Yousewire Risk Statement
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This Risk Statement provides important information about the risks associated with using Yousewire's money transfer and currency exchange services. You should read this document carefully before using our Services.
This Risk Statement is not exhaustive and does not cover all possible risks. The risks described below may occur individually or in combination, and the impact of multiple risks occurring simultaneously may be greater than the sum of individual risks. You should carefully consider whether our Services are suitable for you in light of your financial situation, risk tolerance, and individual circumstances.
By using Yousewire's Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted all risks described in this Risk Statement.
1. Currency Exchange Risk
1.1 Exchange Rate Volatility
Foreign exchange rates are subject to significant and unpredictable fluctuations that are outside of Yousewire's control. Exchange rates are influenced by numerous factors, including but not limited to:
- Economic indicators and data releases (GDP, inflation, employment)
- Central bank policies and interest rate decisions
- Political events and geopolitical tensions
- Market sentiment and speculation
- Supply and demand dynamics in currency markets
- Natural disasters and global crises
The value of your funds may increase or decrease significantly as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. When you hold funds in multiple currencies or convert between currencies, you are exposed to currency exchange risk.
1.2 No Guaranteed Exchange Rates
Yousewire does not guarantee any particular exchange rate. Exchange rates displayed on the Platform are indicative and may change at any time before you confirm a transaction. Once you confirm a transaction, the exchange rate is locked, but you accept the risk that the rate may be less favorable than rates available at other times or through other service providers.
1.3 Spread and Margin
Exchange rates offered by Yousewire include a spread or margin, which represents Yousewire's compensation for providing currency exchange services. The spread may vary depending on market conditions, currency pair, transaction size, and other factors.
1.4 Potential for Losses
You accept the risk of any losses that may occur as a result of currency exchange rate movements. Holding funds in foreign currencies or converting between currencies may result in losses if exchange rates move unfavorably. Past exchange rate performance is not indicative of future performance.
2. P2P Marketplace Risk
2.1 Nature of P2P Marketplace
The P2P Marketplace allows you to buy and sell currencies with other Yousewire users at custom rates within boundaries set by Yousewire. While Yousewire processes all P2P transactions internally and acts as the central counterparty, there are risks associated with P2P trading.
2.2 No Guarantee of Liquidity
Yousewire does not guarantee the availability of buyers or sellers at any particular rate or at any particular time. There is a risk that you may not be able to find a counterparty for your desired trade.
2.3 Rate Fluctuations During Transaction
P2P offers are created by users and may remain open for a period of time before being accepted. During this time, market exchange rates may fluctuate, and the rate you offered or accepted may become less favorable compared to prevailing market rates; it is the user's duty to modify rates at will.
2.4 Transaction Delays and Cancellations
P2P transactions may be delayed or cancelled due to compliance checks, verification requirements, disputes, or technical issues. Yousewire reserves the right to cancel or reverse any P2P transaction that violates our Terms of Service or applicable laws.
2.5 Limited Control Over Execution
Once you create or accept a P2P offer, you have limited ability to cancel or modify the transaction. Yousewire will process the transaction according to the terms agreed upon by both parties, subject to compliance and verification requirements.
3. Stablecoin (Cryptocurrency) Risk
3.1 Cryptocurrency Volatility
Yousewire's USD wallet funding feature involves the use of stablecoins through our partner.
3.2 Regulatory Uncertainty
The regulatory status of cryptocurrencies is uncertain and varies by jurisdiction. Regulatory changes could significantly impact the value, legality, or usability of stablecoins to fund USD accounts. Governments may impose restrictions, bans, or unfavorable regulations on stablecoin transactions.
3.3 Irreversible Transactions
Stablecoin (cryptocurrency) transactions are generally irreversible. If you send cryptocurrency to an incorrect address or if a transaction is executed in error, it may not be possible to recover the funds.
3.4 Limited Cryptocurrency Knowledge
Cryptocurrencies are complex financial instruments. If you do not fully understand how cryptocurrencies work, you should not use stablecoin funding method for USD wallets. Yousewire does not provide advice or recommendations regarding cryptocurrency transactions.
