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No More KYC with ShapeShift

erikvoorhees.medium.com

21–30 of 78 posts

Re: No More KYC with ShapeShift

#21

Seems unlikely that they are actually going to be able to get around KYC.

Why would they need KYC if they don't handle any money?

They wouldn’t, but they might still be considered to be running an exchange if they keep a centralized orderbook. So i don’t know how they will get around that.

Re: No More KYC with ShapeShift

#22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah, this is an astute observation. If they're taking a cut of the transaction, I suspect they'll still fall under KYC (either because the legislation today is sufficient or because it'll be changed as soon as they become a threat).

they will release their own governance token through an airdrop. It's the new way to fund decentralised startups - no need for VC. Essentially it's the equivalent of an IPO on day 1.

So essentially a security scam.

Re: No More KYC with ShapeShift

#23
post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

they will release their own governance token through an airdrop. It's the new way to fund decentralised startups - no need for VC. Essentially it's the equivalent of an IPO on day 1.

IPOs raise money in exchange for equity, they don't create any profits.

I understand. Governance tokens are equity (usually with voting rights), and are used to generate a capital base for a decentralised product (think: crowdfunding). Not all governance tokens are airdropped and the secondary market for said tokens often results in them appreciating over time. I would suspect shapeshift to fund itself and generate wealth for the founders through doing this both at the point of issuance and over time.

Re: No More KYC with ShapeShift

#27
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, we're simply integrating with DEX's on the platform. ShapeShift is moving away from handling the exchange and turning that functionality over to outside providers.

But then why not use the DEXes directy?

ShapeShift's software sets it up so that customers DO use the DEXes directly.

Re: No More KYC with ShapeShift

#28

CISO of ShapeShift here. If our values speak to you, and you're a security researcher - WE ARE HIRING https://shapeshift.com/careers In liberty, --Michael

I'm trying to better understand Shapeshift's business model. How do you make money?

Re: No More KYC with ShapeShift

#29

Did this get checked by a lawyer before posting? Reading this, I get the hacker vibe: "The law says this, but I came up with this clever hack so it does not apply to me." Unfortunately for this view, the law and judges who apply the law care a lot about intent, and are not very impressed by "hacks" of the law. Advertising that you are doing an end-around KYC, is something that a judge will find very interesting if th…

First, it's important to note that we will continue to KYC users when they trade directly with us as the counterparty (this is our old model and we have to KYC in this case). When it comes to DEX trading, it means we are not part of the trade; we are not a custodian, a counterparty, or an intermediary of any kind. Thus, we are not regulated in that case because we are not engaged in a regulated activity and are in full compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Re: No More KYC with ShapeShift

#30
> Bad guys: we are not your friends. There are various ways of surveilling blockchain transactions that are far more effective than KYC. Not only will we continue to cooperate with authorities where required by law, but we actively collaborate with industry groups to monitor and root out sinister activity. We are here to protect good people, and as such, stand resolutely against evil.

"Against evil"...now where have I heard that before...

Translation: "We, a private corporation, get to determine what good and evil is. YMMV how/why you qualify for either or."

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