🔞 Age Rating: 18+ Only

1. Overview

STAKS is rated 18+ and is exclusively available to legal adults. This age restriction is not arbitrary—it is mandated by federal and state financial regulations, international securities laws, anti-money laundering requirements, and the inherent high-risk nature of cryptocurrency trading.

This page provides comprehensive information about why STAKS requires users to be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher). This information is provided for transparency and to assist with app store age rating submissions.

2. Legal & Regulatory Requirements

2.1 Federal Securities Laws (United States)

Cryptocurrency trading is subject to federal securities regulations in the United States:

• Securities Act of 1933: Requires investors to have legal capacity to enter binding contracts
• Securities Exchange Act of 1934: Regulates trading of securities and requires adult status
• Investment Company Act of 1940: Restricts investment activities to legal adults
• Commodity Exchange Act: Governs commodity futures trading (including crypto derivatives) and requires participants to be 18+

2.2 State Financial Regulations

All 50 U.S. states have laws restricting financial trading to adults:

• Uniform Securities Act: Adopted by most states, requires investors to be legal adults
• State Money Transmitter Laws: Regulate cryptocurrency exchanges and require adult users
• California Corporations Code: Prohibits minors from engaging in securities transactions
• New York Virtual Currency Regulations (BitLicense): Requires cryptocurrency businesses to verify adult status

2.3 International Regulations

STAKS complies with international financial regulations:

• European Union MiFID II: Markets in Financial Instruments Directive requires 18+ for trading
• UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Prohibits crypto trading by minors
• Canadian Securities Administrators: Require legal adult status for investment activities
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Mandates 18+ for financial products
• Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA): Requires adult status for cryptocurrency trading
• Singapore Monetary Authority: Restricts digital asset trading to adults

2.4 App Store Requirements

Both Apple App Store and Google Play Store have specific guidelines:

• Apple App Store Review Guidelines 3.1.1: Apps facilitating financial transactions must verify age
• Google Play Developer Policy: Financial services apps must restrict access to adults
• Age-Gated Content: Real money trading requires 18+ rating on all platforms

3. Financial Risk Factors

3.1 High-Risk Investment Activity

Cryptocurrency trading involves substantial risk of financial loss. This is not a game or simulation—users trade real money and can lose their entire investment.

Specific risks that require adult judgment and financial maturity:

• Extreme Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate 20-50% or more in a single day
• Total Loss Potential: Users can lose 100% of invested capital
• Market Manipulation: Crypto markets are susceptible to pump-and-dump schemes and manipulation
• Liquidity Risk: Some cryptocurrencies may become illiquid or worthless
• Regulatory Risk: Government actions can dramatically impact cryptocurrency values
• Technology Risk: Smart contract bugs, exchange hacks, and technical failures can result in losses
• Irreversible Transactions: Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed or disputed like credit cards

3.2 Automated Trading Risks

STAKS includes automated trading features (auto-buy, auto-sell) that amplify risks:

• Algorithmic Execution: Trades execute automatically based on user-configured triggers
• Rapid Loss Potential: Automated systems can execute multiple losing trades quickly
• Market Timing Risk: Algorithms may execute at unfavorable prices during volatile periods
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings can lead to unintended trades and losses
• No Guarantees: Automated features do not guarantee profits and can amplify losses

3.3 Leverage and Margin (Future Features)

While not currently implemented, STAKS may offer leverage trading in the future:

• Amplified Losses: Leverage can magnify losses beyond initial investment
• Margin Calls: Users may be required to deposit additional funds or face liquidation
• Liquidation Risk: Positions can be automatically closed at a loss

3.4 Financial Sophistication Required

Effective use of STAKS requires understanding of:

• Market analysis and technical indicators
• Risk management and position sizing
• Portfolio diversification strategies
• Tax implications of cryptocurrency trading
• Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency fundamentals
• Order types (market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit)

4. Contractual Capacity

4.1 Legal Capacity to Contract

Under U.S. law and most international jurisdictions, minors (persons under 18) lack the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts:

• Voidable Contracts: Contracts entered by minors are generally voidable at the minor's discretion
• Necessaries Doctrine: Only contracts for "necessaries" (food, shelter, clothing) are enforceable against minors
• Financial Services Exclusion: Investment and trading services are explicitly not "necessaries"
• Parental Consent Insufficient: Even with parental consent, minors cannot legally bind themselves to financial contracts

4.2 STAKS Terms of Service

Use of STAKS requires acceptance of legally binding agreements:

• Terms of Service: Governs use of the application and services
• Software License Agreement: Grants limited license to use the software
• Privacy Policy: Governs collection and use of personal data
• Broker Partner Agreements: Users must accept third-party broker terms

These agreements create legally enforceable obligations that minors cannot validly accept.

4.3 Liability and Indemnification

Our Terms of Service include indemnification clauses requiring users to:

• Assume full responsibility for trading losses
• Indemnify Panoramix LLC against claims arising from their use
• Accept limitation of liability and warranty disclaimers
• Agree to arbitration and class action waiver

Minors cannot legally agree to these terms, making it impossible to provide services to them.

