This Custodial Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) governs your use of the Services (as defined below) provided or made available by Custodian to you and your organization (together, “Client”).
Please read this Agreement carefully. BY CLICKING THE “ACCEPT” BUTTON/CHECKING THE “ACCEPT” BOX AND USING THE SERVICES, CLIENT AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, CLIENT MAY NOT ACCESS OR USE THE SERVICES.
NOTICE REGARDING DISPUTE RESOLUTION: THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS PROVISIONS THAT GOVERN HOW DISPUTES BETWEEN CLIENT AND CUSTODIAN ARE RESOLVED, INCLUDING AN AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE, WHICH WILL REQUIRE CLIENT TO SUBMIT CLAIMS CLIENT MAY HAVE AGAINST CUSTODIAN TO BINDING AND FINAL ARBITRATION AND LIMIT CLIENT TO CLAIMS AGAINST CUSTODIAN ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.
DEFINITIONS. Capitalized terms not defined elsewhere in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth below:
(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. “Control” means the direct or indirect ownership of more than 50% of the voting securities or voting interests of a Person, or the possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of equity interests, or by contract. A Person will be deemed an Affiliate only for so long as such control exists.
(b) “Applicable Law” means any applicable statute, rule, regulation, regulatory guideline, order, law, ordinance, or code; the common law and laws of equity; any binding court order, judgment, or decree; any applicable industry code, rule, guideline, policy, or standard enforceable by law (including as a result of participation in a self-regulatory organization); and any official interpretations of any of the foregoing.
(c) “Assets” means, as applicable, Digital Assets and/or Fiat Currency.
(d) “Authorized Persons” means any person authorized by Client or a person reasonably believed by Custodian to be authorized by Client to act on behalf of Client (e.g., viewer, admin, enterprise owner, viewer with additional video rights, etc.).
(e) “Bank” means either (a) a U.S. banking institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or (b) an organization that is organized under the laws of a foreign country, or a territory of the United States that is recognized as a bank by the bank supervisory or monetary authority of the country of its organization or the country in which its principal banking operations are located.
(f) “Client Security Codes” means IDs, credentials, passwords, login information, hints, personal identification numbers, non-custodial wallet keys (other than Client Keys), yubikeys, 2-factor authentication devices or backups, or any other codes that Client uses to access the Services.
(g) “Company Site” means https://www.bitgo.com/.
(h) “Custodian” means BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association, a national banking association chartered under the laws of the United States and authorized by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to exercise fiduciary and custodial powers.
(i) “Digital Assets” means any digital unit of value, token, coin, cryptocurrency, virtual currency, non-fungible token (NFT), or other cryptographic asset that is issued, recorded, represented, or transferred using distributed ledger or blockchain technology, whether centralized, decentralized, permissioned, or permissionless. Digital Assets include (i) native protocol tokens, (ii) tokens issued on existing networks or sidechains, (iii) digital assets designed to maintain a stable value relative to fiat currency through reserve backing, (iv) governance or utility tokens, (v) wrapped or derivative tokens, and (vi) any rights to acquire or receive the foregoing. For clarity, Digital Assets do not include traditional book-entry securities or deposit account balances that are not recorded or transferred using distributed ledger technology, except to the extent such instruments are tokenized and recorded as described above.
(j) “Fiat Currency” means certain supported fiat currencies, such as U.S. Dollars.
(k) “Instructions” means instructions given by Client or Client’s Authorized Persons.
(l) “Losses” means, collectively, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
(m) “Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint venture, governmental authority or agency, or any other legal or commercial entity or body.
(n) “Representatives” means, collectively, officers, directors, employees, and agents.
(o) “Services” means, collectively, all the services that Client receives from Custodian and its Affiliates, including, Custodial Services, Wallet Services, and Settlement Services, as applicable.
(p) “UI” means the web user interface available to Client through the Company Site that allows Client to access certain Services.
1. SERVICES.
1.1. Authorization. Client authorizes, approves, and directs Custodian to establish and maintain one or more custody accounts on its books (each a “Custodial Account”), pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, for the receipt, safekeeping, and maintenance of Client’s Assets (“Custodial Services”).
1.2. Custody Transactions. The Custodial Services allow Client to deposit Assets to Client’s Custodial Account and to withdraw Assets from Client’s Custodial Account to an external location, in each case, pursuant to Instructions provided through the UI (each of such transactions is a “Custody Transaction”) and consistent with the provisions set forth in Section 2. Custodian reserves the right to refuse to process or to cancel any pending Custody Transaction: (a) as required by Applicable Law; (b) to enforce a transaction, threshold, and condition limits; or (c) if Custodian reasonably believes that the Custody Transaction may violate or facilitate the violation of any Applicable Law. Custodian cannot reverse a Custody Transaction which has been broadcast to a Digital Asset network.
1.3. Third-Party Payments. The Services are not intended to facilitate third-party payments of any kind. As such, Custodian has no control over, or liability for, the delivery, quality, safety, legality, or any other aspect of any goods or services that Client may purchase from a third party (including other users of Services) using Assets in Client’s Custodial Account.
1.4. Clearing and Settlement Services. Custodian may offer clearing and settlement services (the “Settlement Services”) that facilitate the settlement of transactions of supported Assets between Client and Client’s trade counterparty that also has a Custodial Account with Custodian (“Settlement Partner”) pursuant to the operational terms set forth in Section 2.11.
1.5. Wallet Software and Non-Custodial Wallet Service.
(a) Custodian also provides Client with the option to create non-custodial wallets that support certain Digital Assets (“Wallet Services”). Wallet Services are provided by BitGo, Inc., an Affiliate of Custodian. Wallet Services provide access to wallets where BitGo, Inc. holds a minority of the keys, and Client is responsible for holding a majority of the keys (“Client Keys”).
(b) The Wallet Services do not send or receive Digital Assets or Fiat Currency. The Wallet Services enable Client to interface with virtual currency networks to view and transmit information about a public cryptographic key commonly referred to as a blockchain address. As further set forth in Section 3.4, Client assumes all responsibility and liability for securing the Client Keys. Further, Client assumes all responsibility and liability for creation, storage, and maintenance of any backup keys associated with accounts created using the Wallet Services.
(c) Client’s use of the Wallet Services and BitGo Inc’s application programming interfaces (“APIs”) and software development kits (“SDK”) are subject to the terms available at https://www.bitgo.com/legal/services-agreement/ and https://www.bitgo.com/legal/bitgo-terms-of-use/ as may be amended from time to time in Custodian’s sole discretion (the “Online Terms”). In the event of a conflict between the Online Terms and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
1.6. API Access and Developer Application.
(a) Services, APIs, and SDKs can be accessed through the Company Site. Client may elect to use the APIs either directly or indirectly within an independently developed application controlled by Client (“Developer Application”) pursuant to the terms set forth in this Section 1.6.
(b) Services provided through the APIs, either alone or with a Developer Application are subject to usage limits and the terms and conditions set forth on the Online Terms. In the event of a conflict between the Online Terms and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control. If Client exceeds a usage limit, Custodian may provide assistance to seek to reduce Client’s usage so that it conforms to the applicable usage limit. If Client is unable or unwilling to abide by the usage limits, Client will order additional quantities of the applicable Services promptly upon request or pay Custodian’s invoices for excess usage.
(c) Subject to Custodian’s acceptance of Client as a developer, and subject to Client’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement and any other executed agreements with Custodian’s Affiliates, Custodian, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, grants Client a non-assignable, non-transferrable, revocable, personal, and non-exclusive license under applicable intellectual property rights to use and reproduce the SDK for use with the Developer Application. Client agrees that all end customers of any Developer Application will be subject to the same use restrictions that bind Client under this Agreement including the restrictions set forth in Section 3.3. Client is solely responsible and has sole liability for end customers that access or use the Services via the Developer Application and all acts or omissions taken by such end customers will be deemed to have been taken (or not taken) by Client. Client is responsible for the accuracy, quality, and legality of the Developer Application’s content and user data. Client will comply with, and ensure that Client’s Developer Application and its end customers comply with, all Applicable Law.
1.7. Taxes. Client is solely responsible for any taxes applicable to any Custody Transactions, and for withholding, collecting, reporting, or remitting the correct amount of taxes to the appropriate tax authorities. Client’s Custody Transactions’ history is available by accessing Client’s Custodial Account through the UI or by contacting Custodian directly. If Custodian or an Affiliate of Custodian has a legal obligation to pay or collect taxes for which Client is responsible, Client will be invoiced for the relevant amount, including any penalties, fines, or interest thereon, and Client will pay that amount promptly upon the receipt of the applicable invoice(s) unless Client provides the Custodian or relevant Affiliate of Custodian with a valid tax exemption certificate authorized by the appropriate taxing authority.
1.8. Acknowledgement of Risks.
(a) General Risks; No Investment, Tax, or Legal Advice; No Brokerage. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT CUSTODIAN DOES NOT PROVIDE INVESTMENT, TAX, OR LEGAL ADVICE, NOR DOES CUSTODIAN BROKER TRANSACTIONS ON CLIENT’S BEHALF. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT CUSTODIAN HAS NOT PROVIDED AND WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY ADVICE, GUIDANCE, OR RECOMMENDATIONS TO CLIENT WITH REGARD TO THE SUITABILITY OR VALUE OF ANY ASSETS, AND THAT CUSTODIAN HAS NO LIABILITY REGARDING ANY SELECTION OF A DIGITAL ASSET OR OTHERWISE THAT IS HELD BY CLIENT THROUGH THE CUSTODIAL SERVICES OR OTHER SERVICES. ALL CUSTODY TRANSACTIONS ARE EXECUTED BASED ON INSTRUCTIONS, AND CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING WHETHER ANY INVESTMENT, INVESTMENT STRATEGY, OR RELATED TRANSACTION INVOLVING CLIENT’S ASSETS IS APPROPRIATE FOR CLIENT BASED ON CLIENT’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND RISK TOLERANCE. CLIENT SHOULD SEEK LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL TAX ADVICE REGARDING ANY TRANSACTION.
(b) Material Risk in Investing in Digital Currencies. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (i) DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT LEGAL TENDER, ARE NOT BACKED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, AND ACCOUNTS AND VALUE BALANCES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTIONS; (ii) LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CHANGES OR ACTIONS AT THE STATE, FEDERAL, OR INTERNATIONAL LEVEL MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE USE, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, AND VALUE OF DIGITAL ASSETS; (iii) TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING DIGITAL ASSETS MAY BE IRREVERSIBLE, AND, ACCORDINGLY, LOSSES DUE TO FRAUDULENT OR ACCIDENTAL TRANSACTIONS MAY NOT BE RECOVERABLE; (iv) SOME DIGITAL ASSETS TRANSACTIONS SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE WHEN RECORDED ON A PUBLIC LEDGER, WHICH IS NOT NECESSARILY THE DATE OR TIME THAT CLIENT INITIATES THE TRANSACTION; (v) THE VALUE OF DIGITAL ASSETS MAY BE DERIVED FROM THE CONTINUED WILLINGNESS OF MARKET PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE FIAT CURRENCY FOR DIGITAL ASSETS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR PERMANENT AND TOTAL LOSS OF VALUE OF A PARTICULAR DIGITAL ASSET SHOULD THE MARKET FOR THAT DIGITAL ASSET DISAPPEAR; (vi) THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT A PERSON WHO ACCEPTS DIGITAL ASSETS AS PAYMENT TODAY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE; (vii) THE VOLATILITY AND UNPREDICTABILITY OF THE PRICE OF DIGITAL ASSETS RELATIVE TO FIAT CURRENCY MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT LOSS OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME; (viii) THE NATURE OF DIGITAL ASSETS MAY LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF FRAUD OR CYBER ATTACK; (ix) THE NATURE OF DIGITAL ASSETS MEANS THAT ANY TECHNOLOGICAL DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY CUSTODIAN MAY PREVENT THE ACCESS OR USE OF A CLIENT’S OR CLIENT’S CUSTOMERS’ DIGITAL ASSETS; AND (x) ANY CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY CUSTODIAN FOR THE BENEFIT OF CLIENT (E.G., A BOND OR TRUST ACCOUNT) MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL LOSSES INCURRED BY CLIENT OR CLIENT’S CUSTOMERS.
