AML policy
Escrow only works if criminals find it unattractive. This is how we keep the platform boring for them and predictable for everyone else.
No KYC, by design
BM Escrow does not collect identity documents, selfies or proof of address at any deal size. You trade with an email address and a wallet. Escrow is a settlement service, not an identity bureau — we hold funds neutrally and release them against delivery.
What we do check instead
Every deposit and payout is verified on-chain. We record the funding wallet, the payout wallet, amounts, networks and timestamps, and we screen wallet addresses against public sanctions and known-illicit lists. Risk is assessed from transaction behaviour rather than paperwork.
Sanctions and restricted parties
We do not knowingly serve individuals or entities subject to applicable sanctions, and we do not serve users in comprehensively sanctioned jurisdictions. Attempting to use the platform from a restricted jurisdiction, or through a proxy to conceal location, is grounds for immediate account closure.
Source of funds
For high-value or unusual activity we may ask for evidence of the source of funds or the commercial rationale for a trade. Deals may be held pending a satisfactory answer. This is not an accusation — it is a routine control applied to size and pattern, not to identity.
Monitoring
Deal activity is monitored for structuring, rapid pass-through of funds with no genuine trade, mismatches between the stated trade and the pattern of payments, repeat disputes, and links to addresses reported for theft or fraud.
Prohibited activity
Escrow may not be used for laundering proceeds of crime, sanctions evasion, terrorist financing, or the sale of stolen credentials, stolen data, weapons, controlled substances, or any other illegal goods or services. We freeze funds and close accounts where we reasonably suspect any of these.
Freezing and reporting
Where we are required to, or where we reasonably suspect criminal activity, we may freeze funds and report to the relevant authorities. We are not always permitted to tell you that a report has been made, and we may be unable to explain why a freeze is in place.
Record keeping
Identity records, deal records and the associated event logs are retained for the period required by applicable law, then deleted. See the privacy policy for how documents are stored and who can access them.