This article reflects its original publication date. Programme figures, entry routes, counterparties and availability mentioned here are historical, and must be confirmed against current written terms. Start with the current review checklist.
In May, I set out why every structured trade route starts with the same questions. What is the asset, who owns it, who controls it, where is it held, and can it pass compliance? A month of intake reviews since then has only sharpened the point, so here is the updated version with examples from recent files, anonymised.
The position
A wallet held on a major exchange was presented for a large trade. The platform's fine print showed the holder did not have true ownership of the keys. The desk declined it, correctly, and the client had to restructure custody before the conversation could restart.
A control test that should have taken an afternoon took three weeks, because the test wallet turned out to be leased from a third party. Compliance spotted it, required a brand-new wallet, a small documented transfer in each direction, and photographic evidence of every step. The client passed in the end. The point is that the desk checks every time, and a borrowed setup always surfaces.
A fiat position arrived with no clarity on the account type, the jurisdiction or the beneficial owner. Three short answers would have qualified it for review. Three weeks of chasing disqualified it instead.
The route options
- XSWAP for positions from roughly 5m, with escrow or face-to-face entry and returns generally in the 1-6% gross per trading day range, depending on size and approval.
What to consider
- RemoteX for larger wallets in the 20m-50m range, where the client keeps control and accepts deeper due diligence.
- T1D for 50m and above.
What we need before giving a view
Public wallet links or valid proof of funds, exact asset type and value, confirmation of ownership and control, the custody position, the wallet history, and full KYC on the beneficial owner once the position merits review.
Preparing the file
Each item on that list exists because a file died without it.
If this resonates, I am happy to explain where XSWAP or T1D fits, or does not fit, in a direct conversation.