Our Compliance
Shield's compliance program is part of the product. Every payment, every account, every counterparty reviewed before the transaction clears.
Compliance protects the businesses that use Shield
The businesses we serve depend on payment rails. Their banks and trading partners trust that — and that trust is only as strong as the controls behind it: on sanctions, on source of funds, on counterparty risk.
Shield was designed from the ground up to meet that standard — not because regulators require it, but because the businesses that rely on Shield (importers, exporters, wholesalers) need rails that their banks, auditors, and trading partners can stand behind.
A compliance gap anywhere in the payment chain is a risk to every business in it. We take that seriously.
Trusted by the bodies that set the standard
We work with leading compliance, infrastructure, and regulatory bodies across the payments ecosystem.
How we screen every account and transaction
Know Your Business (KYB / KYC)
Business identity, beneficial ownership, and individual identity are verified before an account is activated. Documentation requirements are set by risk tier and jurisdiction. Shell structures and nominee arrangements are subject to additional review.
Sanctions & Watchlist Screening
All applicants and counterparties are screened against applicable sanctions lists, including OFAC SDN, UN, EU, and HM Treasury designations. Screening runs at onboarding and on an ongoing basis.
Source of Funds & Business Purpose
Shield requires documented business purpose and a credible source of funds narrative for each account. Trade finance, import/export activity, and wholesale transactions are evaluated in context.
Transaction Monitoring
Transactions are monitored for patterns inconsistent with a customer's stated business purpose. Unusual activity triggers review.
Blockchain Wallet Screening
Stablecoin transactions are screened for blockchain AML risk. Wallet addresses are assessed for exposure to high-risk counterparties, mixers, darknet markets, and sanctioned entities.
Enhanced Due Diligence & Ongoing Review
Higher-risk accounts by geography, ownership structure, or transaction profile receive EDD at onboarding and periodic re-review. Adverse media screening is part of the EDD process.
Restricted activity
Shield does not onboard businesses engaged in restricted activities. Acceptance of an application does not constitute approval for any specific activity or transaction type.
A full list of restricted businesses categories is available in our Restricted Businesses policy.
View restricted businessesHow we protect your data and your assets
Shield applies institutional-grade security controls across its infrastructure.
Coverage against crime, cyberhacks and other risks
Shield maintains coverage of up to $1,000,000 annually for losses occurring due to crime, cyberhacks, and other common risks, underwritten by Lloyd's of London and AmTrust.
This coverage is not deposit insurance. It does not cover investment loss, market movements, or account closures.