By The LiquidTrust teamLiquidTrust is a payments innovation company serving FIs, B2B platforms and SMBs globally.
“Marketplace payments compliance” is a system design challenge—licensing, custody, verification, monitoring, and audit evidence must be embedded into your flows. This guide outlines a compliant framework you can implement now.
1) Stay out of the flow of funds (licensing & custody)
- Use licensed custody/escrow so the marketplace never holds user funds.
- Keep client funds in segregated accounts; document custodial structures and release logic.
- Align flows to your jurisdictional obligations and partner with regulated rails.
2) Embed KYB/KYC + AML where it happens
- Progressive verification at onboarding and at key risk transitions (new country, higher ticket, new payout).
- Continuous screening and transaction monitoring with clear operator queues and SLAs.
- Store verification artifacts with audit-ready evidence.
3) Make your subledger the system of record
- Track every state, split, fee, and adjustment per participant.
- Reconcile to master custodial accounts continuously; auto-surface exceptions for review.
- Generate payout statements and event logs that pass audits without manual stitching.
4) Design for exceptions from day one
- Model refunds, partial releases, reversals, and corrections as first-class states.
- Build an operator console with evidence timelines and action controls.
- Ensure idempotent APIs and reliable webhooks so actions are traceable and safe.
5) Global by default (if you have cross-border ambitions)
- Support FX, sanctions screening, and local payout schemes through your provider.
- Standardize release conditions; localize verification types without changing your core model.
Recommended follow-ups:
- The State of B2B Marketplace Payments in 2025
- How to Accept Payments on a B2B Marketplace
- Five Lessons from Marketplace Compliance
Learn more about how LiquidTrust helps B2B marketplaces build payment trust.
