Participant Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

1.1 Agreement: These terms and conditions (the Terms) together with the GoldChain Registration Form which incorporates these Terms (the Registration Form) completed by the entity specified on the Registration Form (Participant, you, your) form the agreement (the Agreement) between the Participant and GoldChain (as defined below). In the event that there is any conflict between the provisions of the Registration Form and the Terms, the provisions of the Registration Form shall take precedence.

1.2 Scope of Services: These Terms apply to Participants’ use of the GoldChain marketplace platform, accessible at www.goldchainblock.io (the GoldChain Marketplace or GoldChain Platform). Unless any other specific terms and conditions are made available by us, these Terms also apply to any/all services, products, and tools made available by GoldChain either through the GoldChain Marketplace or through a link or portal provided by us (such services, products, and tools, together with the GoldChain Platform, are referred to in these Terms as the Services).

The Services to which these Terms apply include:

GoldChain Marketplace trading functionality (listing, buying, selling gold)
Escrow services facilitated through third-party providers
Blockchain transaction recording and verification
Shipping and logistics integration
KYC/AML verification and compliance tools
Any and all associated services, functionality, integrations, and documentation made available by GoldChain

1.3 Service Provider: The Services are provided by HIGH TABLE LLC (a company incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida under document number L21000107197 with principal place of business at 936 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 414, Miami, FL 33130) operating the GoldChain Platform (GoldChain, we, us, our).

1.4 Important Information: Please read these Terms carefully as they set out the basis on which you may access and/or use the Services and all associated features, content, materials, data, and information made available to you by us (GoldChain Content). Please also see our Privacy Policy which sets out details of how we will process personal information.

1.5 Changes to Terms: We may revise these Terms at any time by posting a revised version on the GoldChain Platform or relevant login page for the Services, or by otherwise notifying you by email to the email address associated with your account. Any changes made to these Terms will be effective from the date stated at the end of these Terms; please therefore ensure you read these Terms each time you access the GoldChain Platform and/or the applicable Services. It is your responsibility to check the Terms for any modifications. If you do not accept any new Terms we make available, then you should not use the applicable Services and must notify us immediately.

1.6 Acceptance of Terms: By completing the Registration Form and requesting platform access, you are confirming to us that you have read these Terms and that you:

(a) will only access and/or use the Services in your capacity as a representative of a business or company (where applicable being the specific legal entity you notified to us as part of the registration process required for the applicable Services) and not as a consumer; and

(b) agree to be bound by these Terms; and

(d) acknowledge that marketplace access requires completion of KYC verification, payment of applicable membership fees, and approval by GoldChain.

1.7 Authority to Bind: Where you notify us, as part of the registration process, that you are a representative of a particular business or company (for instance, by using your company email address or providing company registration documents), you warrant that you have the authority to bind the legal entity of such business and/or company to these Terms and that such business and/or company will comply with these Terms.

1.8 KYC and Verification: To access the GoldChain Marketplace, you must complete our KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process and provide all required documentation including but not limited to:

Government-issued identification
Business registration documents
Proof of address
Trading, export, import, or other relevant licenses as applicable to your account type
Bank account verification
Any additional documents required for compliance with applicable laws and regulations

To the extent that we have applicable pre-existing rights to use information already provided to an entity in our group by you, this may be used to satisfy KYC requirements. However, we reserve the right to request additional information to comply with applicable laws and regulations to the extent this is necessary. You shall notify us immediately if any of the information previously provided is now out of date and/or has otherwise changed.

2. Account Types and Membership Fees

2.1 Account Types: GoldChain offers three types of marketplace participant accounts:

Producer Account – For artisanal miners, mining cooperatives, aggregators, and mine owners who supply gold to the marketplace.
Trader Account – For dealers, exporters, importers, and traders who facilitate cross-border gold trade.
Retailer Account – For jewelers, manufacturers, and refineries who purchase gold for processing or retail sale.