(c) Additional Client Acknowledgment. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT USING DIGITAL ASSETS AND ANY RELATED NETWORKS AND PROTOCOLS INVOLVES SERIOUS RISKS. CLIENT AGREES THAT IT HAS READ AND ACCEPTS THE RISKS LISTED IN THIS SECTION 1.8, WHICH IS NON-EXHAUSTIVE AND WHICH MAY NOT CAPTURE ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLIENT’S ACTIVITY. IT IS CLIENT’S DUTY TO LEARN ABOUT ALL THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH DIGITAL ASSETS AND ANY RELATED PROTOCOLS AND NETWORKS. CUSTODIAN MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE VALUE OF DIGITAL ASSETS OR THE SECURITY OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY RELATED NETWORK OR PROTOCOL.
2. OPERATIONAL TERMS
2.1 General. The Digital Assets stored in Client’s Custodial Account are segregated from both (a) the property of Custodian, and (b) the Assets of other customers of Custodian, except for Digital Assets specifically moved into shared accounts by Client. Fiat Currency stored on Client’s behalf is stored by Custodian in accordance with Section 2.5.
2.2 Third Party Platform
(a) Client may access the Services through a separate platform (“Third Party Platform”) operated by INSERT PLATFORM OPERATOR NAME (“Platform Operator”). The Third Party Platform is separate and independent from any Services that Custodian or any Affiliates of Custodian provide under this Agreement. Platform Operator is solely responsible for the operation, provision, and maintenance of the Third Party Platform and for providing customer service to any Client accessing the Services through the Third Party Platform.
(b) By accessing the Services through the Third Party Platform, Platform Operator may receive Client’s information, including information related to Client’s Custodial Account, Client’s use of the Services, and information provided to a Custodian during the onboarding process or information provided to Custodian to satisfy anti-money laundering, know-your-customer, and sanctions screening requirements. Platform Operator may also have access to Client’s Custodial Account and may be able to take certain actions with respect to Client’s Custodial Account, including but not limited to, issuing instructions on Client’s behalf pursuant to a separate agreement between Client and Platform Operator. Client acknowledges and agrees to the disclosure of information to Platform Operator and any access that Platform Operator may have to Client’s Custodial Account.
(c) All fees for Services shall be paid by Client to, and collected by, the Platform Operator. Platform Operator is solely responsible for any fees that Platform Operator may charge Client (“Platform Fees”). Client acknowledges and agrees that Platform Operator may collect Platform Fees from the Client’s Custodial Account and represents it has entered into a separate agreement with Platform Operator expressly authorizing Platform Operator, including Platform Operator’s Affiliates and/or service partners to act as an Authorized Person of Client and act on Client’s behalf, including but not limited to accessing Client’s Account, issuing Instructions, submitting transactions, moving Digital Assets, and completing verification requirements. Additionally, Client hereby designates Platform Operator as an “enterprise owner” on Client’s Custodial Account.
(d) In no event will Custodian have any responsibility or liability for any Losses resulting from or arising out of Client’s or its Authorized Persons’ use of the Third Party Platform, Platform Fees, the unavailability of the Third Party Platform, any services or support provided by Platform Operator, Platform Operator’s access and use of the Custodial Account, any appointment of Platform Operator by Client as agent on behalf of Client or as an Authorized Person with respect to Client’s Custodial Account, or any information shared with Platform Operator as part of Client’s use of the Services through the Third Party Platform.
2.3 Registration; Authorized Persons.
(a) To create a Custodial Account and use the Services, Client must provide Custodian with all information requested. Based on the information provided (or not provided), Custodian may, in its sole discretion, refuse to allow Client to establish a Custodial Account, limit the number of Custodial Accounts, or decide to subsequently terminate a Custodial Account.
(b) Client will maintain an updated and current list of Authorized Persons at all times on the UI and will immediately notify Custodian of any changes to the list of Authorized Persons by updating the list on the UI. Client shall make available all necessary documentation and identification information, as reasonably requested by Custodian to confirm: (i) the identity of each Authorized Person; (ii) that each Authorized Person is eligible to be deemed an “Authorized Person” as defined in this Agreement; and (iii) the person requesting the changes in the list of Authorized Persons has valid authority to request changes on behalf of Client.
2.4 Instructions.
(a) Custodian acts upon Instructions that are received and verified by Custodian in accordance with its procedures and this Agreement.
(b) Instructions will be required for any action requested of Custodian. Instructions shall continue in full force and effect until canceled (if possible) or executed.
(c) Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Instructions it receives pursuant to this Agreement.
(d) Custodian may assume that any Instructions received hereunder, if applicable, are not in any way inconsistent with the provisions of organizational documents of Client or of any vote, resolution, or proper authorization, and that Client is authorized to take the actions specified in the Instructions.
(e) Client shall verify all information submitted in Instructions to Custodian. Custodian shall have no duty to inquire into or investigate the validity, accuracy, or content of any Instructions.
(f) If any Instructions are ambiguous, incomplete, or conflicting, Custodian may refuse to execute such Instructions until any ambiguity, incompleteness, or conflict has been resolved. Custodian may refuse to execute Instructions if, in its sole opinion, such Instructions are outside the scope of its duties under this Agreement or are contrary to any Applicable Law.
(g) Client is responsible for any Losses resulting from inaccurate Instructions (e.g., if Client provides the wrong destination address for executing a withdrawal transaction). Custodian does not guarantee the identity of any user, receiver, requestee, or other party to a Custody Transaction. Custodian shall have no liability whatsoever for failure to perform pursuant to such Instructions except in the case of Custodian’s gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct.
2.5 Fiat Currency.
(a) As part of Custodial Services, Client may use Custodian to hold Fiat Currency in a Custodial Account for Client’s benefit. Custodian will custody Fiat Currency in one or more of the following “Customer Omnibus Accounts”, as determined by Custodian: (i) deposit accounts established by Custodian at a Bank; (ii) money market accounts or money market funds established by Custodian at a Bank; or (iii) such other accounts as may be agreed between Client and Custodian in writing from time to time.
(b) Each Customer Omnibus Account shall be titled in the name of Custodian or in the name of Custodian for the benefit of its customers, in either case under the control of Custodian. Each Customer Omnibus Account shall be maintained separately and apart from Custodian’s business, operating, and reserve accounts. Each Customer Omnibus Account constitutes a banking relationship between Custodian and the relevant Bank and shall not constitute a custodial relationship between Client and Bank.
(c) Custodian may hold some or any portion of Fiat Currency in accounts that may or may not receive interest or other earnings. Client agrees that the amount of any such interest or earnings attributable to such Fiat Currency in Customer Omnibus Accounts shall be retained by Custodian as additional consideration for its Services, and nothing in this Agreement entitles Client to any portion of such interest or earnings. In addition, Custodian may receive earnings or compensation for a Customer Omnibus Account in the form of services provided at a reduced rate or similar compensation. Any such compensation shall be retained by Custodian, Client is not entitled to any portion of such compensation, and no portion of any such compensation shall be paid to or for Client. Client’s rights in the Customer Omnibus Accounts are limited to the specific amount of Fiat Currency Custodian custodies on Client’s behalf, as may be limited under this Agreement and by Applicable Law.
(d) Client agrees and understands that wire deposit settlement times and wire withdrawal transfer times are subject to factors outside of Custodian’s control, including processes and operations related to Client’s account at a depository institution and Custodian’s bank account.
2.6 Digital Asset Deposits and Withdrawals.
(a) Prior to initiating a deposit of Digital Assets to Custodian, Client must confirm that the specific Digital Asset is found in the then-current list available at https://www.bitgo.com/resources/coins, as may be amended from time to time in Custodian’s sole discretion (the “Supported Digital Assets List”). By initiating a deposit of Digital Assets to a Custodial Account, Client attests that Client has confirmed that the Digital Asset being transferred is listed in the Supported Digital Assets List.
(b) Client must initiate any withdrawal request through Client’s Custodial Account to a Client wallet address. Custodian will process withdrawal requests with or without video verification, such decision to be based on a set of criteria (which may or may not be linked to a dollar value and may or may not be tied to a single transaction or aggregated in a series of transactions during a predetermined amount of time) set by Client on the UI. The time of such a request shall be considered the time of transmission of such notice from Client’s Custodial Account. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Custodian reserves the right to request video verification for any transaction or series of transactions for any reason in its sole discretion. The initiation of a twenty-four (24)-hour time period in Section 2.7 to process the withdrawal request shall be considered at the time at which Client completes any required video verification.
(c) As further set forth in Section 3.4, Client must manage and keep secure any and all information or devices associated with deposit and withdrawal procedures, including Client Security Codes. Custodian reserves the right to charge for pass through network fees (e.g., miner fees) to process a Custody Transaction involving Digital Assets on Client’s behalf. Custodian will notify Client of the estimated network fee at or before the time Client authorizes such Custodial Transaction.
2.7 Digital Asset Access Time.
(a) Custodian requires up to twenty-four (24) hours (excluding weekends and US federal holidays) between any request to withdraw Digital Assets from Client’s Custodial Account and submission of Client’s withdrawal to the applicable Digital Asset network.
(b) Custodian reserves the right to take additional time beyond the twenty-four (24)-hour period if such time is required to verify security processes for large or suspicious transactions. Any such processes will be executed reasonably and in accordance with Custodian documented policies, which may change from time to time at the sole discretion of Custodian.
(c) Custodian makes no representations or warranties with respect to the availability or accessibility of the Digital Assets. Custodian will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Client initiated deposits are processed in a timely manner, but Custodian makes no representations or warranties regarding the amount of time needed to complete processing of deposits which is dependent upon factors outside of Custodian’s control.
2.8 Supported Digital Assets. The Services are provided exclusively for Digital Assets specified in the Supported Digital Assets List, as may be updated by Custodian in its sole discretion from time to time. Custodian will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Client with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice before ceasing to support a Digital Asset in Client’s Custodial Account, unless Custodian is required to cease such support sooner to comply with Applicable Law or in the event such support creates an urgent security or operational risk in Custodian’s reasonable discretion (in which event Custodian will provide as much notice as is practicable under the circumstances). Under no circumstances should Client attempt to use the Services to deposit or store any Digital Assets that are not listed in the Supported Digital Assets List. Depositing, or attempting to deposit, Digital Assets that are not listed in the Supported Digital Assets List will result in such Digital Asset being irretrievable by Client and Custodian. Custodian assumes no obligation or liability whatsoever regarding any attempt to use the Services for Digital Assets that are not listed in the Supported Digital Assets List.
2.9 Operation of Digital Asset Protocols.
(a) Client acknowledges that only certain blockchains are supported by Custodian. Any attempt by Client to use the Services to transact with unsupported blockchain and protocols may result in loss of Client’s Assets. Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to any such losses, damages, or claims arising from or related to such attempted transactions.
(b) Custodian does not own or control the underlying software protocols that govern the operation of Digital Assets on the Supported Digital Assets List. By using the Custodial Services, Client acknowledges and agrees that (i) Custodian is not responsible for operation of the underlying protocols and that Custodian makes no guarantee of their functionality, security, or availability; and (ii) the underlying protocols are subject to sudden changes in operating rules (a.k.a. “forks”); and (iii) that such forks may materially affect the value, function, or even the name of the Digital Assets that Client stores in Client’s Custodial Account. In the event of a fork, Client agrees that Custodian may temporarily suspend Custodian operations with respect to the affected Digital Assets (with or without advance notice to Client) and that Custodian may, in its sole discretion, decide whether or not to support (or cease supporting) either branch of the forked protocol entirely. Custodian assumes absolutely no liability whatsoever in respect of an unsupported branch of a forked protocol or its determination whether or not to support a forked protocol.
(c) Client agrees that all “airdrops” (free distributions of certain Digital Assets) and forks will be handled by Custodian pursuant to its fork policy (the “Fork Policy”) (currently available at www.bitgo.com/resources/bitgo-fork-policy). Client acknowledges that Custodian is under no obligation to support any airdrops, side chains, forks, or other derivative, enhanced protocol, token, or coins which interact with a Digital Asset supported by Custodian (collectively, “Advanced Protocols”) or handle such Advanced Protocols in any manner, except as detailed above and in the Fork Policy. Custodian, at its sole discretion, may update the Fork Policy from time to time or the URL at which it is available, and Client agrees that Client is responsible for reviewing any such updates. Custodian is under no obligation to provide notification to Client of any modification to the Fork Policy. Client shall not use its Custodial Account to attempt to receive, request, send, store, or engage in any other type of transaction involving an Advanced Protocol. Custodian assumes absolutely no liability whatsoever in respect to Advanced Protocols.
