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FCA Alignment & Financial Safety | GPOD.UK

FCA Alignment & Financial Safety

Building trust through transparency and regulatory compliance

GPOD is built on transparency, ethics, and alignment with UK financial frameworks.

We are more than a payroll platformโ€”a secure, transparent ecosystem for workers, employers, councils and impact-driven investors. Financial trust is our foundation, so you can modernize how you get paid with total peace of mind.

Our compliance framework meets and exceeds FCA requirements, creating a safe environment for all users. We maintain strict data protection standards, follow rigorous financial protocols, and submit to regular independent audits to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory standards.

Below, you'll find a full list of our financial safety features designed for real-time transparency and lasting confidence. We update our processes regularly to align with the latest FCA guidance and best-practice.

ISO 27001 Certified GDPR Compliant AML Verified E-Money Partnerships KYC Integrated Open Banking Ready Fair Finance Certified Biometric Auth
100%
Compliance with UK Financial Regulations

Complete Compliance

Our platform adheres to all relevant FCA guidelines, UK Payment Services Regulations, and Anti-Money Laundering requirements.

256-bit
End-to-End Encryption

Bank-Grade Security

Military-grade encryption protects all data transfers, with multi-layer security protocols to ensure your financial information stays private.

24/7
Transaction Monitoring

Constant Vigilance

Our AI-powered systems monitor for suspicious activity around the clock, with instant alerts and automatic fraud prevention measures.

0
Security Breaches Since Launch

Perfect Record

Our robust security infrastructure and regular penetration testing have maintained a flawless security record since our launch.

ISO 27001
Information Security Management
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation
SOC 2
Service Organization Control
FIDO U2F
Strong Authentication Standard

Financial Compliance Framework

At GPOD, we implement a multi-layered compliance approach to ensure all transactions, data handling, and financial operations meet or exceed regulatory standards. Our framework is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect evolving financial regulations.

๐Ÿ’ณ
GPOD Does Not Handle Client Money

GPOD never holds client funds directly. We act as an instruction layer while all funds remain with our authorized banking partners who are fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This structure prevents any misallocation or custody risk.

Each transaction is processed through our secure platform but the actual movement of funds is handled exclusively by our licensed financial partners, including:

  • Licensed Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs)
  • FCA-regulated payment service providers
  • Established banking partners with comprehensive regulatory oversight
  • Third-party escrow services for additional transaction security
Key Protection Mechanism

By never directly handling client money, GPOD eliminates the possibility of fund misappropriation or misuse within our platform. This structure provides critical safeguards for all platform users and ensures compliance with UK financial regulations regarding the handling of client funds.

๐Ÿ”’
Segregated Wallet Architecture

Every employer, worker, and investor has isolated, ringfenced virtual accounts. Cross-wallet access is not technically possible, ensuring legal and ethical separation of funds in accordance with financial regulations.

Our segregation approach includes:

  • Individual dedicated virtual accounts for each entity
  • Cryptographic isolation between accounts
  • Role-based access controls with multi-factor authentication
  • Multi-signature authorizations for cross-account actions
  • Real-time wallet monitoring with automated alerts
  • Reconciliation checks performed every 24 hours
Technical Implementation

Built on enterprise-grade database isolation with cryptographic segmentation and permission-based access. Regular penetration testing verifies the integrity of these boundaries. All account structures are audited quarterly by independent financial security experts.

๐Ÿ“„
Immutable Ledger System

We maintain a tamper-proof transaction log across all interactions. Every drawdown, approval and withdrawal is time-stamped, cryptographically signed, and archived in an immutable ledger for future reference and audit purposes.

Key features of our ledger system include:

  • Blockchain-inspired append-only records
  • Cryptographic hash of sequential transactions
  • Timestamping with third-party verification
  • Digital signatures for all authorized actions
  • Full audit trail accessible to appropriate regulators
  • Seven-year storage of all transaction records
Audit Capabilities

The immutable ledger allows historical transaction verification and compliance checks at any point, ensuring transparency and accountability. This system meets the requirements of UK financial regulators for transaction record-keeping and provides an essential tool for resolving any disputes or discrepancies.