2.2 Membership Fees: Access to the GoldChain Marketplace requires payment of a one-time membership fee:

Producer: $50 (one-time)
Trader: $500 (one-time)
Retailer: $1,000 (one-time)

Membership fees are non-refundable once your account has been approved and you have been granted platform access. Membership fees cover KYC verification, license authentication, platform onboarding, and lifetime access to the GoldChain Marketplace, subject to compliance with these Terms.

2.3 Transaction Fees: In addition to membership fees, all marketplace transactions are subject to transaction fees:

Seller Fee: 0.75% of transaction value
Buyer Fee: 0.25% of transaction value

Transaction fees are automatically calculated and deducted at the time of transaction completion. Volume discounts may be available for high-volume traders; contact us for custom pricing.

2.4 Payment Terms: Membership fees must be paid during the onboarding process after receiving approval notification and before accessing marketplace functionality. We accept payment via credit card, bank transfer, or other methods as specified during onboarding. All fees are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified.

3. Marketplace Trading Terms

3.1 Listing Gold: Participants with appropriate permissions may list gold for sale on the GoldChain Marketplace. All listings must include:

Accurate weight, purity, and specifications
High-quality photographs
Origin and mine location information
Assay reports and certifications (where applicable)
Export licenses and documentation (for exporters)
Asking price or “Make Offer” designation

You represent and warrant that all information provided in listings is accurate, complete, and not misleading. You are responsible for ensuring all gold listed complies with applicable laws and regulations including but not limited to export controls, sanctions, and conflict minerals regulations.

3.2 Buying Gold: Participants may browse listings and submit purchase offers through the marketplace. By submitting an offer, you agree to:

Complete the transaction if your offer is accepted
Deposit funds into escrow as required
Confirm receipt of gold upon delivery
Provide accurate information regarding your purchase intent and capabilities

3.3 Escrow Requirements: All marketplace transactions must use GoldChain’s integrated escrow service provided by Escrow.com or other approved third-party escrow providers. When a transaction is agreed upon:

(a) The buyer must deposit the full purchase price into escrow within the timeframe specified (typically 48 hours)

(b) Funds are held securely by the escrow provider until the buyer confirms receipt and authenticity of the gold

(d) Upon buyer confirmation, funds are released to the seller minus applicable transaction fees

(e) In the event of a dispute, funds remain in escrow until resolution

You agree to comply with all escrow provider terms and conditions. GoldChain is not responsible for escrow provider performance or any losses resulting from escrow provider actions or inactions.

3.4 Shipping and Delivery: Sellers are responsible for:

Packaging gold securely and appropriately for transport
Arranging insured shipping through approved carriers
Providing tracking information to buyers
Ensuring all customs and export/import documentation is complete and accurate
Bearing the cost of shipping unless otherwise agreed with buyer

Buyers are responsible for:

Providing accurate delivery address
Being available to receive shipments or arranging secure delivery location
Inspecting gold upon receipt
Confirming delivery through the platform within reasonable timeframe

GoldChain provides shipping cost estimation and tracking integration through EasyPost but is not responsible for carrier performance, delays, damage, or loss during transit. All parties should obtain appropriate insurance for high-value shipments.

3.5 Blockchain Recording: All completed transactions are automatically recorded on the blockchain, creating a permanent, immutable record of:

Transaction date and parties (business names only, not personal information)
Gold specifications (weight, purity, origin)
Transaction value (may be anonymized for privacy)
Supporting documentation hashes
Chain of custody information

By using the Services, you consent to your transaction information being recorded on the blockchain and acknowledge that blockchain records cannot be deleted or modified.

3.6 Prohibited Activities: You may not:

List counterfeit, stolen, or illegally obtained gold
Misrepresent the origin, purity, weight, or characteristics of gold
Engage in wash trading or other forms of market manipulation
Circumvent the platform to avoid transaction fees
Use the platform for money laundering or other illegal activities
Collude with other participants to manipulate prices
Use bots or automated systems to gain unfair advantage
Create multiple accounts to evade restrictions or fees
Share your account credentials with others
Violate any applicable sanctions, export controls, or trade restrictions

Violation of these prohibitions may result in immediate account suspension or termination and potential legal action.