2.10 Account Statements.
(a) Custodian will provide Client with an electronic account statement every calendar quarter. Each statement will be provided via the UI and notice of its posting will be sent via electronic mail. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Services are being provided through Platform Operator’s Third Party Platform, then Platform Operator may provide electronic account statements on a calendar quarterly basis on behalf of Custodian. Client hereby represents and warrants it has provided all required consents to Platform Operator to receive electronic statements.
(b) Client will have forty-five (45) days to file any written objections or exceptions with Custodian or Platform Operator, as applicable, after the receipt of an account statement. If Client does not file any objections or exceptions within the forty-five (45)-day period, this shall indicate Client’s approval of the account statement and will preclude Client from making future objections or exceptions regarding the information contained in the account statement. Such approval by Client shall be full acquittal and discharge of Custodian regarding the transactions and information on such account statement.
(c) To value Digital Assets held in Client’s Custodial Account, the Custodian will electronically obtain USD equivalent prices from digital asset market data with amounts rounded up to the seventh decimal place to the right. Custodian does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of prices received and the prices are not to be relied upon for any decisions for Client’s Custodial Account.
2.11 Settlement
(a) Client acknowledges that the Settlement Service is an API product complemented by an UI. Clients may utilize the Settlement Services by way of settlement of one-sided requests with counterparty affirmation or one-sided requests with instant settlement; and two-sided requests with reconciliation. Client understands that Assets available for use within the Settlement Services may not include all of Client’s Assets held under custody. For the avoidance of doubt, use of the UI is subject to the Online Terms.
(b) The Settlement Services allow Client to submit, through the UI, a request to settle a purchase or sale of Assets with a Settlement Partner. Client authorizes Custodian to accept Client’s cryptographic signature submitted through the UI. When a cryptographic signature is received through the UI along with the settlement transaction details, Client is authorizing Custodian to act on the Instruction to settle such transaction.
i. A one-sided request with counterparty affirmation requires Client to submit a request, including its own cryptographic signature on the trade details, via UI calls. Custodian will notify the Settlement Partner and lock funds of both parties while waiting for the Settlement Partner to affirm the request. Custodian will settle the trade immediately upon affirmation and the locked funds will be released.
ii. A one-sided request with instant settlement requires one side of the trade to submit a request, including cryptographic signatures of both parties to the trade via UI calls. Custodian will settle the trade immediately.
iii. A two-sided request with reconciliation requires that both Client and Settlement Partner submit requests via UI calls, with each party providing their own cryptographic signatures. Custodian will reconcile the trades and settle immediately upon successful reconciliation.
iv. In any one-sided or two-sided request, the Settlement Partner must be identified and selected by Client prior to submitting a settlement request. Client may submit a balance inquiry through the UI to verify that Settlement Partner has a sufficient balance of Assets to be transacted before the parties execute a transaction. This balance inquiry function is to be used only for the purpose of executing a trade transaction to ensure the Settlement Partner has sufficient Assets to settle the transaction. Client expressly authorizes and consents to Custodian providing access to such information to Client’s Settlement Partner in order to facilitate the settlement.
v. Client and Settlement Partner’s Custodial Accounts must have sufficient Assets prior to initiating any settlement request. The full amount of Assets required to fulfill a transaction are locked until such Instruction has been completed. All Instructions are binding on Client and Client’s Custodial Account. Custodian does not guarantee that any settlement will be completed by any Settlement Partner. Client may not be able to withdraw an Instruction in the form of an offer (or withdraw its Instruction to accept an offer) prior to completion of a settlement and Custodian shall not be liable for the completion of any Instruction after a cancellation request has been submitted.
vi. Client shall ensure that only an appropriate Authorized Person of its Custodial Account has access to the Client Security Codes.
vii. Client is solely responsible for any decision to enter into a settlement by way of the Settlement Services, including the evaluation of any and all risks related to any such transaction and has not relied on any statement or other representation of Custodian. Custodian is a facilitator and not a counterparty to any settlement; and, as a facilitator, Custodian bears no liability with respect to any transaction and does not assume any clearing risk.
viii. Any notifications that Client may receive regarding the Settlement Services are Client’s responsibility to review in a timely manner.
(c) Upon execution of the settlement, the UI provides Client a summary of the terms of the transaction, including: the type of Digital Asset purchased or sold; the delivery time; and the purchase or sale price. Settlement of a transaction is completed in an off-chain trading sub-account within the Custodial Account by way of offsetting journal transactions within Custodian’s off-chain settlement system. On-chain synchronization occurs at the time the withdrawal from Client’s trading account takes place (other than through a subsequent Settlement Services transaction).
(d) Custodian reserves the right to refuse to settle any transaction, or any portion of any transaction, for any reason, at its sole discretion. Custodian bears no responsibility if an Instruction was placed or was active during any time the Settlement Services system is unavailable or encounters an error; or, if any such Instruction triggers certain regulatory controls.
(e) Clearing and settlement transactions are subject to Applicable Laws.
2.12 Dormant Custodial Accounts; Unclaimed Property. If any Custodial Account becomes inactive or dormant for the period of time specified under Applicable Law, Client acknowledges and agrees that Custodian may be required to report and remit any remaining Assets in such Custodial Account to the appropriate governmental authority in accordance with Applicable Law relating to unclaimed property or escheatment. Custodian will provide Client with any notice required by Applicable Law prior to such remittance. Client understands that Applicable Law may require, or permit, Custodian to convert or liquidate Digital Assets into Fiat Currency and remit the resulting proceeds to the applicable governmental authority. Custodian will determine the timing and manner of any such conversion or liquidation in its sole discretion, consistent with its legal obligations, and may charge any applicable fees, network cost, and other charges to the Custodial Account or the liquidation proceeds. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, Client agrees that Custodian has no responsibility or liability for any Losses, unrealized gains, opportunity costs, taxes, withholdings, fees, or other consequences arising from or related to: (a) the conversion or liquidation of Digital Assets, (b) the remittance or delivery of Assets or proceeds to a governmental authority, or (c) Custodian’s compliance with any Applicable Law relating to unclaimed property, escheatment, or similar obligations. After remittance, Client’s recourse, if any, is solely against the applicable governmental authority.
3. USE OF SERVICES.
3.1 Company Site and Content. Custodian grants Client a limited, nonexclusive, non-transferable, revocable, royalty-free license, subject to the terms of this Agreement, to access and use the Company Site and related content, materials, and information (collectively, the “Content”) solely for using the Services in accordance with this Agreement. Any other use of the Company Site or Content is expressly prohibited and all other right, title, and interest in the Company Site or Content is exclusively the property of Custodian, its Affiliates and its licensors. Client shall not copy, transmit, distribute, sell, license, reverse engineer, modify, publish, or participate in the transfer or sale of, create derivative works from, or in any other way exploit the Company Site or any of the Content, in whole or in part without Custodian’s or its Affiliates’ prior written consent. “www.bitgo.com,” “BitGo,” “BitGo Custody,” and all logos related to the Services or displayed on the Company Site are either trademarks or registered marks of Custodian, its Affiliates or its licensors. Client may not copy, imitate, or use them without Custodian’s prior written consent in each instance.
3.2 Website Accuracy. Although Custodian intends to provide accurate and timely information on the Company Site, the Company Site (including the Content, but excluding any portions thereof that are explicitly described in this Agreement) may not always be entirely accurate, complete, or current and may also include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. In an effort to continue to provide Client with as complete and accurate information as possible, such information may be changed or updated from time to time without notice, including information regarding Custodian policies, products and services. Accordingly, Client should verify all information before relying on it, and all decisions based on information contained on the Company Site are Client’s sole responsibility and Custodian shall have no liability for such decisions. Links to third-party materials (including websites) may be provided as a convenience but are not controlled by Custodian. Custodian is not responsible for any aspect of the information, content, or services contained in any third-party materials or on any third-party sites accessible from or linked to the Company Site.
3.3 Prohibited Use. Custodian may monitor use of the Services and the resulting information may be used, reviewed, retained, and disclosed by Custodian in aggregated and non-identifiable forms for its legitimate business purposes or in accordance with Applicable Law. Client will not, directly or indirectly: (a) use the Services to upload, store or transmit any content that is infringing, libelous, unlawful, tortious, violate privacy rights, or that includes any viruses, software routines, or other code designed to permit unauthorized access, disable, erase, or otherwise harm software, hardware, or data; (b) engage in any activity that interferes with, disrupts, damages, or accesses in an unauthorized manner the Services, servers, networks, data, or other properties of Custodian or of its suppliers or licensors; (c) develop, distribute, or make available a Developer Application in any way in furtherance of criminal, fraudulent, or other unlawful activity; (d) use the Services, for the benefit of anyone other than Client or end customer of any Developer Application; (e) sell, resell, license, sublicense, distribute, rent, or lease any Services, or include any Services in a services bureau or outsourcing offering; (f) circumvents a contractual usage limit; (g) obscure, remove, or destroy any copyright notices, proprietary markings or confidential legends provided with the Services; (h) use the Services to build a competitive product or service; (i) distribute a Developer Application in source code form in a manner that would disclose the source code of the Services; (j) reverse engineer, decrypt, decompile, decode, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to obtain the human readable form of the Services, to the extent such restriction is permitted by Applicable Law; or (k) engage in any of the prohibited practices set forth at https://www.bitgo.com/bitgo-prohibited-uses-and-businesses-terms/, as may be amended by Custodian from time to time in Custodian’s sole discretion (collectively, the “Prohibited Practices”).
3.4 Security; Client Responsibilities.
(a) Client shall maintain adequate security and control of all Client Keys and Client Security Codes. Any loss or compromise of the foregoing information or Client’s personal information may result in unauthorized access to Client’s Custodial Account by third parties and the loss or theft of Assets. Client shall keep Client’s email address and telephone number up to date in Client’s profile to receive notices, alerts, and other communications from Custodian. Custodian assumes no responsibility for any loss that Client may sustain due to compromise of Client Security Codes due to no fault of Custodian or Client’s failure to follow or act on any notices or alerts that Custodian may send to Client.
(b) Client will ensure that all Authorized Persons are adequately trained to safely and securely access the Services, including with respect to general security principles regarding Client Keys, Client Security Codes, and Client’s personnel.
(c) Client acknowledges that granting permission to a third party or non-permissioned user to take specific actions on Client’s behalf does not relieve Client of any of Client’s responsibilities under this Agreement and may violate the terms of this Agreement. Client is fully responsible for all activities taken on Client’s Custodial Account (including acts or omissions of any third party or non-permissioned user with access to Client’s Custodial Account). Further, Client acknowledges and agrees that Client will not hold Custodian responsible for, and will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Custodian Indemnitees (as defined below) from and against any Losses arising out of or related to any act or omission of any party using Client’s Custodial Account (including acts or omissions of any third party or non-permissioned user with access to Client’s Custodial Account); provided that such Losses did not result from Custodian’s gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct.
(d) Custodian shall not bear any liability whatsoever for any damage or interruptions caused by any computer viruses, spyware, scareware, Trojan horses, worms, or other malware that may affect Client’s computer or other equipment, or any phishing, spoofing, or other attack, unless such damage or interruption directly resulted from Custodian’s gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct. Client should also be aware that SMS and email services are vulnerable to spoofing and phishing attacks, and Client should use care in reviewing messages purporting to originate from Custodian. Client should always log into Client’s Custodial Account through the UI to review any Custody Transactions or required actions if Client has any uncertainty regarding the authenticity of any communication or notice.
(e) In the event Client believes Client’s Custodial Account information has been compromised, Client shall immediately notify Custodian by contacting Custodian at security@bitgo.com from the email address associated with Client’s Custodial Account. Client will provide Custodian with all relevant information Custodian reasonably requests to assess the security of the Assets, Custodial Accounts and wallets.
3.5 Service Providers. Client acknowledges and agrees that the Services may be provided from time to time by, through or with the assistance of Affiliates of, or vendors to, Custodian (collectively, “Service Providers”).
3.6 Independent Verification. If Client is subject to Rule 206(4)-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Custodian shall, upon written request, provide Client’s authorized independent public accountant confirmation of, or access to, information sufficient to confirm (a) Client’s Digital Assets as of the date of an examination conducted pursuant to Rule 206(4)-2(a)(4), and (b) Client’s Digital Assets are held either in a separate account under Client’s name or in accounts under Client’s name as an agent or trustee for Client’s end customers.
4. TERM; TERMINATION.
4.1. Term and Termination by Client. The term of this Agreement commences when you acknowledge your acceptance of this Agreement and will continue in effect until terminated as set forth in this Section 4. Client may terminate this Agreement at any time by ceasing your access to and use of the Services. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason all licenses and rights granted to you under this Agreement will also terminate. Any terms that by their nature are intended to continue beyond the termination or expiration of this Agreement will survive termination.