5. KYC/AML Compliance

5.1 Know Your Customer (KYC) Requirements

STAKS and its Broker Partners are subject to strict KYC regulations:

• Bank Secrecy Act (BSA): Requires financial institutions to verify customer identity
• USA PATRIOT Act: Mandates enhanced due diligence for financial accounts
• FinCEN Regulations: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network requires identity verification
• FATF Recommendations: Financial Action Task Force sets international KYC standards

5.2 Identity Verification Process

Users must provide government-issued identification:

• Valid ID Required: Driver's license, passport, or state ID
• Age Verification: ID must prove user is 18+ years old
• Address Verification: Proof of residence may be required
• Social Security Number: Required for U.S. users for tax reporting (IRS Form 1099)
• Biometric Verification: Some brokers require facial recognition or liveness checks

5.3 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

Cryptocurrency platforms must comply with AML regulations:

• Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR): Unusual transactions must be reported to authorities
• Transaction Monitoring: All trades are monitored for money laundering patterns
• Source of Funds: Users may be required to prove legitimate source of funds
• Enhanced Due Diligence: High-value accounts require additional verification

These requirements are designed for adult financial activity and cannot be applied to minors.

5.4 Tax Reporting Obligations

Cryptocurrency trading has significant tax implications:

• IRS Form 1099-B: Brokers must report cryptocurrency sales to the IRS
• Capital Gains Tax: Users must report and pay taxes on profitable trades
• Tax Identification Number: SSN or EIN required for U.S. users
• International Tax Treaties: Cross-border reporting for non-U.S. users

Minors typically cannot independently file tax returns or manage tax obligations.

6. Technical Features Requiring Maturity

6.1 Real Money Trading

STAKS facilitates actual financial transactions with real money:

• Bank Account Linking: Users connect real bank accounts for deposits/withdrawals
• Debit/Credit Card Payments: Instant purchases using payment cards
• Wire Transfers: Large deposits via bank wire
• ACH Transfers: Electronic bank transfers for funding accounts
• Cryptocurrency Withdrawals: Transfer crypto to external wallets (irreversible)

6.2 Automated Trading System

STAKS includes sophisticated automated trading features:

• Auto-Buy Triggers: Automatically purchase crypto based on price movements, volatility, and market conditions
• Auto-Sell Stop-Loss: Automatically sell to limit losses when price drops
• Auto-Sell Take-Profit: Automatically sell to lock in gains at target prices
• Conditional Orders: Complex order types requiring understanding of market mechanics
• Background Execution: Trades execute even when app is closed

These features require mature judgment and understanding of financial risk. Automated trading can result in rapid, substantial losses if configured incorrectly.

6.3 Portfolio Management & Analytics

Advanced features requiring financial literacy:

• Real-Time Profit/Loss Tracking: Live calculation of gains and losses
• Performance Analytics: Historical performance metrics and charts
• Risk Metrics: Volatility indicators and risk assessments
• Market Data Analysis: Technical indicators, price charts, volume analysis
• Multi-Asset Portfolio: Managing diverse cryptocurrency holdings

6.4 Security & Account Management

Users must manage critical security features:

• Private Key Responsibility: While non-custodial, users must understand key security
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Managing OTP codes and authenticator apps
• Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint and facial recognition setup
• Session Management: Understanding device authorization and security
• Phishing Awareness: Recognizing and avoiding scams targeting crypto users

6.5 Practice Mode Limitations

While STAKS offers a practice mode with virtual funds:

• Educational Purpose Only: Practice mode does not eliminate real trading risks
• Transition to Real Money: Users inevitably transition to real money trading
• Psychological Differences: Virtual trading does not replicate emotional stress of real losses
• No Substitute for Maturity: Practice mode cannot replace adult judgment and risk tolerance

7. Jurisdictional Considerations

7.1 Age of Majority Variations

The age of majority varies by jurisdiction:

• United States: 18 years old in most states; 19 in Alabama and Nebraska; 21 in Mississippi
• Canada: 18 or 19 depending on province
• United Kingdom: 18 years old
• European Union: 18 years old in all member states
• Australia: 18 years old
• Japan: 18 years old (changed from 20 in 2022)

STAKS requires users to meet the age of majority in their jurisdiction, with a minimum of 18 years old.

7.2 Restricted Jurisdictions

Some jurisdictions prohibit or heavily restrict cryptocurrency trading:

• Complete Bans: China, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, Bangladesh, Nepal
• Implicit Bans: Countries where crypto trading is effectively prohibited
• U.S. Sanctions: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea region
• State Restrictions: Some U.S. states have additional cryptocurrency regulations

Users must be adults to understand and comply with their local regulations.

