, reproduction, or disclosure is prohibited.


END OF POLICY