4.2. Suspension, Termination, or Cancellation by Custodian.
(a) Custodian may suspend or restrict Client’s access to the Custodial Services or deactivate, terminate, or cancel Client’s Custodial Account if:
i. Custodian reasonably suspects Client of using Client’s Custodial Account in connection with a Prohibited Practice;
ii. Custodian is so required by Applicable Law, including a facially valid subpoena, court order, or binding order of a government authority;
iii. Custodian perceives a risk of legal or regulatory non-compliance associated with Client’s Custodial Account activity or the provision of the Custodial Account to Client by Custodian (including any risk perceived by Custodian in the review of any materials, documents, information, statements, or related materials provided by Client after execution of this Agreement);
iv. A Service Provider is unable to support Client’s use;
v. Client takes any action that Custodian deems as circumventing Custodian’s controls, including opening multiple Custodial Accounts, abusing promotions which Custodian may offer from time to time, or otherwise misrepresenting any information set forth in Client’s Custodial Account;
(b) If Custodian suspends or restricts Client’s access to the Services or deactivates, terminates or cancels Client’s Custodial Account for any reason, Custodian will provide Client with notice of Custodian’s actions via email unless prohibited by Applicable Law. Custodian’s decision to take certain actions, including limiting access to, suspending, or closing Client’s Custodial Account, may be based on confidential criteria that are essential to Custodian’s compliance, risk management, or security protocols. Custodian is under no obligation to disclose the details of any of its internal risk management and security procedures to Client.
(c) If Custodian terminates Client’s Custodial Account, this Agreement will automatically terminate on the later of (i) the effective date of such cancellation or (ii) the date on which all of Client’s Assets have been withdrawn.
4.3. Effect of Termination. On termination of this Agreement, Client will: (a) withdraw all Assets associated with Client’s Custodial Accounts within ninety (90) days, unless such withdrawal is prohibited by Applicable Law (including applicable sanctions programs or a facially valid subpoena, court order, or binding order of a government authority); (b) pay all fees owed or accrued to Custodian through the date of Client’s withdrawal of funds; and (c) authorize Custodian to cancel or suspend any pending Custody Transactions as of the effective date of termination.
5. CUSTODIAN OBLIGATIONS.
5.1. Insurance. Custodian will obtain or maintain insurance coverage in such types and amounts as are commercially reasonable for the Custodial Services provided hereunder. Client acknowledges that any insurance to protect the Digital Assets will apply to Custodial Services only (where all keys are held by Custodian) and not Wallet Services for non-custodial accounts (where one or more keys are held by Client or its designee).
5.2. Standard of Care. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Custodian will exercise a level of skill, care and diligence in the execution of Client’s Instructions that a reasonably competent and regulated custodial services provider would exercise under similar circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Custodian will not be responsible for any loss or damage suffered by Client as a result of Custodian performing its obligations, unless the same results from an act of gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct on the part of Custodian. Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity, or genuineness of any of the Assets (or any evidence of title thereto) received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
5.3. Business Continuity Plan. Custodian has established a business continuity plan that will support its ability to conduct business in the event of a significant business disruption (SBD). This plan is reviewed and updated annually, and may be updated more frequently, if deemed necessary by Custodian in its sole discretion. Should Custodian be impacted by an SBD, Custodian aims to minimize business interruption as quickly and efficiently as possible. To receive more information about Custodian’s business continuity plan, please send a written request to security@bitgo.com.
5.4. Support and Service Level Agreement. Custodian will use commercially reasonable efforts to: (a) provide reasonable technical support to Client, by email through support@bitgo.com, during Custodian’s normal business hours (9:30 AM to 6 PM ET); (b) respond to support requests in a timely manner; (c) resolve such issues by providing updates or workarounds to Client (to the extent reasonably possible and practical), consistent with the severity level of the issues identified in such requests and their impact on Client’s business operations; (d) abide by the terms of the Service Level Agreement currently made available at https://www.bitgo.com/resources/bitgo-service-level-agreement (as Service Level Agreement or the URL at which it is made available may be amended from time to time); and (e) make Custodial Accounts available via the internet twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. For Services accessed or provided via the Third Party Platform, Client acknowledges and agree Platform Operator is responsible for providing all support services related to the Third Party Platform and Custodian has no obligation to provide such support services. Custodian will have no liability resulting from services provided by Platform Operator or through the Third Party Platform.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY, DATA SECURITY.
6.1. Confidentiality.
(a) As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means any non-public, confidential or proprietary information of a party or its Affiliates (“Discloser”) including information relating to Discloser’s business operations or business relationships, financial information, pricing information, business plans, customer lists, data, records, reports, trade secrets, software, formulas, inventions, techniques, and strategies. Confidential Information includes all documents and other tangible objects containing or representing Confidential Information and all copies or extracts thereof or notes derived therefrom that are in the possession or control of the party receiving Confidential Information (“Recipient”) and all of the foregoing shall be and remain the property of the Discloser. For clarity, the existence and the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed the Confidential Information of each party.
(b) Recipient will not disclose the Discloser’s Confidential Information to any unrelated third party without the prior written consent of the Discloser, except as provided below or to Recipient’s officers, directors, agents, employees, consultants, contractors, auditors and professional advisors who need to know the Confidential Information and who are informed of, and who agree to be or are otherwise bound by obligations of confidentiality no less restrictive than, the obligations set forth herein and has policies and procedures reasonably designed to create information barriers with respect to such party’s Representatives, Affiliates, consultants, contractors, and professional advisors. Recipient will protect such Confidential Information from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure. Recipient shall not use Discloser’s Confidential Information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations or exercise its rights under this Agreement. For the purposes of this Section 6.1, no Affiliate of Custodian shall be considered a third party and Custodian may share Client’s Confidential Information with its Affiliates in connection with the Services; provided that Custodian causes each such Affiliate to undertake the obligations in this Section 6.1.
(c) The obligations under Section 6.1(b) shall not apply to any (i) information that is or becomes generally publicly available through no fault of Recipient, (ii) information that Recipient obtains from a third party (other than in connection with this Agreement) that, to Recipient's best knowledge, is not bound by confidentiality obligations prohibiting such disclosure; or (iii) information that is independently developed or acquired by Recipient without the use of or reference to the Discloser’s Confidential Information.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Recipient may disclose the Confidential Information of Discloser to the extent required under Applicable Law; provided, however, Recipient shall first notify Discloser (to the extent legally permissible) and shall afford Discloser a reasonable opportunity to seek a protective order or other confidential treatment.
(e) Upon Discloser’s written request, Recipient shall return or destroy all Confidential Information; provided, however, Recipient may retain one copy of Confidential Information (i) if required by Applicable Law, or (ii) pursuant to a bona fide and consistently applied document retention policy; provided, further, that in either case, any Confidential Information so retained shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations of this Agreement.
6.2. Privacy. Client acknowledges that Client has read the BitGo Privacy Notice, available at https://www.bitgo.com/privacy, which identifies how Custodian and its Affiliates collect, use, and disclose, on a limited basis, Client’s information.
6.3. Security. Custodian has implemented and will maintain a reasonable information security program that includes policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to safeguard Custodian’s electronic systems and Client’s Confidential Information from, among other things, unauthorized disclosure, access, or misuse, including, by Custodian and its Affiliates. In the event of a data security incident, Custodian will provide all notices required under Applicable Law.
7. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND COVENANTS.
7.1. By Client. Client represents, warrants, and covenants to Custodian that:
(a) Client fully complies with all Applicable Law in each jurisdiction in which Client operates, including applicable securities and commodities laws and regulations, efforts to fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, sanctions regimes, licensing requirements, and all related regulations and requirements.
(b) To the extent Client receives Assets from third-parties, the receipt of said Assets is based on lawful activity. Client shall have conducted and satisfied all due diligence procedures required by Applicable Law with respect to such third parties prior to placing with Custodian any Assets associated with such third party.
(c) Client will not use any Services for any illegal activity, including illegal gambling, money laundering, fraud, blackmail, extortion, ransoming data, the financing of terrorism, other violent activities, or any prohibited market practices, including any Prohibited Practices.
(d) Client is currently and will remain at all times in good standing with all relevant government agencies, departments, and regulatory or supervisory bodies in all relevant jurisdictions in which Client does business, and Client will immediately notify Custodian if Client ceases to be in good standing with any applicable regulatory authority;
(e) Client will promptly provide such information as Custodian may reasonably request from time to time regarding: (i) Client’s policies, procedures, and activities which relate to the Custodial Services in any manner, as determined by Custodian in its sole and absolute discretion; and (ii) any transaction which involves the use of the Services, to the extent reasonably necessary to comply with Applicable Law, or the guidance or direction of, or request from any regulatory authority or financial institution, provided that such information may be redacted to remove confidential commercial information not relevant to the requirements of this Agreement;
(f) Client either owns or possesses lawful authorization to transact with all Assets involved in the Custody Transactions;
(g) There is no claim pending, or to Client’s best knowledge, threatened, and no encumbrance or other lien, in each case, that may adversely affect any delivery of Assets made in accordance with this Agreement;
(h) It owns the Assets in Client’s Custodial Account free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests, and encumbrances and it has all rights, title, and interest in and to the Assets in Client’s Custodial Account as necessary for Custodian to perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(i) Client has the full capacity and authority to enter into and be bound by this Agreement and the person executing or otherwise accepting this Agreement for Client has full legal capacity and authorization to do so;
(j) All information provided by Client to Custodian in the course of negotiating this Agreement and the onboarding of Client is complete, true, and accurate in all material respects, including with respect to the ownership of Client and Client’s primary address; no material information has been excluded; and no other Person has an ownership interest in Client’s Assets except for those disclosed in connection with such onboarding;
(k) Client is not owned in part or in whole, nor controlled by any Person that is, nor is it conducting any activities on behalf of, any Person that is (i) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the U.S. Department of State, or any other Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over Custodian or its Affiliates; (ii) identified on the Denied Persons, Entity, or Unverified Lists of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security; or (iii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of U.S. economic sanctions, including the Crimean, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, or Syria;
(l) Client will promptly provide Custodian cooperation and assistance regarding any inquiry investigation made or conducted by the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; and
(m) Client will promptly notify Custodian of any changes in jurisdiction or material ownership of Client.
7.2. By Custodian. Custodian represents, warrants, and covenants to Client that:
(a) Custodian is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the applicable South Dakota laws, has all corporate powers required to carry on its business as now conducted, and is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction where such qualification is necessary; and
(b) Custodian has the full capacity and authority to enter into and be bound by this Agreement and the person executing or otherwise accepting this Agreement for Custodian has full legal capacity and authorization to do so.
(c) DISCLAIMER. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT AND TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, CUSTODIAN SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. CUSTODIAN DOES NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES THAT ACCESS TO THE COMPANY SITE, ANY PART OF THE SERVICES, OR ANY OF THE MATERIALS CONTAINED IN ANY OF THE FOREGOING WILL BE CONTINUOUS, UNINTERRUPTED, OR TIMELY; BE COMPATIBLE OR WORK WITH ANY SOFTWARE, SYSTEM, OR OTHER SERVICES; OR BE SECURE, COMPLETE, FREE OF HARMFUL CODE, OR ERROR-FREE.
7.3. Notification. Without limitation of either party’s rights or remedies, each party shall immediately notify the other party, at any time after the Effective Date, if any of the representations, warranties, or covenants made by it under this Agreement fail to be true and correct as if made at and as of such time. Such notice shall describe in reasonable detail the representation, warranty, or covenant affected, the circumstances giving rise to such failure and the steps the notifying party has taken or proposes to take to rectify such failure.
8. INDEMNIFICATION.
8.1. Indemnity. Client will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Custodian, its Affiliates and Service Providers, and each of its or their respective Representatives, (each, a “Custodian Indemnitee”), from and against any Losses resulting from any third-party claim, demand, action or proceeding (a “Claim”) arising out of or related to Client’s (i) use of Services; (ii) breach of this Agreement, or (iii) violation of any Applicable Law in connection with its use of Services.