4. Transaction Delay and Failure Risk
4.1 Processing Delays
Transactions may be delayed due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
- Verification and compliance checks (KYC, AML, sanctions screening)
- Technical issues or system maintenance
- High transaction volumes or network congestion
- Delays by third-party service providers (banks, mobile money providers, payment networks)
- Recipient bank processing times
- Public holidays or non-business days in relevant jurisdictions
Yousewire cannot guarantee that transactions will be completed within any specific timeframe. Delays may result in exchange rate fluctuations or missed payment deadlines.
4.2 Transaction Failures
Transactions may fail due to a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Incorrect recipient information (wrong account number, wrong mobile money number)
- Recipient account restrictions or closures
- Insufficient funds in your Yousewire wallet
- Rejection by recipient bank or mobile money provider
- Compliance or regulatory issues
- Technical failures or system errors
If a transaction fails, Yousewire will attempt to refund the transaction amount to your wallet, but refunds may be subject to fees and delays. You are responsible for ensuring that all transaction details are accurate before confirming a transaction.
4.3 No Guarantee of Completion
Yousewire does not guarantee the completion of any transaction. Yousewire reserves the right to refuse, delay, or cancel any transaction for compliance, risk management, or operational reasons.
5. Third-Party Service Provider Risk
5.1 Reliance on Third Parties
Yousewire relies on numerous third-party service providers to deliver its Services, including but not limited to: Funding Partners; Payout Partners; Identity Verification Providers; Banking Partners; Payment Networks.
5.2 Third-Party Failures
Yousewire has no control over the performance, reliability, security, or solvency of third-party service providers. There is a risk that third-party providers may: experience technical issues, system outages, or service disruptions; suffer security breaches, data leaks, or cyberattacks; become insolvent or cease operations; change their fees, terms, or service offerings; be subject to regulatory actions or legal proceedings; fail to process transactions correctly or in a timely manner.
Yousewire is not responsible for losses, delays, or failures caused by third-party service providers.
5.3 Third-Party Fees
Third-party service providers may charge fees that are outside of Yousewire's control, including but not limited to recipient bank fees, correspondent bank fees, mobile money provider fees, and network fees. These fees may reduce the amount received by the recipient or increase the total cost of your transaction.
6. Regulatory and Compliance Risk
6.1 Evolving Regulatory Landscape
The regulatory landscape for money services businesses, financial technology companies, and cryptocurrency services is constantly evolving. Changes in laws and regulations could impact Yousewire's ability to provide Services or could require Yousewire to make changes to its business model, features, fees, or operations.
There is a risk that:
- New regulations may impose additional compliance requirements, costs, or restrictions on Yousewire or its users
- Yousewire may be required to suspend or discontinue certain Services or features
- Yousewire may be required to restrict access to Services in certain jurisdictions
- Regulatory changes may increase transaction costs or processing times
6.2 Compliance Delays and Restrictions
Yousewire is required to comply with anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), sanctions, and other regulatory requirements. As a result:
- Yousewire may request additional information or documentation from you at any time
- Transactions may be delayed or refused for compliance reasons
- Your account may be suspended or terminated if you fail to provide required information or if your activities are deemed high-risk
- Yousewire may be required to report certain transactions or activities to regulatory authorities (FINTRAC, law enforcement)
Yousewire is not liable for any losses, delays, or costs arising from compliance-related actions.
6.3 Changes in Service Availability
Regulatory changes may require Yousewire to restrict or discontinue Services in certain jurisdictions or for certain types of users or transactions. Yousewire reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue Services at any time to comply with regulatory requirements.
7. Cybersecurity and Technology Risk
7.1 Cyber Security Threats
Despite the implementation of robust security controls, no technology platform can be guaranteed to be completely secure. As a digital financial services platform, Yousewire may be exposed to cybersecurity risks that could impact the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of its systems, data, and services.