4. Compliance and Legal Requirements

4.1 Licensing Requirements: You represent and warrant that you hold all necessary licenses, permits, and authorizations required to conduct your gold trading activities in your jurisdiction, including but not limited to:

Mining licenses or permits (for Producers)
Export licenses (for Traders/Exporters)
Import licenses (for Traders/Importers)
Precious metals dealer licenses (for all account types as applicable)
Business registration and tax registration

You agree to maintain all required licenses in good standing and to notify GoldChain immediately if any license is suspended, revoked, or expires.

4.2 AML/CFT Compliance: GoldChain is committed to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. All Participants must:

Complete KYC verification before accessing the marketplace
Provide accurate and truthful information about beneficial ownership
Report suspicious transactions or activities to GoldChain
Comply with all applicable anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) laws and regulations
Screen customers and counterparties against sanctions lists
Maintain records of transactions as required by law

GoldChain reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate service to any participant that fails to meet AML/CFT standards or raises compliance concerns.

4.3 Sanctions Compliance: You represent and warrant that you are not:

Located in, organized under the laws of, or resident in a country or territory subject to comprehensive sanctions (including but not limited to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or the Crimea region of Ukraine)
Owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, any person or entity on the U.S. OFAC SDN list, UN sanctions lists, EU sanctions lists, or other applicable sanctions lists
Engaging in transactions involving parties subject to sanctions

You agree to immediately notify GoldChain if your sanctions status changes.

4.4 Conflict Minerals Compliance: All gold traded on the GoldChain Marketplace must comply with applicable conflict minerals regulations including:

U.S. Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502
EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017/821)
OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas

Participants must conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure gold is not sourced from conflict-affected regions or used to finance armed groups. GoldChain may request documentation supporting conflict-free status.

4.5 The Clean Gold Initiative: All Participants must comply with The Clean Gold Initiative, which requires:

Ethical sourcing free from child labor, forced labor, and human rights abuses
Environmental responsibility in mining and processing
Transparency in supply chain and financial channels
Compliance with international standards for responsible gold trade

By accepting these Terms, you agree to uphold the principles set forth in The Clean Gold Initiative.

5. Dispute Resolution

5.1 Dispute Process: In the event of a dispute between marketplace participants regarding a transaction, either party may open a formal dispute case through the platform. A non-refundable dispute fee of $100 is required to open a dispute. If the dispute is resolved in your favor based on GoldChain’s review, the dispute fee will be refunded.

5.2 Dispute Review: GoldChain will review disputes based on:

Listing information and representations
Communications between parties
Shipping and delivery records
Assay reports or authentication documentation
Photographic or video evidence
Expert opinions (if applicable)

GoldChain’s dispute resolution team will make a determination within 10 business days of receiving all necessary documentation from both parties.

5.3 Dispute Outcomes: Possible dispute outcomes include:

Full refund to buyer with gold returned to seller
Partial refund to buyer with adjusted payment to seller
No refund with full payment to seller
Transaction cancellation with refund minus incurred costs

GoldChain’s dispute determination is final and binding unless both parties agree to pursue alternative dispute resolution or legal action.

5.4 Arbitration: Any dispute not resolved through GoldChain’s dispute resolution process shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall take place in Miami, Florida, and shall be conducted in English. Each party shall bear its own costs of arbitration. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding.

