# KYC

> Know Your Customer. The identity checks an exchange runs before letting you trade.

Canonical URL: https://fudfomo.co/glossary/kyc
Source: What The Block! Dictionary v1.0 (last updated 2026-04-25), browsable at https://wtb.fudfomo.co.

## Definition

KYC stands for Know Your Customer. It is the set of checks regulated platforms run to confirm that you are who you say you are: ID documents, a selfie, and sometimes proof of address.

KYC is a legal requirement for most regulated crypto exchanges in the UK, EU, US, and many other markets. Platforms that do not run KYC often cannot serve customers in those regions.

## Regulatory context

KYC requirements differ by jurisdiction and by service type. Always check what an exchange is authorised to do where you live.

## Related terms

- [AML](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/aml): Anti-money laundering. The rules and checks that stop crypto being used to hide the origin of dirty money.
- [CEX](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/cex): A centralised exchange. A regulated platform where you buy and sell crypto using an account.
- [Custody](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/custody): Who holds your crypto and the keys to it. Self-custody means you do, custodial means a company does.

## See the full catalogue

What The Block! covers more than 2,000 plain-English crypto terms, delivered as embeddable hover-state tooltips for crypto exchanges. https://wtb.fudfomo.co