AML & KYC Requirements in Gold Custody
AML & KYC Compliance Framework
AML and KYC controls are applied across client onboarding and gold custody transactions to support risk-based compliance, counterparty requirements, and applicable legal obligations associated with physical gold ownership and settlement.
Risk-Based AML & KYC Controls
Client identification, source-of-funds verification, and transaction review are applied as part of a structured compliance framework aligned with internationally recognized financial crime prevention standards and market best practices.
Contractual Compliance Scope
AML and KYC procedures are implemented as part of contractual onboarding, custody structuring, and transaction execution. Golden Ark Reserve does not act as a licensed financial institution or regulated intermediary, except where expressly required by applicable law or specific transaction structures.
AML/KYC Policy: Protecting Clients and Institutions
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies are integral to every custody operation. At Golden Ark Reserve, we apply international standards to verify client identity, assess the source of funds, and monitor transactions on an ongoing basis. This ensures that custody services remain fully compliant with regulators, trusted by banks, and secure for clients. By protecting both financial institutions and individual investors, AML/KYC safeguards data integrity, prevents illicit activity, and builds the foundation of transparent custody relationships.
Compliance Assured
Golden Ark Reserve AML/KYC Framework
Client Identification
Verification of personal and corporate documents ensures that all clients are properly identified before custody services begin.
Source of Funds Verification
Proof of funds and transaction history are reviewed to confirm the legitimacy and regulatory alignment of every allocation.
Transaction Monitoring
All settlements are continuously screened against AML databases and sanctions lists to detect unusual or restricted activity.
Risk Assessment
Each client is assigned a risk profile, with enhanced due diligence applied to higher-risk categories.
Reporting Obligations
Suspicious transactions are flagged and reported in line with FATF guidelines and international AML standards.
International Standards Alignment
Policies are designed under FATF, EU AML directives, and UAE regulatory requirements, ensuring global recognition.
Step-by-Step AML/KYC Compliance Process
A structured AML/KYC process secures gold custody by verifying client identity, assessing the legitimacy of funds, and monitoring transactions in line with international regulations.
Onboarding
Collection of client documents, including passports, corporate registrations, and proof of address.
Verification
Validation of identity, background checks, and confirmation of the source of funds before settlement.
Monitoring
Continuous transaction screening against sanctions lists, AML databases, and politically exposed person (PEP) registries.
Сompliance reporting where applicable
Suspicious activity is reported to regulators in line with FATF and local AML requirements, ensuring transparency.
The described process reflects contractual and risk-based compliance procedures applied in connection with custody and transaction execution, and does not constitute regulatory supervision or financial intermediation. The described process reflects contractual and risk-based compliance procedures applied in connection with custody and transaction execution and does not constitute regulatory supervision or financial intermediation.
AML/KYC Policy in Gold Custody
Why AML/KYC Matters in Custody
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) frameworks are not optional in gold custody — they are the foundation of every transaction. Without them, clients risk exposure to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and even blocked settlements by banks. For institutions, AML/KYC ensures that custody operations remain fully transparent, compliant, and recognized across jurisdictions. For private clients, these policies guarantee that personal data and financial records are treated with strict confidentiality and regulatory care.
Core Elements of AML/KYC Compliance
Client Identification and Verification
All clients are verified with official identification and corporate records. This process ensures that only legitimate entities enter custody agreements.
Source of Funds and Wealth Checks
Funds used for gold custody are reviewed through bank statements, audited financials, or transaction histories. This step eliminates risks associated with illicit capital or hidden ownership.
Transaction Screening and Monitoring
All settlements via SWIFT, SEPA, or approved digital assets are continuously screened against sanctions lists, PEP registries, and global AML databases. Automated screening tools detect irregular activity and prevent unauthorized transfers.
Risk Profiling and Enhanced Due Diligence
Each client is assigned a risk profile. High-risk categories — including politically exposed persons or clients operating in sensitive jurisdictions — undergo enhanced due diligence with stricter verification and monitoring.
Reporting and Regulatory Cooperation
Suspicious activity is flagged and reported to regulators in line with FATF recommendations, EU directives, and UAE requirements. This ensures that Golden Ark Reserve remains a trusted counterpart for banks and financial institutions worldwide.
Institutional Confidence Through Compliance
AML/KYC compliance is not just about legal obligations — it is about protecting the integrity of custody services. For family offices, funds, and corporate treasuries, strict compliance ensures uninterrupted banking relationships, transparent audits, and recognition by regulators. For private clients, it guarantees that personal data is stored securely, encrypted, and accessed only by authorized compliance officers.
Conclusion
Golden Ark Reserve integrates AML and KYC at every stage of custody — from onboarding to reporting. By combining international standards with advanced screening technologies, AML/KYC policies provide assurance that client assets are legally protected, transactions are compliant, and personal data is secure. This framework builds trust with regulators, banks, and clients, making gold custody a transparent and globally recognized service.
Frequently asked questions
Institutional-Grade Security
What documents are required for AML/KYC verification?
AML and KYC documentation requirements depend on the client profile, transaction structure, jurisdiction, and applicable counterparty or legal requirements. As part of contractual onboarding and transaction compliance, Golden Ark Reserve may request, where applicable:
For individual clients:
government-issued identification, proof of residential address, source-of-funds and source-of-wealth information, and related declarations.
For corporate or institutional clients:
corporate registration documents, ownership and control structure information, details of directors and authorized signatories, ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) disclosures, and supporting documentation relating to source of funds and business activities.
Additional information or documentation may be requested on a risk-based basis, depending on the nature of the services, custody structure, transaction size, jurisdiction, and requirements of banking partners, custody providers, or counterparties. Failure to provide required documentation may result in delays or inability to proceed with onboarding or transaction execution.
For individual clients:
government-issued identification, proof of residential address, source-of-funds and source-of-wealth information, and related declarations.
For corporate or institutional clients:
corporate registration documents, ownership and control structure information, details of directors and authorized signatories, ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) disclosures, and supporting documentation relating to source of funds and business activities.
Additional information or documentation may be requested on a risk-based basis, depending on the nature of the services, custody structure, transaction size, jurisdiction, and requirements of banking partners, custody providers, or counterparties. Failure to provide required documentation may result in delays or inability to proceed with onboarding or transaction execution.
How is the source of funds verified?
How often must KYC documents be updated?
What databases are used for AML checks?
How is sensitive client data protected?
Who oversees AML/KYC compliance at Golden Ark Reserve?
Are AML/KYC policies recognized internationally?
What happens if a suspicious transaction is detected?
Do AML/KYC checks delay transactions?
Can clients request a copy of the AML/KYC policy?