Blog

How to Detect Crypto Broker vs Wallet vs Exchange

A practical framework to identify the operational model, custody structure, and compliance obligations when onboarding crypto merchants without becoming a blockchain expert

How Underwriting Evolves for High-Risk Business Models

When the stakes are higher, the rules change. Explore how underwriters evaluate high-risk business models and what it takes to maintain a healthy processing relationship in volatile industries.

How to Detect if a PayFac is Proving Sub-Merchant Control

A focused framework to verify whether payment facilitators maintain actual oversight of sub-merchants during onboarding and ongoing monitoring

How to Detect Reseller vs Counterfeit Operations Without Being IP Lawyers

A practical framework to verify authenticity and supply chain legitimacy when onboarding merchants selling branded goods, luxury items, and high-demand products.

Detecting Dropshipping Risk Signals Guide

A dropshipping risk guide for acquirers and PSPs covering dispute drivers, core checks (supplier, fulfillment, delivery claims, returns, support), and evidence to collect for underwriting and ongoing monitoring.

Sanctions Screening When Data Is Incomplete

Learn how to build rigorous sanctions screening programs when customer data is fragmented, with actionable best practices for financial institutions, payment processors, and compliance teams.

How to Detect Sanctions Exposure with Limited Data

Learn the four-step framework for building effective sanctions screening programs when customer data is incomplete. From mapping exposure points to implementing continuous monitoring and documenting program limitations.

How to Detect Transaction Laundering for a New MID

This guide provides a systematic and data-driven approach for acquirers and payment facilitators (PayFacs) to detect early-stage merchant risk, offering a detailed framework to identify unauthorized processing patterns and prevent costly regulatory fines before high-risk activities can scale within your payment portfolio.

Detecting Aggregator-Within-Aggregator: A Payment Compliance Framework

Nested payment relationships can hide high-risk sub-merchants and trigger regulatory fines. We provide a practical compliance framework to uncover "aggregators-within-aggregators," giving you full visibility into your merchant ecosystem. Learn how to strengthen your KYB and transaction monitoring to stay ahead of card scheme audits.

How to Distinguish Adult Platform Operators from Marketing Agencies

Distinguish legitimate marketing agencies from disguised platform operators before misclassification creates portfolio exposure.

How to Detect Adult Industry Operators Disguised as Marketing Agencies

A focused framework to detect adult content operators misrepresented as "marketing agencies" during merchant onboarding and monitoring.

How to Determine if an Offshore Gambling Operator is Taking US Cards: A Compliance Verification Framework

A practical guide for payment and risk teams to verify whether offshore gambling operators are truly blocking US transactions or simply claiming they do

How to Distinguish Sports Tips from Unlicensed Betting: A Payment Compliance Framework

How payment and risk teams can identify tipster activity, licensing gaps, and hidden betting exposure before it becomes a portfolio issue.

How to Underwrite Gambling Merchants: A US Licensing and Payments Framework

Master the complexities of US gambling merchant underwriting. This comprehensive guide breaks down essential licensing requirements, payment frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies to help financial institutions confidently navigate and scale within the highly regulated online gaming industry.

8 Most Costly Emerging Fraud Threats And How To Strengthen Your Defense In 2026