Potential cybersecurity threats include, but are not limited to:
- Unauthorized access attempts by hackers or malicious actors
- Phishing attacks and social engineering targeting users or employees
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks intended to disrupt platform availability
- Malware, viruses, ransomware, or other malicious software
- Insider threats, including employee misconduct or unauthorized internal access
- Exploitation of software vulnerabilities or third-party infrastructure weaknesses
To mitigate these risks, Yousewire will implement a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that includes secure infrastructure, encryption, multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring, vulnerability scanning, incident response procedures, security awareness training, and vendor risk assessments. Yousewire will continuously review and update its cybersecurity controls to align with industry best practices.
7.2 Technology Failures
Yousewire's Services rely on complex technology infrastructure. There is a risk of technology failures due to software bugs, hardware malfunctions, server outages, network connectivity issues, database corruption or data loss, and integration failures with third-party systems. Technology failures could result in service disruptions, transaction delays or failures, loss of data, or inability to access your account.
7.3 User Device and Account Security
You are responsible for the security of your own devices, internet connections, and account credentials. There is a risk that your account could be compromised if your device is infected with malware, you use unsecured or public Wi-Fi, you share credentials, you fall victim to phishing, or your device is lost or stolen. Yousewire is not liable for losses resulting from your failure to adequately secure your account or devices.
8. Operational Risk
8.1 Service Disruptions
Yousewire's Services may be disrupted or unavailable due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance, system upgrades, technical issues, high transaction volumes, human error, or failures by third-party service providers. Service disruptions could prevent you from accessing your account, initiating transactions, or completing time-sensitive payments.
8.2 Business Continuity Risk
There is a risk that Yousewire may be unable to continue operations due to financial difficulties or insolvency, loss of key personnel or service providers, loss of banking relationships or regulatory licenses, legal or regulatory actions, or acquisition, merger, or restructuring. If Yousewire ceases operations, we will payout all customer balances.
9. Liquidity Risk
9.1 Withdrawal Delays
There is a risk that you may not be able to withdraw funds from your Yousewire wallet immediately or at all due to compliance or verification requirements, suspicious activity investigations, account restrictions or holds, technical issues, liquidity constraints, or regulatory requirements or court orders.
9.2 Currency Conversion Limitations
There may be times when Yousewire is unable to facilitate currency conversions due to liquidity constraints, market conditions, or operational limitations. This could prevent you from converting funds to your desired currency when needed.
9.3 P2P Marketplace Liquidity
The P2P Marketplace depends on the availability of other users willing to trade at your desired rate. During periods of low liquidity, you may not be able to execute P2P trades, or you may have to accept less favorable rates.
10. Fraud and Unauthorized Access Risk
10.1 Fraudulent Transactions
There is a risk that you may become a victim of fraud, including phishing attacks, impersonation scams, social engineering, fraudulent payment requests, romance scams, or business email compromise. Once you authorize a transaction, it may be difficult or impossible to reverse it, even if the transaction was fraudulent.
10.2 Unauthorized Access
If your account credentials are compromised, unauthorized persons may be able to access your account and initiate transactions. You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account until you notify Yousewire of unauthorized access.
10.3 Limited Fraud Protection
Unlike traditional bank accounts, Yousewire accounts may not offer the same level of fraud protection or reimbursement. Yousewire is not liable for losses resulting from fraudulent transactions that you authorized, even if you were deceived or manipulated into authorizing them.
11. Account Suspension and Termination Risk
11.1 Suspension or Termination
Yousewire reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account immediately, without prior notice, for any reason, including but not limited to: breach of Yousewire's Terms of Service; violation of applicable laws or regulations; suspected fraud, money laundering, or other illegal activity; failure to complete verification or provide requested information; providing false, inaccurate, or misleading information; engaging in prohibited activities; or posing a risk to Yousewire, other users, or third parties.
11.2 Fund Holds
If your account is suspended or terminated, Yousewire may hold your funds for a period of time (typically up to 180 days or longer) pending investigation, resolution of disputes, or compliance with legal or regulatory requirements.