8.2. Indemnification Process.
(a) Custodian will (i) provide Client with prompt notice of any indemnifiable Claim under Section 8.1 (provided that the failure to provide prompt notice shall only relieve Client of its obligation to the extent it is materially prejudiced by such failure and can demonstrate such prejudice); (ii) permit Client to assume and control the defense of such action upon Client’s written notice to Custodian of Client’s election to do so, with counsel acceptable to Custodian in its discretion; and (iii) upon Client’s written request, and at no expense to Custodian, provide to Client all available information and assistance reasonably necessary for Client to defend such Claim. Custodian shall be permitted to participate in the defense and settlement of any Claim with counsel of Custodian’s choice at Custodian’s expense (unless such retention is necessary because of Client’s failure to assume the defense of such Claim, in which event Client shall be responsible for all such fees and costs). Client will not enter into any settlement or compromise of any such Claim, which settlement or compromise would result in any liability to any Custodian Indemnitee or constitute any admission of or stipulation to any guilt, fault, or wrongdoing, without Custodian’s prior written consent.
(b) Client acknowledges and agrees that any Losses imposed on Custodian (whether in the form of fines, penalties, or otherwise) as a result of a violation by Client of any Applicable Law, may at Custodian’s discretion, be passed on to Client and Client acknowledges and represents that Client will be responsible for payment to Custodian of all such Losses.
9. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY.
9.1. NO CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW AND SUBJECT TO THE EXCEPTIONS PROVIDED IN SECTION 9.3 BELOW, IN NO EVENT SHALL CUSTODIAN, ITS AFFILIATES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES, BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, INTANGIBLE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH AUTHORIZED OR UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE COMPANY SITE OR THE SERVICES, OR THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF CUSTODIAN HAS BEEN ADVISED OF OR KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
9.2. LIMITATION ON DIRECT DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW AND SUBJECT TO THE EXCEPTIONS PROVIDED IN SECTION 9.3 BELOW, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF CUSTODIAN, ITS AFFILIATES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES, EXCEED FEES PAID OR PAYABLE TO PLATFORM OPERATOR DURING THE THREE (3)-MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE FIRST INCIDENT GIVING RISE TO SUCH LIABILITY.
9.3. EXCEPTIONS TO EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. THE EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY IN SECTION 9.1 AND SECTION 9.2 WILL NOT APPLY TO CUSTODIAN’S FRAUD, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE. CUSTODIAN’S LIABILITY FOR GROSS NEGLIGENCE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE MARKET VALUE OF THE AFFECTED DIGITAL ASSETS OR FIAT CURRENCY AT THE TIME THE CLAIM ARISES.
10. MISCELLANEOUS.
10.1. Notice. All notices under this Agreement shall be given in writing, in the English language, and shall be deemed given when personally delivered, when sent by email, or three (3) days after being sent by prepaid certified mail or internationally recognized overnight courier to the addresses set forth in the signature blocks below (or such other address as may be specified by party following written notice given in accordance with this Section 10.1).
10.2. Publicity. Client consents to Custodian’s identification of Client as a customer of the Services, including in marketing or investor materials, and Custodian consents to Client’s use of Custodian’s name or approved logos or promotional materials to identify Custodian as its custodial service provider as contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Custodian may revoke its consent to such publicity under this Section 10.2 at any time for any reason upon notice to Client, and Client will promptly cease any further use of Custodian’s name, logos, and trademarks and remove all references and postings identifying Custodian.
10.3. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, any schedules or attachments to this Agreement, the BitGo Privacy Notice, and all disclosures, notices, or policies available on the Company Site that are specifically referenced in this Agreement, comprise the entire understanding and agreement between Client and Custodian regarding the Services, and supersede any and all prior discussions, agreements, and understandings of any kind (including any prior versions of this Agreement) and every nature between and among Client and Custodian with respect to the subject matter hereof.
10.4. Interpretation. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (b) the word “or” is not exclusive; and (c) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto,” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (x) to sections, schedules, and exhibits mean the sections of, and schedules and exhibits attached to, this Agreement; and (y) to an agreement, instrument, or other document means such agreement, instrument, or other document as amended, supplemented, and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted. The schedules and exhibits referred to herein shall be construed with, and as an integral part of, this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim herein. Whenever the masculine is used in this Agreement, the same shall include the feminine and whenever the feminine is used herein, the same shall include the masculine, where appropriate. Whenever the singular is used in this Agreement, the same shall include the plural, and whenever the plural is used herein, the same shall include the singular, where appropriate. Section headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not govern the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.
10.5. No Waiver. No waiver under this Agreement is effective unless it is in writing, identified as a waiver to this Agreement, and signed by an authorized representative of the party waiving its right. Any waiver authorized on one occasion is effective only in that instance and only for the purpose stated, and does not operate as a waiver on any future occasion. None of the following constitutes a waiver or estoppel of any right, remedy, power, privilege, or condition arising from this Agreement: (i) any failure or delay in exercising any right, remedy, power, or privilege or in enforcing any condition under this Agreement; or (ii) any act, omission, or course of dealing between the parties.
10.6. Modifications. You acknowledge and agree that Custodian has the right, in its sole discretion, to modify this Agreement from time to time. Client will be notified of modifications through notification posts on the Company Site or direct email communication from Custodian. Those changes will go into effect on the Last Modified Date shown in the revised Agreement. By continuing to use the Services, you agree to the revised Agreement. If you object to any such changes, your sole recourse shall be to cease using the Services. Client is responsible for reviewing and becoming familiar with any such modifications.
10.7. Assignment. Client may not assign any rights or licenses granted under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Custodian. Custodian may not assign any of its rights without the prior written consent of Client; except that Custodian may assign this Agreement without the prior consent of Client to any Custodian Affiliates or pursuant to a transfer of all or substantially all of Custodian’s business and assets, whether by merger, sale of assets, sale of stock, or otherwise. Any attempted transfer or assignment in violation hereof shall be null and void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors, and permitted assigns.
10.8. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of the provision to the greatest extent possible under Applicable Law and the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement shall not be affected.
10.9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
(a) Mandatory Arbitration. In the event of a Dispute (as defined below), such Dispute shall be settled by arbitration as outlined in this Section 10.9.
(b) No Class Action. CLIENT AGREES THAT ANY CLAIMS WILL BE ADJUDICATED SOLELY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, AND CLIENT WAIVES THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION, OR OTHER JOINT ACTION WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
(c) Arbitration Disclosure. ARBITRATION IS FINAL AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES. THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING THEIR RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES IN COURT, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL. PRE-ARBITRATION DISCOVERY IS GENERALLY MORE LIMITED THAN AND DIFFERENT FROM COURT PROCEEDINGS. THE ARBITRATOR WILL ISSUE A REASONED AWARD.
(d) Arbitration Agreement. Unless otherwise specified, any dispute, claim or controversy between the parties relating to this Agreement (“Dispute”) will be resolved through binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). All arbitration proceedings will be closed to the public and confidential and all related records will be permanently sealed, except as necessary to obtain court confirmation of the arbitration award. The arbitration will be conducted before a single arbitrator selected jointly by the parties. If the parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator, then the AAA will choose the arbitrator. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings will be English. The arbitrator will be bound to the strict interpretation and observation of the terms of this Agreement and will be specifically empowered to grant injunctions and/or specific performance and to allocate between the parties the costs of arbitration, as well as reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs, in such equitable manner as the arbitrator may determine. Judgment upon the award so rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction or application may be made to such court for judicial acceptance of any award and an order of enforcement, as the case may be. In no event will a demand for arbitration be made after the date when institution of a legal or equitable proceeding based upon such Dispute would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations. Any such arbitration will be conducted in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or at such other location as may be agreed to by the parties and arbitrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party acknowledges that a breach of this Agreement may cause the other party irreparable injury and damage and therefore may be enjoined through injunctive or other equitable proceedings in addition to any other rights and remedies which may be available to such other party at law or in equity, and each party hereby consents to the jurisdiction of any federal or state courts located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with respect to any such Dispute. The parties expressly waive any objection based on personal jurisdiction, venue or forum non conveniens. This Agreement evidences a transaction in interstate commerce, and thus the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et. seq., governs the interpretation and enforcement of this provision. Under this arbitration provision, the arbitrator will not be bound by rulings in prior arbitrations involving different customers but is bound by rulings in prior arbitrations involving the same customer to the extent required by Applicable Law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, CLAIM, SUIT, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF SUCH PARTY IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(e) Notice of Dispute and Arbitration Procedures. A party who intends to pursue a Dispute must first send to the other a letter describing the Dispute and containing the information described below (a “Notice of Dispute”). Any Notice of Dispute sent to Custodian should be addressed and send to:
Attn: Notice of Dispute
legal@bitgo.com
Any Notice of Dispute sent to Client by Custodian will be sent to the email address and/or address in our records that is associated with your Account at the time the Notice of Dispute is sent. The Notice of Dispute must: (i) describe the nature and basis of the Dispute; (ii) set forth the specific relief sought; (iii) set forth the name and address of the claimant; and (iv) identify the Account to which the Dispute relates. If the parties do not reach an agreement to resolve the Dispute described in the Notice of Dispute within sixty (60) days after the Notice of Dispute is received, the parties may commence an arbitration proceeding with the AAA. No party will disclose to the arbitrator the existence, amount, or terms of any settlement offers made by any party until after the arbitrator issues a final award resolving the Dispute.
A form for initiating arbitration proceedings is available on the AAA’s website at http://www.adr.org.
The arbitration will be governed by the AAA’s Commercial Dispute Resolution Procedures, as amended from time to time (the “AAA Rules”) or as modified by this Agreement, and will be administered by the AAA. The AAA Rules are available online at http://www.adr.org, by calling the AAA at 1-800-778-7879, or by writing to the notice address provided above.
If the value of the relief sought (by any party) is $10,000 or less, you may choose whether the arbitration will be conducted solely on the basis of documents submitted to the arbitrator, through a telephonic hearing, or by an in-person hearing as established by the AAA Rules. If the value of the relief sought (to any party) exceeds $10,000, the right to a hearing will be determined by the AAA Rules.
10.10. Force Majeure. Custodian shall not be liable for delays, suspension of operations, whether temporary or permanent, failure in performance, or interruption of service which result directly or indirectly from any cause or condition beyond the reasonable control of Custodian, including any delay or failure due to any act of God, natural disasters, epidemic, pandemic, act of civil or military authorities, act of terrorists, including cyber-related terrorist acts, hacking, government restrictions, exchange or market rulings, civil disturbance, war, strike or other labor dispute, fire, interruption in telecommunications or Internet services or network provider services, failure of equipment or software, other catastrophe, or any other occurrence which are beyond the reasonable control of Custodian.
10.11. Relationship of the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed or is intended to be deemed, nor shall it cause, Client and Custodian to be treated as partners, joint ventures, or otherwise as joint associates for profit, or either Client or Custodian to be treated as the agent of the other.
These Electronic Trading Terms (this “Agreement”) set forth the terms and conditions under which you and BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association, a national banking association chartered under the laws of the United States and authorized by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“BitGo Trust”) may purchase from and sell digital assets, virtual currencies, tokens or coins (“Digital Assets”) to each other (“Trading Services”), each for its own benefit and account. BY CLICKING THE “ACCEPT” BUTTON/CHECKING THE “ACCEPT” BOX AND USING THE TRADING SERVICES, CLIENT ACCEPTS THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOU MAY NOT ACCESS OR USE THE TRADING SERVICES. You and BitGo Trust are sometimes referred to in this Agreement as a “Party” and together, the “Parties.”
Please read this Agreement carefully. By using the Trading Services, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old, and affirm that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by this Agreement. If you do not agree to this Agreement, you may not use the Trading Services.
Notice Regarding Claims: This Agreement contains provisions that govern how disputes between you and BitGo Trust are resolved, including an agreement to arbitrate, which will require you to submit claims against us to binding and final arbitration and limit you to claims against BitGo Trust on an individual basis.
1. Introduction
Each Party may enter spot Digital Asset purchase and sale transactions (“Transactions”) with the other Party. The specific terms of any such Transactions will separately be agreed directly between the Parties subject to this Agreement. To facilitate its Trading Services, BitGo Trust may provide you with online access to its proprietary electronic trading system (the “Trading System”), with access to and use of the Trading System being subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Alternatively, BitGo Trust may engage in Transactions by which BitGo Trust and you communicate using means other than the Trading System, with BitGo Trust recording the resulting Transaction into the Trading System on your behalf.
