I did a quick research but couldnt find any information about the exchange seeking pro actively compliance with it's jurisdiction (UK). After all the recent shut downs of unauthorized exchanges around the globe I start to worry about it being the next one on the list, likely so because it already ranks #2 in trade volume.
These are some facts I came across:BITSTAMP LTD.
5 Jupiter House
Calleva Park, Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire RG7 8NN
United Kingdom
DOCUMENTS IN KYC PROCEDURE
WARNING: Below listed documentation and information is only given as exemplary cases and should only be interpreted as such. Bitstamp reserves the right to determine if additional information or documentation is required.
- Photo ID: Drivers Licence, National Identity Card or Passport
- Proof of residence: A separate proof of address is required in the form of a utility bill, bank or credit card statement (issued within last three months).
Information collected
Information collected by Bitstamp are:
•Your name;
•Your photographic identification, including a high quality image of your government issued ID;
•Your address;
•Your e-mail address;
•Your banking details including account numbers;
•Your date of birth; and
•Your trades.
https://www.bitstamp.net/kyc-policy/
The bank they use for SEPA deposits (and withdrawals?) as well as international depoits (withdrawals?):Bank name: Unicredit banka Slovenija d.d.
Address: Smartinska 140
City: 1000 Ljubljana
Country: Slovenia
BIC (SWIFT): BACXSI22
Unicredit Bank is headquartered in Roma Italy.
Also:https://www.bitstamp.net/aml-policy/https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=49862.20-edit-
http://www.cityam.com/article/bitcoin-exchanges-ask-uk-regulator-approvalhttp://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1klvo9/why_will_bitamp_fall_sooner_or_later/As far as I know there is no ruling from UK authorities yet as how to treat and thereby regulate Bitcoin. According to the last source cited above, Bitstamp would probably be treated as a Bureau de Change, rather then a Money Service Business or Transmitter. As long as the FSA does not license Bitstamp however it could be shut down any moment by authorities or banks. It seems Bitstamp has only one bank to rely on and that in itself is concerning for the reliance of this exchange to keep working smoothly. I hope they diversify and would love to see some evidence of regulatory compliance/approval.
Is there anything I missed? What do you guys think?