11.3 No Advance Notice
Yousewire is not required to provide advance notice before suspending or terminating your account. You may lose access to your account and funds without warning.
12. Cross-Border Transfer Risk
12.1 International Transfer Complexity
Cross-border transfers involve multiple parties, including correspondent banks, intermediary banks, recipient banks, and payment networks. Each party may impose fees, delays, or restrictions on the transfer.
12.2 Recipient Country Risks
Transfers to certain countries may be subject to additional risks, including political instability, currency controls or capital restrictions, banking system instability, regulatory changes, or delays due to local holidays or business practices.
12.3 Correspondent Bank Fees
International transfers may be subject to fees charged by correspondent banks or intermediary banks, which may reduce the amount received by the recipient. These fees are outside of Yousewire's control and may not be disclosed in advance.
13. Sanctions and Prohibited Jurisdictions Risk
13.1 Sanctions Compliance
Yousewire is required to comply with sanctions laws and regulations imposed by the Government of Canada, the United Nations, and other applicable authorities. You may not use Yousewire Services to send or receive funds to, from, or for the benefit of: persons or entities on sanctions lists; prohibited jurisdictions (as defined in Yousewire's Eligibility Criteria); or persons or entities engaged in prohibited activities.
13.2 Consequences of Sanctions Violations
If you attempt to conduct transactions involving sanctioned persons, entities, or jurisdictions: your transaction will be refused or cancelled; your account may be suspended or terminated; your funds may be frozen or seized; Yousewire may be required to report your activities to regulatory authorities; you may be subject to legal or regulatory action.
13.3 Changes in Sanctions Lists
Sanctions lists and prohibited jurisdictions may change at any time. Yousewire may be required to suspend or terminate your account or refuse transactions if you or your transaction counterparties are added to sanctions lists or if your jurisdiction becomes prohibited.
14. Fee and Rate Change Risk
14.1 Fee Changes
Yousewire reserves the right to change its fees at any time. Fee increases may make Yousewire Services more expensive or less competitive compared to alternative service providers.
14.2 Exchange Rate Changes
Exchange rates offered by Yousewire may change at any time based on market conditions. The spread or margin included in exchange rates may also change, affecting the cost of currency conversions.
14.3 Limited Notice
While Yousewire will endeavor to provide advance notice of fee changes, there may be circumstances where fee or rate changes are implemented with limited or no advance notice.
15. Limited Recourse and Dispute Resolution Risk
15.1 Binding Arbitration
Yousewire's Terms of Service require disputes to be resolved through binding arbitration rather than court proceedings. By using Yousewire Services, you waive your right to a trial by jury and your right to participate in class action lawsuits.
15.2 Limited Liability
Yousewire's liability is limited under its Terms of Service. Yousewire's total aggregate liability to you is limited to the greater of CAD $100 or the total fees you have paid to Yousewire in the three months prior to the event giving rise to the claim.
15.3 Difficulty in Recovering Funds
If you send funds to the wrong recipient or if a transaction is completed in error, it may be difficult or impossible to recover the funds. Yousewire will make reasonable efforts to assist, but cannot guarantee recovery.
15.4 Dispute Resolution Costs
If you pursue dispute resolution through arbitration or legal proceedings, you may incur significant costs, including attorneys' fees, arbitration fees, and other expenses. These costs may exceed the amount in dispute.
16. No Deposit Insurance
16.1 Not a Bank
Yousewire is not a bank and is not a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Funds held in your Yousewire wallet are not insured by CDIC or any other deposit insurance scheme.
16.2 Safeguarding of Client Funds
Yousewire holds client funds in segregated accounts at licensed financial institutions in accordance with regulatory requirements. Yousewire would protect client balances in the event of Yousewire's insolvency and would make reasonable attempts to recover customer funds in the event of the insolvency of the financial institution holding client funds.