2. Relationship of Parties
The Parties acknowledge and agree that when entering into Transactions with each other, each Party will be transacting for its own account, in a principal capacity, and in an arm’s-length role in relation to each other. Neither Party will be providing any service to the other Party or to any other person or entity. Each Party will enter Transactions solely for its own respective benefit and not for the purpose of benefiting the other Party, such as by providing a service to the other Party. The Parties will not act as each other’s agent, fiduciary, or advisor and shall have no duties to each other, except to settle any agreed Transactions, and as otherwise specified in a written agreement signed by both Parties.
BitGo Trust may contemporaneously engage in offsetting Transaction(s) with a third party(ies) (a “Riskless Principal Transaction”), and when engaging in such Riskless Principal Transactions, BitGo Trust is not obligated to identify the ultimate source of liquidity. Rather, you will face BitGo Trust as the contra-party to every Transaction. Further BitGo Trust is not obligated to price a Transaction equal to a corresponding Riskless Principal Transaction. For more information, please read the Principal Trading Disclosure as provided as an attachment to this Agreement.
3. Eligibility for Trading Services
To be eligible for Trading Services with BitGo Trust, you must also have executed a Custodial Service Agreement with us. BitGo Trust offers custodial services, including clearing and settlement services (“BitGo Trust Settlement Services”) that are separate and apart from the Trading Services offered by BitGo Trust. However, as explained in this Agreement, the Parties use the BitGo Trust Settlement Services to settle Transactions – just as any two BitGo Trust clients may opt to do. BitGo Trust has built its Trading System to integrate with BitGo Trust Settlement Services.
You attest to a level of knowledge, experience, and trading sophistication that is appropriate to engage in the Trading Services, and further, assume the risk that is inherent with such activity.
4. Trading System; Trade Requests
BitGo Trust may provide you with access to its Trading System for use in connection with the Trading Services, with access to and use of the Trading System being subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Trading System may include certain quoting and order entry functionality, with the availability and exact nature of these functionalities being subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of BitGo Trust. As described in Annex A–Executions (“Annex A”) hereto, Transactions may be executed via (a) a request to purchase or sell a specified cryptocurrency (a “Trade Request”) process or (b) through a selection of a streaming price provided through an application programming interface (an “API”).
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, prices communicated electronically, verbally, or otherwise by BitGo Trust do not constitute offers to trade but rather are indications of interest subject to further review by BitGo Trust. Your Trade Request becomes a binding offer to execute a Transaction. Upon receipt of your Trade Request to execute a Transaction at a price and quantity, whether in response to an indication of interest or otherwise, BitGo Trust will determine whether, and at what price, to accept all or any part of your Trade Request, after assessing that Trade Request against a variety of pre-trade factors. These factors may include, among others, available inventory, liquidity, prevailing market prices, anticipated loss or gain based on BitGo Trust’s analysis of the market and the BitGo Trust’s trading experience with you and/or other market participants, credit and product terms, and filters BitGo Trust may employ. These factors may be changed from time to time without notice to you and may differ from those applied to other counterparties. Due to the speed of the market and execution delays, the price available for execution of any Transaction with you may change between the time of submission of your Trade Request and the time that you receive a response to your Trade Request, even if the lapse of time is small. This may result in rejection of all or part of your Trade Request, including in cases where the market has moved favorably to you, even though we may choose to accept Trade Requests where the market has moved favorably to us. If we determine to execute, the costs or benefits of any price changes may, in our discretion, be retained by us.
5. Transaction Settlement
If BitGo Trust and you have agreed to terms (size, price, and Digital Asset) through the Trading System, or through verbal or other means, the Transaction is binding and final (such Transaction, a “Completed Order” and such date, a “Trade Date”) unless both Parties agree in writing otherwise. Unless otherwise agreed, all Transactions shall utilize and be settled through the BitGo Trust Settlement Services and you agree that Transactions may be settled by BitGo Trust on an aggregated or net basis.
6. Transaction Limits
You must have sufficient funds or Digital Assets prior to completing the Transaction. If you do not have a sufficient balance of funds or Digital Assets, no Transaction may be executed or completed, and we may reject, cancel, or refuse to process any related orders or Trade Requests, unless otherwise agreed.
BitGo Trust may also develop and maintain filters to prevent Transactions that do not comply with financial, operational, and risk control requirements.
7. Use of the Trading Services.
BitGo Trust may at any time, in its sole discretion, restrict the number of users that you authorize to access the Trading Services on your behalf (“Authorized Users”).
BitGo Trust has no responsibility for your inaccurate or improper use of the Trading Services, including any messages not received by BitGo Trust, and Transactions may be executed on the terms actually received by BitGo Trust.
You may not make the Trading Services available in any form to any person or entity without the prior written consent of BitGo Trust. You may not rent, sublicense, sell or lease, directly or indirectly, the Trading System or any portion thereof to any third party, and may not alter, modify, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer the Trading System. Any attempt to use, copy, or convey the Trading System in a manner contrary to the terms of this Agreement or in competition with BitGo Trust or in derogation of BitGo Trust’s proprietary rights, whether such rights are stated herein or determined by law or otherwise, will result in this Agreement being automatically terminated and BitGo Trust shall have all rights and remedies available to it under applicable law, including without limitation, the right to immediate injunctive relief. You hereby acknowledge that all other remedies are inadequate.
You acknowledge that Transactions will be executed at the price agreed to, which may be different from the price at which the Digital Asset is trading in other markets or with other counterparties when the Transaction is completed.
While BitGo Trust makes commercially reasonable efforts to ensure the quality of its Trading System, there always exists the risk of interruption or delay, system failure, or errors in pricing, controls, or design of the Trading System (collectively, a “System Failure”) that could expose you to substantial damage, expense, or loss. For instance, in the event of a System Failure, it is possible that any new orders or trade requests cannot be entered, executed, modified, or cancelled by you, or that acceptance or rejection of trade requests or reports of executions will not be communicated to you in a timely manner.
Regardless of any other provision of this Agreement, BitGo Trust has the right to suspend or terminate (at any time, with or without cause or prior notice) all or any part of the Trading Services, or your access to them, for any reason, including but not limited to, changing the features or functionality of the Trading Services, or changing the limits on the trading you may conduct through the Trading Services, all without any liability to you. You understand it can have no expectation of any use or continued use of the Trading Services.
8. License
BitGo Trust hereby grants you, for the term of this Agreement, a limited, non-exclusive, revocable, non-transferable and non-sublicensable license to use (and allow its Authorized Users to use) the Trading System pursuant to this Agreement. BitGo Trust or its licensors retain all rights, title and interest in and to the Trading System, including all source code, object code, data, information, copyrights, trademarks, patents, inventions, and trade secrets embodied therein, and all other rights not expressly granted to you hereunder. Nothing in this Agreement constitutes a waiver of any of BitGo Trust’s rights under the intellectual property laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction or under any other federal, state, or foreign laws.
9. Security and Access.
You may access the Trading Services only through use of one or more passwords, security devices or other access methods as prescribed by BitGo Trust (collectively, “Access Methods”). You are solely responsible for ensuring that your Access Methods are known to and used by only your Authorized Users. You agree to comply with any procedures established by BitGo Trust for the pre-approval and authorization of Authorized Users. You acknowledge that BitGo Trust, in its sole discretion, may deny access to the Trading Services to any user of your Access Methods. You will be (i) solely responsible for all acts or omissions of any person using the Trading Services through your Access Methods, (ii) solely responsible for any losses, damages, or costs that you may incur as a result of errors made by, or the failure of, the software or equipment that you or any Authorized Users use to access the Trading Services, and (iii) without limitation of the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, bound by the terms of any and all Transactions executed and/or Trade Requests accepted through the Trading System using your Access Methods, in each case unless due to BitGo Trust’s willful misconduct. All instructions or transmissions generated by use of your Access Methods will be deemed to be authorized by you and made by an Authorized User whether or not BitGo Trust acknowledges receipt of such transmission and BitGo Trust shall be entitled to act in reliance on such deemed authorization, unless due to BitGo Trust’s willful misconduct. If any of your Access Methods have been modified, lost, stolen or compromised, you will promptly notify BitGo Trust. Upon receipt of this notice, such Access Methods will be cancelled or suspended as soon as is reasonably practicable, but you are responsible for any actions taken through the use of such Access Methods prior to such cancellation. You will immediately report any apparent malfunction or breach of security of which you become aware or experience with the Trading Services. In the event of a dispute, BitGo Trust’s communications and transactions log of all static quotes, streaming quotes, and other quotes, Transactions and communications regarding Transactions by you or its Authorized Users or their Access Methods (the “Transactions Log”) will be conclusive evidence of the communications contained in them. You agree not to contest the validity or enforceability of the Transactions Log in any legal proceedings between the Parties. (c) If you believe that there has been unauthorized access, please contact us immediately at support@bitgo.com.
10. Security Credentials
It is your sole responsibility to control, monitor, and restrict the Access Methods. You shall be bound by all Instructions communicated to the Trading System using the Access Methods, and BitGo Trust shall have no obligation to verify whether any such instruction has been duly authorized. If you learn that the Access Methods may have been compromised, you shall immediately notify BitGo Trust. You shall be responsible for any Instructions sent using the Access Methods until you notify BitGo Trust and BitGo Trust has disabled the compromised Access Methods.
11. Reversals; Cancellations
You cannot cancel, reverse, or change any Transactions.
12. Commissions and Fees
Except as provided for herein or as expressly agreed upon by the Parties, you shall not pay any commissions and transaction, processing and other fees, including federal, state, and local taxes, to BitGo Trust.
13. Statements and Receipts
BitGo Trust will electronically provide you with confirmation of your trading activity by providing order confirmations, transaction receipts and confirmation of order cancellations (“Trading Activity Confirmations”). BitGo Trust may also electronically provide you with periodic statements that contain information regarding your trading activity (“Statements”).
14. Errors or Unauthorized Access
(a) Errors may sometimes occur, and such errors may impact the result of a given Transaction. BitGo Trust reserves the right to reasonably determine whether an incorrect price results in an erroneous Transaction. Erroneous Transactions include but are not limited to (i) Transaction prices that are significantly different than the prevailing market prices at the time of the Transaction; and (ii) Transaction prices resulting from executions where BitGo Trust’s bid was greater than its offer at the same Transaction Time. BitGo Trust shall notify you within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the corresponding Confirmation if an erroneous Transaction is identified. BitGo Trust, within its sole discretion, may reasonably declare the Transaction null and void or both Parties may agree to modify the Transaction.
(b) If you have any questions, concerns, feedback or complaints, including regarding any error that you believe has been made in transaction processing, any Trading Activity Confirmations, your Statement, or other record of transaction activity that we provide, contact us immediately via email at bp.liquidity@bitgo.com. Should you identify an erroneous Transaction, you must notify BitGo Trust of such error within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the corresponding Confirmation. We will promptly investigate and attempt to resolve your claim through our support team within thirty (30) calendar days unless we inform you otherwise. BitGo Trust, within its sole discretion, may determine whether an erroneous Transaction occurred and may declare the Transaction null and void or both Parties may agree to modify the Transaction.
15. Confidentiality; Information Handling
(a) BitGo Trust personnel may have access to, use and provide you and other counterparties with information on an anonymous and aggregated basis, including but not limited to, your orders (i.e., orders executed in full or part, cancelled, or expired), indications of interest, quotes, positions, trade and other data and analytics (collectively, “Anonymous and Aggregated Data”). This Anonymous and Aggregated Data may be used for market color reports, analytical tools, risk management strategies and other BitGo Trust products and services. The nature of any Anonymous and Aggregated Data provided to you may differ from that provided to other counterparties in terms of quantity, scope, methodology or otherwise and may be changed from time to time without notice to you. BitGo Trust maintains a “need to know” standard, which provides that access to your specific information is limited to those employees who have a “need to know” such information to perform their duties and to carry out the purpose for which the information is provided.
(b) As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means any non-public, confidential or proprietary information of a Party (“Discloser”) including, without limitation information relating to Discloser’s business operations or business relationships, financial information, pricing information, business plans, customer lists, data, records, reports, trade secrets, software, formulas, inventions, techniques, and strategies. The terms of this Agreement are the Confidential Information of each party. A Party receiving Confidential Information of Discloser (“Recipient”) will not disclose it to any third party without the prior written consent of the Discloser, except as provided below or to such Party’s officers, directors, agents, employees, consultants, contractors and professional advisors who need to know the Confidential Information and who are informed of, and who agree to be or are otherwise bound by obligations of confidentiality no less restrictive than, the obligations set forth herein. Recipient will protect such Confidential Information from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure. Recipient shall not use Discloser’s Confidential Information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations or exercise its rights under this Agreement. The obligations herein shall not apply to any (i) information that is or becomes generally publicly available through no fault of Recipient, (ii) information that Recipient obtains from a third party (other than in connection with this Agreement) that, to Recipient’s best knowledge, is not bound by a confidentiality agreement prohibiting such disclosure; (iii) information that is independently developed or acquired by Recipient without the use of or reference to Confidential Information of Discloser.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Recipient may disclose Confidential Information of Discloser to the extent required under applicable law, rule or regulation; provided, however, Recipient shall first notify Discloser (to the extent legally permissible) and shall afford Discloser a reasonable opportunity to seek a protective order or other confidential treatment. For the purposes of this Agreement, no affiliate of BitGo Trust shall be considered a third party; provided that BitGo Trust causes such entity to undertake the obligations in this Section 15.