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

All employers and investors undergo comprehensive KYC and AML verification before joining. This includes document and identity confirmation, background screening, PEP & sanction checks, and ongoing monitoring.

Our Enhanced Due Diligence process includes:

  • Document verification with third-party providers
  • Biometric confirmation and liveness checks
  • Address verification through multiple sources
  • Business legitimacy verification for corporate entities
  • Politically Exposed Person (PEP) screening
  • Global sanctions list cross-checking
  • Continuous monitoring for changes in risk profile
Risk-Based Approach

Our EDD protocol adapts to the risk level of each user, with additional verification steps for high-value transactions or higher-risk scenarios. This flexible system ensures appropriate scrutiny while maintaining a smooth experience for standard users.

๐Ÿ”
Advanced Transaction Monitoring

GPOD employs sophisticated real-time monitoring systems to detect and prevent potentially fraudulent or suspicious activities across the platform.

Our transaction monitoring includes:

  • AI-powered anomaly detection algorithms
  • Behavior pattern analysis for each user account
  • Velocity checks and transaction limits
  • Geographical risk assessment
  • Multi-factor authentication triggers for unusual activities
  • Real-time alerts to security and compliance teams
  • Automatic suspension of suspicious transactions pending review
Machine Learning Enhancement

Our monitoring systems continuously learn from transaction patterns, becoming increasingly accurate at distinguishing between normal variations and genuinely suspicious activities. This reduces both false positives and the risk of missing actual fraud attempts.

๐Ÿ“Š
Transparent Fee Structure

Adhering to FCA guidelines on fair treatment of customers, GPOD maintains complete transparency in all fees and charges. No hidden costs or unexpected charges are ever applied.

Our fee transparency measures include:

  • Clear fee disclosure during onboarding
  • Itemized transaction statements
  • Advance notification of any fee changes
  • No bundling of essential and premium services
  • Fair and consistent application of fee structures
  • Regular fee benchmarking against industry standards
Consumer Protection

Our commitment to fee transparency aligns with FCA principles on treating customers fairly and helps users make informed decisions about their financial activities on the platform. All fee structures are reviewed annually by our compliance team to ensure continued alignment with regulations.

๐Ÿ”
Enterprise-Grade Data Security

GPOD implements rigorous data protection measures to safeguard sensitive financial and personal information, meeting both FCA requirements and GDPR standards.

Our security infrastructure includes:

  • 256-bit TLS encryption for all data in transit
  • AES-256 encryption for stored data
  • Multi-factor authentication for all accounts
  • Role-based access controls for internal systems
  • Regular penetration testing by third-party experts
  • Comprehensive data backup and recovery procedures
  • Real-time threat monitoring and response
Continuous Improvement

Our security team continuously evaluates and enhances our protection measures to address emerging threats. We conduct quarterly security reviews and maintain current security certifications including ISO 27001 and PCI DSS compliance.

๐Ÿ“ฑ
Multi-Factor Authentication

To protect account access and prevent unauthorized transactions, GPOD employs robust multi-factor authentication across the platform.

Our authentication measures include:

  • TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) authentication
  • SMS verification codes
  • Biometric authentication options (fingerprint/facial recognition)
  • Hardware security key support (FIDO U2F)
  • IP address and device monitoring
  • Stepped authentication for increasingly sensitive operations
Advanced Protection

For high-risk transactions or account changes, we implement additional verification steps to ensure that only authorized users can complete these actions. This layered approach significantly reduces the risk of account compromise and unauthorized access.

Compliance Roadmap

We maintain a proactive approach to UK regulatory compliance. Our roadmap means we not only meet today's rules, but anticipate future financial requirements to ensure continuity of service and ongoing protection for all users.

