Terms of Service
Legal terms and conditions governing your use of Kraken UK services
Last Updated: 10 December 2024
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Important Notice
Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using our services. By accessing or using the Kraken UK platform, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.
1. Acceptance of Terms
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and Payward Limited and Payward Services Limited (collectively, "Kraken," "we," "us," or "our"), governing your access to and use of the Kraken UK cryptocurrency exchange platform and related services.
By creating an account, accessing our website, or using any of our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our:
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or through our platform. Continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
2. Eligibility Requirements
To use Kraken UK services, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years of age or the age of legal majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher.
Residency
You must be a resident of the United Kingdom or another jurisdiction where our services are legally available.
Legal Capacity
You must have the legal capacity and authority to enter into binding agreements.
Not Prohibited
You must not be subject to any sanctions, embargoes, or other legal restrictions that would prohibit you from using our services.
By using our services, you represent and warrant that you meet all eligibility requirements. We reserve the right to verify your eligibility at any time and may refuse service to anyone who does not meet these requirements.
3. Description of Services
Kraken UK provides the following services through its regulated entities:
Payward Limited (FRN: 928768)
Cryptoasset Exchange Provider
- Cryptocurrency exchange services
- Cryptoasset custody (wallet services)
- Digital asset trading platform
- Educational resources and guides
Payward Services Limited (FRN: 1010381)
Authorized Electronic Money Institution
- Electronic money issuance
- Payment account services
- Payment transaction execution
- Money remittance services
Our services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of our services at any time without prior notice.
4. Account Registration and Security
4.1 Account Creation
To access our trading services, you must create a Kraken account. During registration, you agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information
- Complete identity verification as required by law
- Keep your account information up to date
- Not create multiple accounts or use false identities
4.2 Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Not share your login credentials with others
- Immediately notify us of any unauthorized access
- Log out properly after each session
4.3 Identity Verification
In compliance with UK Anti-Money Laundering regulations, we are required to verify your identity. This may include:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of address documentation
- Source of funds verification
- Ongoing enhanced due diligence as required
5. Trading and Transactions
5.1 Order Execution
When you place an order through our platform:
- Orders are executed on a best-efforts basis
- Execution depends on market conditions and liquidity
- We do not guarantee execution at any specific price
- Orders may be partially filled or rejected
5.2 Fees and Charges
Our fee structure is clearly disclosed on our platform. By using our services, you agree to pay all applicable fees, including:
- Trading fees (maker/taker fees)
- Deposit and withdrawal fees
- Network transaction fees (for cryptocurrency transfers)
- Any other fees as disclosed on our platform
5.3 Transaction Finality
Cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible. Once executed, trades cannot be cancelled or reversed. You acknowledge that:
- You are solely responsible for verifying transaction details before confirming
- Errors in recipient addresses may result in permanent loss of funds
- Blockchain network delays may affect transaction timing
6. Risk Disclosure
Important Risk Warning
Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in some jurisdictions. No consumer protection. Capital at risk.
Investing in cryptoassets involves significant risks, including but not limited to:
Market Risk
- Extreme price volatility
- Potential for complete loss of investment
- Market manipulation risks
- Liquidity constraints
Regulatory Risk
- Evolving regulatory landscape
- Potential future restrictions
- Tax implications may change
- Cross-border regulatory differences
Operational Risk
- Technology failures
- Cybersecurity threats
- Network congestion
- Smart contract vulnerabilities
Consumer Protection Limitations
- Cryptoassets are not covered by FSCS
- Limited FOS jurisdiction for crypto complaints
- No central bank backing
- Different protections than traditional investments
For complete risk information, please read our full Risk Disclosure Statement.
7. Prohibited Activities
You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:
Illegal Activities
- Money laundering or terrorist financing
- Tax evasion or fraud
- Purchasing illegal goods or services
- Evading sanctions or embargoes
Market Manipulation
- Wash trading or spoofing
- Pump and dump schemes
- Coordinated market manipulation
- Spreading false information
Platform Abuse
- Automated trading without authorization
- Accessing accounts of others
- Attempting to breach our systems
- Reverse engineering our technology
Violation of these prohibitions may result in immediate account termination, reporting to authorities, and legal action.
8. Intellectual Property
All content, trademarks, logos, and intellectual property displayed on our platform are owned by Kraken or its licensors. You agree:
- Not to copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
- Not to use our trademarks without written authorization
- Not to remove any proprietary notices from our materials
- To respect all intellectual property rights
Your use of our platform does not grant you any ownership rights in our intellectual property.
9. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:
9.1 Disclaimer of Warranties
Our services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
9.2 Limitation of Damages
Kraken shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:
- Loss of profits or anticipated profits
- Loss of data or digital assets
- Service interruptions or delays
- Actions of third parties
9.3 Maximum Liability
Our maximum aggregate liability for any claims arising from your use of our services shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the fees paid by you to us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) £1,000.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.
10. Termination
10.1 Your Right to Terminate
You may close your account at any time by following the account closure procedures in your account settings. Before closure, you must:
- Withdraw all remaining balances
- Cancel all pending orders
- Ensure all transactions are complete
10.2 Our Right to Terminate
We may suspend or terminate your account at any time if:
- You breach these Terms
- We are required to by law or regulation
- We detect suspicious or fraudulent activity
- You fail to complete required verification
- We discontinue our services in your jurisdiction
10.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, your right to use our services ceases immediately. We will retain your data as required by law. Any funds remaining in your account will be handled according to applicable regulations.
11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
11.1 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.
11.2 Jurisdiction
Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
11.3 Complaints Procedure
If you have a complaint about our services:
- Contact us first at [email protected]
- We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days
- We aim to resolve complaints within 8 weeks
- If unsatisfied, you may escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (where applicable)
Note: The Financial Ombudsman Service may not be able to consider complaints relating to cryptoasset activities as they fall outside the ombudsman's jurisdiction.
12. Contact Information
Registered Address
Payward Limited
Company No: 08593670
FCA FRN: 928768
6th Floor, 1 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5EB, United Kingdom
Payment Services
Payward Services Limited
Company No: 12861311
FCA FRN: 1010381
6th Floor, One London Wall, London, EC2Y 5EB
Agreement to Terms
By using Kraken UK services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our services.
Terms Version: 2024.12.1