(d) “Confidential Information” includes all documents and other tangible objects containing or representing Confidential Information and all copies or extracts thereof or notes derived therefrom that are in the possession or control of Recipient and all of the foregoing shall be and remain the property of the Discloser. At Discloser’s request, Recipient shall return or destroy all Confidential Information; provided, however, Recipient may retain one copy of Confidential Information (i) if required by applicable law, rule or regulation, or (ii) pursuant to a bona fide and consistently applied document retention policy; provided, further, that in either case, any Confidential Information so retained shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations of this Agreement.
16. Prohibited Uses
Your access to the Trading Services and any transactions you make are subject to this Agreement, including the BitGo Trust Trading Rules, and BitGo Trust’s policies, each as amended from time to time. We reserve the right to monitor, review, retain and/or disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, sanctions program, legal process or governmental request. You may not use your access to engage in any of the activities set forth at https://www.bitgo.com/bitgo-prohibited-uses-and-businesses-terms/.
17. Digital Asset Software Protocols
You agree and acknowledge that BitGo Trust does not own or control the underlying software protocols that govern operation of the Digital Assets that are supported by the Trading Services. These software protocols are open source, meaning that anyone can use, copy, modify, and distribute them. You agree and acknowledge that (i) BitGo Trust is not responsible for operation of the underlying software protocols that govern the operation of the Digital Assets and (ii) BitGo Trust is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the ongoing functionality, security, or availability of the Digital Assets or the Digital Asset marketplace or trading venues. You further agree and acknowledge that the underlying software protocols governing the Digital Assets may be subject to sudden changes in operating rules due to the actions of third parties (“Forks”), and that Forks may have a material effect on the value, function, character or name of the Digital Assets, or available for purchase or sale using the Trading Services. In the event of a Fork, BitGo Trust shall have the right, in its sole discretion and without prior notice, to temporarily suspend the Trading Services, and may determine it will not support any particular Fork in the underlying software protocols. BitGo Trust will notify you of any modifications to its Trading Services in connection with a Fork by posting on the Trading System or emailing you. BitGo Trust is not responsible for, and you agree we are not liable for, any lost profits, trading losses or any other losses or damages that result from a change in the underlying software protocols of the Digital Assets or BitGo Trust’s determination to support or not support any modified software protocol.
18. Provision of Market Data
We may convey to you by telephone, electronic, or other means the last sale transaction data, bid and asked quotations, news reports, analysts’ reports or research, or other information relating to Digital Assets and the Digital Assets markets (collectively referred to in this section as “market data”). We may charge a fee for providing these market data. We provide market data only for your internal use; you may not directly or indirectly copy, reproduce, sell, lease, market, retransmit, communicate, distribute or otherwise make available any portion, derivation or revision of market data in any medium, print or electronic, in any manner unless you have entered into a written agreement with the appropriate market data provider or have the express written consent of BitGo Trust.
However, the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability for use, or correct sequencing of the market data is not guaranteed either by us or by the third-party market data providers and may include inaccurate, erroneous, incomplete or out-of-date information. In an effort to continue to provide you with complete and accurate information, information may be changed or updated from time to time without notice. Accordingly, you should verify all information before relying on it, and all decisions based on information that you obtain from or through us are your sole responsibility and we shall have no liability for such decisions. Furthermore, neither we nor the third-party market data providers will be liable for interruptions in the availability of market data or your access to market data.
The market data are provided “as is” and on an “as available” basis. There is no warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the market data, including any warranty of accuracy, completeness or timeliness. We are not responsible for, and you agree not to hold us liable for, lost profits, trading losses, or any other damages resulting from market data or your use thereof. In any case, our liability arising from any legal claim (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) relating to the market data will not exceed the amount you have paid for use of the Trading Services. You agree that we may correct any execution reported to you that was based on inaccurate market data provided to us by a Digital Asset trading vendor, market center, or other providers.
19. Disclaimer of Warranties
THE TRADING SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BITGO TRUST SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. BITGO TRUST DOES NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES THAT ACCESS TO THE TRADING SYSTEM, ANY PART OF THE BITGO TRUST TRADING SERVICES, OR ANY OF THE MATERIALS CONTAINED THEREIN, WILL BE CONTINUOUS, UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, OR ERROR-FREE.
20. Limitations of Liability
BITGO TRUST WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR TO ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY EXPENSES, LOSSES, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, DEMANDS, CHARGES, AND CLAIMS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING ANY LEGAL EXPENSES AND COSTS OR EXPENSES RELATING TO INVESTIGATING OR DEFENDING ANY DEMANDS, CHARGES, AND CLAIMS) (COLLECTIVELY, “LOSSES”) IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATED TO THE TRADING SERVICES, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH LOSSES RESULT SOLELY FROM BITGO TRUST’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.
WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, BITGO TRUST WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSSES CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY: GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS, EXCHANGE OR MARKET RULINGS, MARKET VOLATILITY OR DISRUPTIONS IN ORDER TRADING ON ANY EXCHANGE OR MARKET, SUSPENSION OF TRADING, WAR, STRIKES, SEVERE WEATHER, NATURAL DISASTERS, OTHER ACTS OF GOD, FAILURE OF COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT OR COMMUNICATION LINES, UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, THEFT, OPERATOR ERRORS, ACTS OF TERRORISM, FAILURE OF THIRD PARTIES TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS, ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY TRADING VENUE OR OTHER CONDITIONS AND OCCURRENCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
BITGO TRUST WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, INTANGIBLE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING TRADING LOSSES), WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES OR OTHER LOSSES WERE REASONABLY FORESEEABLE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, YOUR USE OF THE TRADING SYSTEM OR ANY API IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. NEITHER BITGO TRUST NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS (“BITGO PARTIES”) SHALL BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS, COST, DAMAGE, OR OTHER INJURY OR THIRD-PARTY CLAIM, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT, ARISING OUT OF OR CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY YOUR USE OF THE TRADING SYSTEM OR ANY API OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THE TRADING SYSTEM OR API. IN NO EVENT WILL ANY BITGO PARTY BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, COSTS, OR OTHER DAMAGES ALLEGED TO HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO ANY INTERRUPTION, DELAY OF SERVICE, SYSTEM FAILURE, ERROR IN THE ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONING OF THE SYSTEM) OR SIMILAR DAMAGES OUTSIDE OF BITGO TRUST’S REASONABLE CONTROL, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. THIS PROVISION SHALL SURVIVE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF THE AGREEMENT.
THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS APPLY EQUALLY TO THE BITGO TRUST’S AFFILIATES AND BITGO TRUST’S SERVICE PROVIDERS, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, EMPLOYEES OR REPRESENTATIVES, AND DO NOT APPLY WHERE LIMITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
21. Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless BitGo Trust, the BitGo Parties, its and their licensors and service providers, and each of its or their respective officers, directors, agents, service providers, employees and representatives, harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and any fines, fees or penalties imposed by any regulatory authority) arising out of or related to your breach of this Agreement or your violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or the rights of any third party. This obligation will survive any termination of the Agreement.
22. Taxes
It is your sole responsibility to determine whether, and to what extent, any taxes apply to any transactions you conduct through the Trading Services, and to withhold, collect, report and remit the correct amounts of taxes to the appropriate tax authorities.
23. Termination
Regardless of any other provision of this Agreement, BitGo Trust has the right to change the nature or composition of the Trading Services at any time, without prior notice. However, we will use reasonable efforts to provide you advance notice of material changes. BitGo Trust may close or suspend access to the Trading System, or terminate or suspend your access to any feature, at any time, without prior notice; provided, BitGo Trust will use reasonable efforts to provide thirty (30) days’ prior notice of such suspension, closure, or termination. Such termination or suspension may include declining to accept orders or balance transfers, and cancelling transactions. Regardless of how or when your access is closed, you will remain responsible for all charges, debit items or other transactions you initiated or authorized, whether arising before or after termination. Final disbursement of assets may be delayed until any remaining obligations or indebtedness have been satisfied. You may terminate this Agreement at any time by ceasing your access to and use of the Trading Services. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason all licenses and rights granted to you under this Agreement will also terminate. Any terms that by their nature are intended to continue beyond the termination or expiration of this Agreement will survive termination.
24. Construction
As used in this Agreement, the words “including”, “includes” and their other derivations are non-exclusive and are in each case deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”
25. Governing Law
All matters arising in connection with the Agreement and the Trading Services will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
26. Assignment
We may assign our rights and obligations under this Agreement without restriction, including to any subsidiary, affiliate, or successor by merger or consolidation. You may not assign your rights or obligation under this Agreement. Any attempted transfer or assignment by you in violation hereof will be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement is binding upon you and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.
27. Entire Agreement
This Agreement and the terms contained on the Trading Activity Confirmations, and any other statements and confirmations sent to you by or on behalf of BitGo Trust, together with the terms of use available at https://www.bitgo.com/legal/bitgo-terms-of-use/ (the “Online Terms”) and the privacy policy available at https://www.bitgo.com/legal/bitgo-privacy/ comprise the entire understanding between you and BitGo Trust and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements and understandings, including any previous version of this Agreement, with respect to the subject matter hereto. Section headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not govern the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the Terms and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement will control.
28. Dispute Resolution.
(a) Mandatory Arbitration. In the event of a Dispute (as defined below), such Dispute shall be settled by arbitration as outlined in this Section 26.
(b) No Class Action. CLIENT AGREES THAT ANY CLAIMS WILL BE ADJUDICATED SOLELY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, AND CLIENT WAIVES THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION, OR OTHER JOINT ACTION WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
(c) Arbitration Disclosure. ARBITRATION IS FINAL AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES. THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING THEIR RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES IN COURT, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL. PRE-ARBITRATION DISCOVERY IS GENERALLY MORE LIMITED THAN AND DIFFERENT FROM COURT PROCEEDINGS. THE ARBITRATOR WILL ISSUE A REASONED AWARD.
(d) Arbitration Agreement. Unless otherwise specified, any dispute, claim or controversy between the Parties relating to this Agreement (“Dispute”) will be resolved through binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). All arbitration proceedings will be closed to the public and confidential and all related records will be permanently sealed, except as necessary to obtain court confirmation of the arbitration award. The arbitration will be conducted before a single arbitrator selected jointly by the Parties. If the Parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator, then the AAA will choose the arbitrator. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings will be English. The arbitrator will be bound to the strict interpretation and observation of the terms of this Agreement and will be specifically empowered to grant injunctions and/or specific performance and to allocate between the Parties the costs of arbitration, as well as reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs, in such equitable manner as the arbitrator may determine. Judgment upon the award so rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction or application may be made to such court for judicial acceptance of any award and an order of enforcement, as the case may be. In no event will a demand for arbitration be made after the date when institution of a legal or equitable proceeding based upon such Dispute would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations. Any such arbitration will be conducted in New York, New York, or at such other location as may be agreed to by the Parties and arbitrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party acknowledges that a breach of this Agreement may cause the other Party irreparable injury and damage and therefore may be enjoined through injunctive or other equitable proceedings in addition to any other rights and remedies which may be available to such other Party at law or in equity, and each Party hereby consents to the jurisdiction of any federal or state courts located in New York, New York with respect to any such Dispute. The Parties expressly waive any objection based on personal jurisdiction, venue or forum non conveniens. This Agreement evidences a transaction in interstate commerce, and thus the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et. seq., governs the interpretation and enforcement of this provision. Under this arbitration provision, the arbitrator will not be bound by rulings in prior arbitrations involving different customers but is bound by rulings in prior arbitrations involving the same customer to the extent required by applicable law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, CLAIM, SUIT, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF SUCH PARTY IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(e) Notice of Dispute and Arbitration Procedures. A Party who intends to pursue a Dispute must first send to the other a letter describing the Dispute and containing the information described below (a “Notice of Dispute”). Any Notice of Dispute sent to Custodian should be addressed and send to:
Attn: Notice of Dispute
legal@bitgo.com
Any Notice of Dispute sent to Client by Custodian will be sent to the email address and/or address in our records that is associated with your Account at the time the Notice of Dispute is sent. The Notice of Dispute must: (i) describe the nature and basis of the Dispute; (ii) set forth the specific relief sought; (iii) set forth the name and address of the claimant; and (iv) identify the Account to which the Dispute relates. If the Parties do not reach an agreement to resolve the Dispute described in the Notice of Dispute within sixty (60) days after the Notice of Dispute is received, the Parties may commence an arbitration proceeding with the AAA. No Party will disclose to the arbitrator the existence, amount, or terms of any settlement offers made by any Party until after the arbitrator issues a final award resolving the Dispute.