Q2 2023

Initial Compliance Framework

Established core compliance infrastructure with payment partner segregation & KYC protocols. Implemented initial regulatory reporting structure and compliance monitoring system.

Q4 2023

Enhanced Due Diligence

Advanced AML screening and expanded risk assessment methodologies implemented. Introduced continuous monitoring for PEPs and sanctioned entities. Added automated suspicious activity reporting.

Q2 2024

AI Monitoring Systems

Launched AI-powered transaction monitoring & suspicious activity detection. Implemented machine learning models for fraud prevention and pattern recognition. Created automated regulatory reporting dashboard.

Q4 2024

Open Banking Integration

Expanding with secure Open Banking APIs and enhanced data protection. Implementing Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) for all payment initiations. Developing improved account information services with granular permissions.

Q2 2025

International Expansion

Preparing regulatory framework for EU & global markets. Developing multi-jurisdiction compliance monitoring. Implementing cross-border payment safeguards and enhanced currency exchange protections.

Q4 2025

Blockchain Verification System

Implementing distributed ledger technology for enhanced transaction verification. Developing immutable audit trails with cryptographic proofs. Creating transparent verification mechanisms for all financial flows.

Our Regulatory Approach

How We Work with Regulators

GPOD maintains regular dialogue with UK financial authorities to keep our platform fully compliant with new and evolving standards. We proactively engage with:

  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for consumer protection
  • Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) for transaction standards
  • Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for data protection
  • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for tax reporting
  • Bank of England for financial stability considerations
  • Financial Ombudsman Service for dispute resolution frameworks

Our compliance team holds quarterly reviews with regulatory bodies to verify our practices and ensure we stay ahead of evolving requirements. We participate in regulatory sandboxes and innovation programs to help shape future financial regulations.

FCA Alignment Strategy

While GPOD works via regulated partners, we follow FCA-aligned processes end-to-end:

  • Transparent fee disclosures and no hidden charges
  • Clear terms and rules for every user
  • Robust complaint-handling procedures
  • Regular staff training on regulations
  • Independent audits for compliance verification
  • Customer vulnerability assessments
  • Outcomes-focused approach to service delivery

Our partnerships with licensed financial institutions allow us to deliver secure services and maintain top-tier regulatory standards across all aspects of our platform. We implement the spirit as well as the letter of regulatory guidance.

Compliance Documentation

We maintain comprehensive documentation to demonstrate our regulatory alignment:

  • Detailed policies and procedures
  • Risk assessment frameworks
  • Regular compliance reports
  • Third-party audit results
  • Staff training records
  • Incident response plans
  • Customer complaint logs and resolution records

Our documentation is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest regulatory expectations and industry best practices. Key documentation is available to regulators upon request, with appropriate security measures to protect sensitive information.

User Protection Measures

We implement multiple layers of protection for platform users:

  • Clear financial information and disclosures
  • Cooling-off periods for significant decisions
  • Vulnerability assessment and support
  • Straightforward complaint procedures
  • Alternative dispute resolution options
  • Fraud prevention technologies
  • Regular security awareness communications

Our user protection strategy focuses on both prevention and effective resolution, creating an environment where users can confidently engage with our platform knowing their interests are protected at every stage.

Understanding Our Model

GPOD operates through partnerships with regulated institutions. We're the technology layer, enabling seamless payments while our partnersโ€”from banks to payment processorsโ€”manage funds in line with UK financial law.

This structure lets us offer innovative solutions while ensuring all money flows are supervised by regulated firms, giving you both flexibility and safety. Our technology enhances rather than bypasses regulatory controls, creating stronger protections through advanced monitoring and verification systems.

We believe that compliance and innovation can work togetherโ€”in fact, strong compliance foundations enable us to develop more powerful and useful financial tools for all our users.

Our Financial Partners

GPOD collaborates with established, regulated financial institutions to ensure all monetary transactions are handled in accordance with UK financial law. These partnerships form the backbone of our secure financial ecosystem.