7.3 Cross-Border Transactions

Cryptocurrency trading involves international considerations:

• Foreign Exchange Risk: Currency conversion and exchange rate fluctuations
• International Tax Treaties: Cross-border tax reporting requirements
• Regulatory Arbitrage: Understanding different regulatory regimes
• Sanctions Compliance: Avoiding transactions with sanctioned entities

8. Broker Partner Requirements

8.1 Third-Party Broker Age Restrictions

STAKS routes trades through regulated Broker Partners, all of which require users to be 18+:

• SEC-Registered Brokers: U.S. securities law requires 18+ for brokerage accounts
• FINRA Member Firms: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority mandates adult status
• Cryptocurrency Exchanges: Coinbase, Kraken, Binance.US all require 18+
• International Brokers: All major international brokers restrict accounts to adults

8.2 Custodial Account Prohibition

Unlike traditional stock brokers, cryptocurrency platforms do not offer custodial accounts for minors:

• No UTMA/UGMA Accounts: Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act accounts not available for crypto
• No Guardian Accounts: Parents cannot open crypto trading accounts on behalf of minors
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Lack of clear regulatory framework for minor crypto accounts
• Risk Unsuitability: Crypto deemed too risky for minor-held accounts

8.3 Broker Compliance Obligations

Broker Partners have strict compliance requirements:

• Customer Identification Program (CIP): Must verify identity and age
• Suitability Requirements: Must ensure products are suitable for customer
• Accredited Investor Rules: Some products require accredited investor status (income/net worth thresholds)
• Pattern Day Trader Rules: SEC regulations for frequent traders

9. Responsible Trading

9.1 Psychological Maturity Required

Cryptocurrency trading requires emotional and psychological maturity:

• Emotional Control: Ability to manage fear and greed during volatile markets
• Impulse Control: Resisting urge to chase losses or over-trade
• Long-Term Thinking: Understanding investment time horizons
• Risk Tolerance Assessment: Honest evaluation of personal risk capacity
• Loss Acceptance: Psychological ability to accept and learn from losses

9.2 Addiction and Compulsive Trading Risks

Trading can be addictive. The 24/7 nature of cryptocurrency markets and instant gratification of trading can lead to compulsive behavior.

• Gambling-Like Behavior: Frequent trading can resemble gambling addiction
• Dopamine Response: Winning trades trigger reward pathways in the brain
• Loss Chasing: Attempting to recover losses through increasingly risky trades
• Financial Harm: Compulsive trading can lead to severe financial consequences

Adults are better equipped to recognize and manage addictive behaviors and seek help when needed.

9.3 Financial Education & Literacy

Effective trading requires substantial financial knowledge:

• Economic Principles: Supply and demand, inflation, monetary policy
• Technical Analysis: Chart patterns, indicators, trend analysis
• Fundamental Analysis: Evaluating cryptocurrency projects and technology
• Risk Management: Position sizing, diversification, stop-loss strategies
• Market Psychology: Understanding crowd behavior and market sentiment

9.4 Consumer Protection Limitations

Cryptocurrency markets have fewer consumer protections than traditional finance:

• No FDIC Insurance: Cryptocurrency holdings are not insured by the federal government
• No SIPC Protection: Securities Investor Protection Corporation does not cover crypto
• Limited Recourse: Fraudulent transactions are difficult or impossible to reverse
• Exchange Failures: Cryptocurrency exchanges can fail, freeze withdrawals, or be hacked
• Regulatory Gaps: Evolving regulatory landscape provides less protection than traditional finance

Adults are better positioned to understand and accept these risks.

10. Age Verification & Enforcement

10.1 Age Verification Process

STAKS and its Broker Partners employ multiple age verification methods:

• Government ID Verification: Users must upload valid government-issued photo ID
• Date of Birth Validation: ID must show user is 18+ years old
• Third-Party Verification Services: Identity verification through specialized providers
• Database Cross-Checks: Verification against government and credit bureau databases
• Biometric Verification: Facial recognition to match ID photo to live selfie

10.2 Account Termination for Underage Users

If we discover a user is under 18, their account will be immediately terminated.

• Immediate Suspension: Account access is immediately revoked
• Fund Return: Remaining funds are returned (subject to verification and applicable fees)
• Trade Reversal: Open positions may be closed at current market prices
• Permanent Ban: User is permanently prohibited from creating new accounts
• Legal Consequences: Providing false information may result in legal action

10.3 Parental Responsibility

Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their children's device usage:

• Device Controls: Use parental control features on iOS and Android devices
• App Store Restrictions: Enable age restrictions in App Store and Google Play settings
• Financial Monitoring: Monitor bank accounts and credit cards for unauthorized transactions
• Education: Teach children about financial risks and age-appropriate content

10.4 Reporting Underage Users

If you become aware of an underage user, please report it:

• Email: privacy@staks.in
• Subject Line: "Underage User Report"
• Information to Include: Username, account details, evidence of age
• Confidentiality: Reports are handled confidentially

11. Questions & Contact

For questions about our age rating or age verification process, please contact us at the email address above. For technical support, visit our Help Center.