KYC means Know Your Customer and sometimes Know Your Client.
Wondering what KYC is all about? It’s a process that financial institutions, including crypto exchanges, use to verify your identity. In crypto, it ensures you’re a legitimate user and not involved in anything shady.
So, why is KYC so important? 
As crypto adoption grows, regulations are needed to prevent fraud, money laundering, and illegal activities. Exchanges must follow these rules to stay trustworthy.
This guide covers what KYC is, why crypto exchanges need it, the documents you’ll need to share, the process itself, and common misconceptions about KYC.
KYC isn’t just about following the rules — it benefits exchanges and the entire crypto ecosystem:
Following regulations: Like banks, crypto exchanges must comply with AML and CTF rules. After all, who wants to use a platform linked to illegal activities?
Making the platform safer: Verifying every user’s identity reduces the chances of hacking or theft. KYC links each transaction to a real person, helping keep your funds secure.
Building trust: Knowing everyone on the platform has been vetted through KYC makes it easier to trust the exchange and the people you’re transacting with.
Creating accountability: If something suspicious happens, the exchange knows exactly who to contact. Users are more accountable because they can’t hide behind anonymity.
Attracting big investors: Large financial institutions are more likely to trust and invest in exchanges that enforce KYC because it aligns with their own compliance standards. This helps more money flow into the crypto space, benefiting everyone.
These points make it clear why KYC has become a standard process in the crypto world.