Secure Banking Partners
FCA-Regulated Banks
Electronic Money Institutions
Licensed EMI Providers
Payment Processors
PSR-Regulated Services
Security Infrastructure
ISO-Certified Providers
Identity Verification
KYC/AML Specialists
Compliance Auditors
Independent Verification
Partner Selection Process

All financial partners undergo rigorous due diligence before integration with our platform. We verify regulatory status, security protocols, financial stability, and service reliability to ensure they meet our strict standards for handling user funds and data.

We continuously monitor our partners' regulatory compliance and performance to maintain the highest levels of security and service for our users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our regulatory approach, financial protection measures, and compliance framework.

Is GPOD regulated by the FCA?

GPOD itself is not directly regulated by the FCA. Instead, we partner with fully FCA-regulated financial institutions who handle all money and payment services. This model, known as a "technology service provider" approach, means that all financial activities on our platform are conducted through properly regulated entities while we provide the technology layer that makes these services more accessible and efficient.

How is my money protected on GPOD?

Your money is protected through several layers of security. First, all funds are held by FCA-regulated financial institutions, not by GPOD directly. Second, we implement segregated account structures, ensuring your money is kept separate from operational funds. Additionally, our platform employs advanced security measures including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous transaction monitoring to prevent unauthorized access or fraudulent activities.

What happens if there's a dispute about a transaction?

We have a comprehensive dispute resolution process. First, our immutable transaction ledger provides verifiable evidence of all activities. Our customer support team will investigate using this data and work toward resolution. If needed, we facilitate communication between the parties involved. For unresolved disputes, we provide access to independent mediation services. Finally, since our payment services are delivered through regulated financial institutions, users may also have recourse to the Financial Ombudsman Service in applicable situations.

How do you prevent money laundering and fraud?

We implement a multi-layered approach to prevent financial crime. This includes comprehensive KYC (Know Your Customer) verification during onboarding, ongoing transaction monitoring using AI and machine learning to detect suspicious patterns, regular screening against sanction and PEP lists, automatic flagging of unusual transaction behaviors, and strict limits on anonymous transactions. Our compliance team reviews flagged activities and files Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with authorities when necessary.

What security measures do you use to protect my data?

We protect your data with bank-grade security measures including end-to-end encryption (256-bit TLS for data in transit and AES-256 for stored data), multi-factor authentication for all accounts, regular security audits and penetration testing, role-based access controls for our staff, secure data centers with physical access restrictions, and comprehensive disaster recovery protocols. We are ISO 27001 certified and comply with GDPR requirements for data protection.

How often do you update your compliance procedures?

Our compliance procedures undergo continuous review and regular formal updates. We conduct monthly reviews of operational compliance, quarterly comprehensive assessments of our entire compliance framework, and immediate updates whenever new regulations are introduced. Our compliance team monitors regulatory announcements daily and participates in industry working groups to stay ahead of emerging requirements. All staff receive updated compliance training at least quarterly.

Compliance Documentation

Access our public compliance documentation and resources designed to help users understand our approach to financial safety and regulatory alignment.

Privacy Policy
Comprehensive overview of how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in accordance with GDPR and UK data protection laws.
Read Policy
Terms of Service
Detailed explanation of the legal agreement between users and GPOD, including rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution procedures.
View Terms
Security Whitepaper
Technical overview of our security infrastructure, protocols, and measures implemented to protect user data and financial transactions.
Download
AML Policy Summary
Outline of our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing procedures, including our risk-based approach to verification.
Access Policy
Complaint Procedure
Step-by-step guide to our complaint handling process, including timelines, escalation pathways, and alternative dispute resolution options.
Learn More
Certification Summary
Overview of our current security and compliance certifications, including ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and other relevant standards.
View Certifications

Committed to Your Financial Security

GPOD puts security and compliance at the heart of everything we do. We believe innovation and trust go hand-in-hand to create a stronger financial future for all our users, partners, and communities.

View Our Privacy Policy

For compliance inquiries, reach us at compliance@gpod.uk