A form for initiating arbitration proceedings is available on the AAA’s website at http://www.adr.org.
The arbitration will be governed by the AAA’s Commercial Dispute Resolution Procedures, as amended from time to time (the “AAA Rules”) or as modified by this Agreement, and will be administered by the AAA. The AAA Rules are available online at http://www.adr.org, by calling the AAA at 1-800-778-7879, or by writing to the notice address provided above.
If the value of the relief sought (by any Party) is $10,000 or less, you may choose whether the arbitration will be conducted solely on the basis of documents submitted to the arbitrator, through a telephonic hearing, or by an in-person hearing as established by the AAA Rules. If the value of the relief sought (to any Party) exceeds $10,000, the right to a hearing will be determined by the AAA Rules.
29. Severability
If any provision or condition of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court or regulatory or self-regulatory agency or body, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or condition. The validity of the remaining provisions and conditions shall not be affected thereby, and this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision or condition were not contained herein.
30. Waiver
Any waivers of rights by BitGo Trust under this Agreement must be expressed in writing and signed by BitGo Trust. A waiver will apply only to the particular circumstance giving rise to the waiver and will not be considered a continuing waiver in other similar circumstances unless the intention to grant a continuing waiver is expressed in writing. Our failure to insist on strict compliance with this Agreement or any other course of conduct on our part shall not be considered a waiver of our rights under this Agreement.
31. Changes to this Agreement
From time to time, we may change this Agreement. If we materially change this Agreement, we will inform you by posting the revised terms within the Trading System or by emailing you at the email address provided by you upon registration. Those changes will go into effect on the Last Modified Date shown in the revised Agreement. By continuing to use the Trading Services, you agree to the revised Agreement. If you object to any such changes, your sole recourse shall be to cease using the Trading Services.
DISCLOSURES
Please note the following disclosures associated with virtual currency:
▪ Virtual currency is not legal tender, is not backed by the government, and accounts and value balances are not subject to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or Securities Investor Protection Corporation protections.
▪ Legislative and regulatory changes or actions at the state, federal, or international level may adversely affect the use, transfer, exchange, and value of virtual currency.
▪ Transactions in virtual currency may be irreversible, and, accordingly, losses due to fraudulent or accidental transactions may not be recoverable.
▪ Some virtual currency transactions shall be deemed to be made when recorded on a public ledger, which is not necessarily the date or time that the customer initiates the transaction.
▪ The value of virtual currency may be derived from the continued willingness of market participants to exchange fiat currency for virtual currency, which may result in the potential for permanent and total loss of value of a particular virtual currency should the market for that virtual currency disappear.
▪ There is no assurance that a person who accepts a virtual currency as payment today will continue to do so in the future.
▪ The volatility and unpredictability of the price of virtual currency relative to fiat currency may result in significant loss over a short period of time.
▪ The nature of virtual currency may lead to an increased risk of fraud or cyber-attack.
▪ The nature of virtual currency means that any technological difficulties experienced by BitGo Trust may prevent the access or use of a customer’s virtual currency.
▪ Any bond or trust account maintained by BitGo Trust for the benefit of its customers may not be sufficient to cover all losses incurred by customers.
Principal Trading Disclosure
BitGo Trust conducts these activities strictly as principal. BitGo Trust conducts its principal transactions with you as an arm’s length counterparty and does not act as an agent, fiduciary or financial advisor or in any similar capacity on your behalf in relation to these transactions. Any statements made by or through BitGo Trust’s personnel, its electronic systems or otherwise in the processing or execution of transactions should not be construed or relied upon as recommendations or advice of any nature. We expect you to evaluate the appropriateness of any transaction based on the facts and circumstances relevant to you and your assessment of the transaction’s merits.
Pricing Factors
BitGo Trust’ principles provide that prices offered should be fair and reasonable. Any price or spread that you receive will be an “all-in” price or spread that incorporates sales and trading mark-ups or other charges over the price or spread at which BitGo Trust traded or may have been able to trade with its other counterparties. Such prices or spreads may differ from the prices or spreads that BitGo Trust offers to other counterparties. Any firm or indicative price or spread or other terms of a transaction (including whether a spread is greater on the bid or offer side) may vary in BitGo Trust’s discretion, depending on a broad range of factors. These include transaction or counterparty specific factors, including the overall size of the transaction, your previous trading behavior (e.g., transaction size and frequency and trading gains or losses, including whether BitGo Trust anticipates that you will, based on your trading history, be more likely to buy or sell), BitGo Trust’s expenses associated with effecting the transaction (including, among other things, transaction processing costs and venue fees associated with execution), the credit and settlement risks associated with the transaction, operational risks (including the operational stability of the market venue where the transaction will be executed), a profit for BitGo Trust (after taking into consideration the impact on financial resources such as balance sheet, risk weighted assets, liquidity, funding and other items that may impact BitGo Trust’s capital positions) and the nature of our relationship with you including the level of service that we provide to you. In addition, BitGo Trust considers other factors, including prevailing market conditions, BitGo Trust’s risk profile, inventory and risk appetite. BitGo Trust’ provision of principal liquidity is therefore not independent from the interests of BitGo Trust, which may conflict with, diverge from or adversely impact your interests. BitGo Trust may also differentiate pricing by platform or trading venue, which may result in you receiving different prices on different platforms or venues. Factors that may contribute to this differentiation by platform or venue include but are not limited to the conventions of the platform or venue, which may include minimum price increment, parameters for accepting or rejecting orders or trade requests, available order or trade types, underlying technology or latency, fees and other economic considerations, such as historic experience with the platform or venue. BitGo Trust may have a stake in or other relationship with trading venues and clearing systems on which BitGo Trust handles your orders or trade requests and, as a result, may receive financial or other benefits that are not shared with you, including through BitGo Trust’ participation in incentive schemes of such trading venues and clearing systems.
Order Handling
When BitGo Trust accepts an order from you or conveys that it is “working” an order for you, BitGo Trust will attempt, but is not committed, to execute the trade at or near the requested price and/or quantity. BitGo Trust attempts to execute orders when it expects to make an appropriate return on the transaction, considering market conditions at the time, its own positions (including inventory strategy and overall risk management strategies), its costs, risks and other business factors and objectives. Neither BitGo Trust’ receipt of an order nor any indication given that BitGo Trust is working an order creates a contract obligating BitGo Trust to execute the order. Where you submit an order which is subject to conditions, the fact that any such conditions are satisfied does not mean that BitGo Trust will complete your transaction at the requested order price or quantity level (after considering any spread or similar adjustment reflecting BitGo Trust’s return on the transaction) or that there exists a tradable market at that level. BitGo Trust may receive multiple requests for prices or multiple orders for the same or related Products and may also transact in the same or related Products for the purposes of its risk management activities. BitGo Trust retains discretion as to how to satisfy such competing interests, including with respect to order execution, fill quantity, aggregation, priority and pricing. BitGo Trust is not obligated to disclose to you at any time that we are handling other counterparties’ orders or that we have our own orders trading ahead of, at the same time as, or on an aggregated basis with, your order. BitGo Trust may execute transactions as part of its risk management activities or for the benefit of another counterparty at a price that could satisfy your order, leaving your order unfilled or only partially filled. BitGo Trust may hedge its exposure resulting from orders against internal or external sources of liquidity. If the entire combined order is not executed at the same price, BitGo Trust may blend the prices paid or received and fill the participating accounts at the blended net prices that it elects to assign to each such account, which may result in you receiving a worse price than if your order had been executed on an individual basis.
Pre-trade Positioning and Pre-hedging
When you indicate your interest in a potential transaction or provide us with a request to enter into a transaction, BitGo Trust may use that information to engage in pre-hedging and hedging activities, which may include entering into transactions prior to executing your potential transaction or request with a view to facilitating your potential transaction or request. Any transactions entered into by us with a view to facilitating your potential transaction or request will be entered into by BitGo Trust as principal, not as agent for you, could be at different prices from the price at which BitGo Trust executes your transaction, may affect the market price of or liquidity for the Products you are buying and/or selling and may result in profit, or loss, to BitGo Trust.
This disclosure may be updated from time to time and made available through http://www.bitgo.com together with other important disclosures which you should review to the extent applicable to your relationship with BitGo Trust.
ANNEX A – EXECUTIONS
This Annex A – Executions shall constitute a part of, and is hereby incorporated into, that certain Electronic Trading Agreement between BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association (“BitGo Trust”) and you (the “Agreement”). Capitalized terms which are not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement.
Execution Via a Trade Request:
You may provide BitGo Trust with a Trade Request via telephonic and/or electronic communication (including via the Trading System or an API). Upon receipt of a Request, BitGo Trust may provide you with a price (which may be denominated in a fiat currency or another cryptocurrency) at which it is willing to sell or purchase (as the case may be) a specified quantity of such cryptocurrency (a “Price Quote”). You must immediately accept a Price Quote, otherwise the Price Quote will be deemed to be rejected and expire and no transaction may be effective in accordance with the Price Quote. If you accept the Price Quote, a transaction will be deemed to have been executed, on the terms set forth in the Price Quote, only at the time BitGo Trust confirms the execution (a “Confirmation of Execution”) via electronic and/or telephonic communication. If BitGo Trust does not provide a Confirmation of Execution, the Price Quote shall be deemed to be rejected and expire and no transaction may be effected in accordance with such Price Quote. Following the Confirmation of Execution, BitGo Trust shall send you a trade confirmation in accordance with Section 13 of these Terms.
Execution Via Selection of Streaming Prices:
BitGo Trust may make an API available to you to assist in facilitating communications, the sharing of information and the execution of transactions between the Parties. In the event you submit an order for the purchase or sale of a cryptocurrency based on a price streaming provided through the API, a transaction will only be deemed to have been executed at the time BitGo Trust confirms the execution (a “Transaction Confirmation”) via the API or another method. Following the Transaction Confirmation, BitGo Trust shall provide a Trade Confirmation confirming (a) the cryptocurrency to be purchased or sold; (b) the Specified Cryptocurrency (as defined above); (c) the purchaser and seller; (d) the Payment Amount (as defined below); and (e) any details regarding the methods for settlement.
Use of the API:
By accessing the API, you agree that: (a) the API is being provided to you on as “as is” basis for its internal use only and only Authorized Users shall access the API; (b) you shall, and shall cause each Authorized User to, access the API exclusively through a secure point including, but not limited to graphical or programmatic interfaces, whether accessed via the Internet, a private connection or any other technological means, using unique login credentials assigned to each Authorized Individual. you assume all risk and bear sole responsibility for establishing access to the API; (c) all information including, but not limited to pricing data, provided via the API (the “API Information”) is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of BitGo Trust and you shall have no right to use the API Information, except as expressly permitted by the Online Terms. Distribution of API Information is expressly prohibited; (d) BitGo Trust may deny your access to the API at any time and without notice, for any reason including, but not limited to BitGo Trust’s belief that such access is in violation of these Terms; (e) you shall be responsible for all acts or omissions of any person utilizing the API, including, but not limited to, orders placed or transactions executed via the API through your access; (f) BitGo Trust will use reasonable efforts but is under no obligation to accept an order from you for the purchase or sale of a cryptocurrency based on streaming price provided through the API or cancel an order that you seeks to cancel; (g) BitGo Trust has no responsibility for your transmissions that are inaccurate or not received by BitGo Trust; and (h) BitGo Trust makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the API or with respect to any data or information made available through the API and BitGo Trust expressly disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, including any warranty for the use of the API with respect to its correctness, quality, accuracy, completeness, reliability, performance, timeliness, continued availability or otherwise.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the Effective Date.