6. Account Suspension and Termination

6.1 Suspension by GoldChain: GoldChain reserves the right to suspend or restrict your account at any time, with or without notice, if:

You violate these Terms or any applicable laws or regulations
You fail to complete KYC verification or provide requested documentation
Your account shows suspicious activity or potential fraud
You receive multiple complaints from other marketplace participants
Your licenses expire or are revoked
We are required to do so by law or legal process
We suspect money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illegal activity

6.2 Termination by GoldChain: GoldChain may permanently terminate your account if:

You commit serious violations of these Terms
You engage in fraud, theft, or other criminal activity
You repeatedly violate marketplace policies despite warnings
Your account has been suspended multiple times
You provide false information during registration or KYC

6.3 Termination by Participant: You may request account termination at any time by contacting us at info@goldchainblock.io. Membership fees are non-refundable upon termination. You remain responsible for any pending transactions or obligations at the time of termination.

6.4 Effect of Termination: Upon termination:

You will immediately lose access to the marketplace
All pending listings will be removed
You must complete or cancel all pending transactions
Transaction history will be retained for legal and compliance purposes
Blockchain records of past transactions remain permanent and immutable

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 GoldChain IP: The GoldChain Platform and all associated functionality, features, content, materials, data, and information (GoldChain Content) belongs to GoldChain and/or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws including copyright and trademark rights.

GoldChain® (U.S. Trademark Reg. No. 7,533,507), Clean Gold™, and associated logos are trademarks of HIGH TABLE LLC. You are not permitted to use these trademarks without our prior written approval.

7.2 License to Use: Subject to your compliance with these Terms, GoldChain grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Services for your business purposes in accordance with these Terms.

7.3 Participant Content: You retain ownership of any content, data, or information you provide to GoldChain (Participant Content), including listing information, photographs, and documentation. By providing Participant Content, you grant GoldChain a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content as necessary to operate the Services and promote the GoldChain Marketplace.

8. Liability and Indemnification

8.1 Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, GoldChain shall not be liable for:

Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
Losses resulting from third-party actions including escrow providers, carriers, or other marketplace participants
Losses resulting from unauthorized access to your account
Delays, errors, or interruptions in service

GoldChain’s total liability to you for any claims arising from these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to GoldChain in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

8.2 Indemnification: You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GoldChain, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:

Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations
Your gold trading activities conducted through or outside the platform
Infringement of any third-party rights
False or misleading information you provide
Disputes with other marketplace participants

9. Data Protection and Privacy

9.1 Data Processing: GoldChain processes personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By using the Services, you consent to such processing and warrant that all data provided by you is accurate.

9.2 Data Retention: We will retain your account information and transaction history for as long as required by applicable laws and regulations, typically a minimum of seven (7) years for AML/CFT compliance purposes.

9.3 Blockchain Data: You acknowledge that information recorded on the blockchain is permanent and cannot be deleted. While we limit personal information recorded on the blockchain, business names and transaction details will remain publicly viewable through blockchain explorers.

10. General Provisions

10.1 Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with the Registration Form, Privacy Policy, and The Clean Gold Initiative, constitute the entire agreement between you and GoldChain regarding the Services.

10.2 Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

10.3 Waiver: No waiver of any provision of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such provision or any other provision.

10.4 Assignment: You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account without GoldChain’s prior written consent. GoldChain may assign these Terms without restriction.

10.5 Force Majeure: GoldChain shall not be liable for any failure to perform due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, strikes, or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

10.6 Governing Law: These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

10.7 Jurisdiction: Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Services shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

11. Contacting Us

If you would like to contact us for any reason in connection with the Services, including to make a complaint about the Services or anything contained in them, please contact us at:

Email: info@goldchainblock.io
Support: support@goldchainblock.io
Compliance: compliance@goldchainblock.io

Mailing Address:

HIGH TABLE LLC
936 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 414
Miami, FL 33130
United States

12. Age Limits

The Services are intended to be accessed and/or used by persons who are at least 18 years old. If you are under 18 years old, please do not access and/or use the Services. By accessing and/or using the Services, you are confirming to us that you are at least 18 years old. Your ability to access and/or use the Services may be terminated without warning if we have any reason to believe that you are younger than 18 years old.

Updated: November 27, 2025