16.3 Risk of Loss
In the event of Yousewire's insolvency, bankruptcy, or cessation of operations, Yousewire will pay all customer balances.
17. No Investment Advice
17.1 Informational Purposes Only
Yousewire does not provide any investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Any information provided through Yousewire Services is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any particular currency, asset, or investment.
17.2 No Recommendations
Yousewire does not make recommendations regarding: whether to use Yousewire Services; which currencies to hold or convert; when to execute currency conversions or transfers; whether to participate in the P2P Marketplace; or whether to use cryptocurrency-related features.
17.3 Your Own Research
You are solely responsible for conducting your own research and due diligence before using Yousewire Services. You should evaluate your own financial situation, risk tolerance, and objectives before making any decisions.
18. Force Majeure Risk
18.1 Events Beyond Control
Yousewire's ability to provide Services may be disrupted by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, fires, pandemics); acts of God; war, terrorism, civil unrest, riots, or insurrection; cyberattacks, hacking, or DDoS attacks; government actions or regulatory interventions; labor disputes or strikes; power failures, telecommunications failures, or internet service provider failures; failures by third-party service providers, banks, or payment networks.
18.2 No Liability for Force Majeure
Yousewire is not liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations if such failure or delay is caused by force majeure events. During force majeure events, Yousewire's obligations may be suspended, and Services may be unavailable.
19. Limitation of Liability
19.1 Disclaimer of Warranties
YOUSEWIRE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. Yousewire disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, accuracy, reliability, or availability.
19.2 Exclusion of Consequential Damages
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOUSEWIRE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, INCOME, GOODWILL, DATA, OR OPPORTUNITY.
19.3 Liability Cap
Yousewire's total aggregate liability to you is limited to the greater of CAD $100 or the total fees you have paid to Yousewire in the three months prior to the event giving rise to the claim, except for liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law (such as fraud, gross negligence, or death or personal injury caused by Yousewire's negligence).
19.4 Refer to Terms of Service
For complete details on Yousewire's limitation of liability, please refer to Section 21 of Yousewire's Terms of Service.
20. Your Responsibilities
20.1 Understand the Risks
You are responsible for understanding all risks associated with using Yousewire Services before using them. If you do not understand any aspect of the Services or the risks involved, you should seek independent professional advice.
20.2 Suitability Assessment
You are responsible for assessing whether Yousewire Services are suitable for your individual circumstances, financial situation, and risk tolerance. Yousewire does not assess suitability for individual users.
20.3 Accurate Information
You are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and current information to Yousewire and for ensuring that all transaction details (recipient information, amounts, currencies) are correct before confirming transactions.
20.4 Account Security
You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials, securing your devices, and promptly notifying Yousewire of any unauthorized access or suspicious activity.
20.5 Compliance with Laws
You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction, including but not limited to tax reporting requirements, anti-money laundering laws, and sanctions laws.
20.6 Monitoring Your Account
You are responsible for regularly monitoring your account, reviewing transaction history, and promptly reporting any errors, unauthorized transactions, or discrepancies to Yousewire.
You should seek independent professional advice from qualified financial, legal, and tax advisors before using Yousewire Services to ensure that they are suitable for your individual circumstances. Yousewire does not provide personalized advice and cannot assess the suitability of its Services for your specific situation.
Acknowledgment
By using Yousewire Services, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understood this Risk Statement in its entirety.
- You understand and accept all risks described in this Risk Statement.
- You understand that this Risk Statement is not exhaustive and that additional risks may exist.
- You have assessed the suitability of Yousewire Services for your individual circumstances.
- You have sought independent professional advice if needed.
- You agree to use Yousewire Services at your own risk.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Risk Statement or the risks associated with Yousewire Services, please contact us at:
Email: compliance@yousewire.com
Website: www.yousewire.com
Document Version History
- Version 1.0 (February 10, 2026): Initial publication
- Version 2.0 (February 18, 2026): Comprehensive update with expanded risk categories, detailed risk descriptions, and enhanced user responsibility provisions
