Question 1

How can I change my name and password?

Accepted Answer

The platform allows you to change your name and password on the top right corner once you’ve logged in. Following this, your user details will appear on the screen, and you’ll be able to edit your username, email address and phone number. If you wish to amend your password, you’ll need to know the existing password in order to change it. If you don’t know your password, then you can receive an email link resetting your password to the registered email address. Once done, you’ll be ready to use the platform for all your payment solutions.

Question 2

How can I conduct a batch payment?

Accepted Answer

Businesses may submit a single file and make numerous payments across a variety of currencies and payment types using Freemarket's batch payments capabilities at no extra cost. The transaction types of the payments might vary, and our clients are able to make cross-border payments effectively and efficiently.

Quickly; saving the time and cost of manually typing or pasting-in payments
Efficiently; using a format configurable from their ERP or treasury platform
Accurately; minimising the expensive mistakes associated with manual keying

Important information on batch transactions

The service can be switched on or off depending on the client’s needs
Any client requiring this functionality should request it through their Relationship Manager
Multiple currencies can be included in the same batch
Each payment in the file will be treated as individual payments and will be debited as such. For example, a file which has 15 USD and 12 CAD payments will see 15 debits on their USD account and 12 debits on their CAD account
Clients will upload a .CSV file to the platform containing all the required data
The web dashboard can only be used to upload the payment file
There is a guide & template .CSV file in the appendix of this article
We accept a range of payment types on the file(s) e.g. SWIFT, SEPA, Faster Payments etc.
Each payment order will be subject to initial data input validation and checks
Any payments which do not pass validation (checks on file format, message content, account numbers etc.) will be highlighted when the file is uploaded
The payments which do not pass initial validation checks will have to be corrected or withdrawn from the file and escalated separately; the successful payments that have been checked & validated will continue through the process
Uploaded files will be processed throughout the day – there aren’t any specific processing times, however, there may be certain cut-off times in some currencies
Beneficiaries which have not authorised for single payments may be included in the file
All of the files will therefore be subject to two-factor approval before processing
If the file includes new beneficiaries, they will be created in the system with unauthorised status. If a subsequent payment is made to those unauthorised beneficiaries in the future, then the payment requires authorisation
Post import, payments will be checked by Freemarket & its banking partners for sanctions, PEPs, fraud and in more detail for payment scheme rules, message content, and reachability. Payments which are stopped for investigation at those stages will be removed from the file and the remainder of the file will automatically continue for processing

The batch payment procedure from start to completion

To access the batch payments screen, log into your Freemarket account and select the batch option.

Choose the pre-formatted CSV file by selecting the file upload button. To ensure the accuracy of the information, many validations will be performed, including checks of the account balance in each currency, beneficiary information, ultimate originator, and the maximum withdrawal amount necessary to complete the file. If there is a mistake, the system will indicate the cause so that it may be fixed:

All cross-border transactions worth more than 100,000 GBP must be made individually, without using the bulk option. You will receive an email or text message telling you that all validations are completed using an OTP. The message will also provide the total number of transactions and a special batch number (identifier).

You will be prompted to confirm the beneficiaries every 30 days using the platform's 2FA function. This indicates that the user must approve the batch by verifying the specified code. The system will create beneficiaries with the status "unauthorised" if more beneficiaries are added to the batch payment. The recipients must be authorised to receive future payments. The other account user(s) will be alerted if the account is set up for approval workflow and asked to confirm authorisation and to approve the user.

Once the preceding steps are finished and you can see all the payments, a new transaction type will be generated. There is no ability to accept the individual transactions in the file; just to approve or reject the batch as a whole. Once the batch payment is accepted, the payment won't go through until the system has completed processing each transaction.

As soon as everything has been processed, the batch's status will change to complete. The entire batch will be accessible in finished transactions. In order to confirm that the batch has been processed and is therefore finished, an email or SMS will be issued to the user.

Appendix

1.0 Format Guide

Note: comma is not allowed on the provided CSV as it will cause an error in the file.

Important: all mandatory fields need to be populated and field format adhered to for the file to be processed with no errors. Non-mandatory fields will need to remain blank.

Question 3

How can I convert between fiat & stablecoin?

Accepted Answer

To convert between your fiat and stablecoin balances, click on the green ‘New exchange’ button in the right-hand corner of the screen.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/tINlm51bxu/Exchange%201.png (Exchange 1)

Click on the ‘Digital Asset Exchange’ tab and select the currencies you wish to buy and sell from the dropdowns. Please note one side will always need to be fiat and the other stablecoin.

Indicative rates will display on the screen. Select whether you are looking to sell or buy.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/zY5aBUe57K/Exchange%202.png (Exchange 2)

Enter the amount you wish to trade in the left hand box and click on ‘Get tradeable quote’.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/mmrNkXEjJS/Exchange%203.png (Exchange 3)

A tradeable quote is displayed. If you would like to proceed with this trade, click ‘Accept/Confirm’. A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm you are happy to proceed with this trade.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/SLmR9GQlvP/Exchange%204.png (Exchange 4)

Once you confirm you are happy to proceed, the trade is booked, and a confirmation screen will appear. The trade should settle within a few minutes on your account and the funds will be available in your balances.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/Mwc6Qwv006/Withdraw%205.png (Withdraw 5 (1).png)

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Question 4

How can I create a new payment order?

Accepted Answer

You will learn how to create a cross-border payment and receive instructions on how to add funds to your account in this section.

Step one: log into your account to create the order

Start by signing into your account here. If you don't currently have an account, you can create one here for free; registration typically is quick and easy, and after your application has been approved by compliance, your account can be switched to active.

The primary dashboard, from which you can access the platform, is where you'll be when you log in. You can create new payment orders on the exchange page by clicking the New Exchange button, which will lead you there. Even though you may create a new exchange instruction without any funds in your account, we advise clients to make a transfer first. Payment orders won't be carried out until the necessary funds are available.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/kHjvyMYkYU/Creating-a-new-exchange-instruction-Screenshot-1.png (Create a new exchange instruction)

Step two: transferring funds to your Freemarket account

You must move funds to your Freemarket account by accessing the add funds page, which is situated beneath the user details in the upper right corner of the website. Select the currency of the funds you want to exchange from the add funds page, and the necessary bank information will then show up on the screen.

You'll get an email confirmation with a breakdown of the transaction as soon as the funds are in your Freemarket account. You can create an a cross-border payment at this point (via the main menu navigation time).

Step three: creating a new payment order

We should discuss two components of the order. Depending on your needs, you can buy or sell currencies here. An overview of how the Buy and Sell capabilities and procedures work may be seen below.

Then, you'll be prompted to pick the 'Transaction Type,' with the option of Buy or Sell shown to you on the screen. Choose Buy if you are buying (for example, I need to buy approximately $20,000 using the equivalent amount in GBP). Choose Sell if you want to sell (for instance, I have £15,000 and want to convert it to the equivalent in euros).

You'll then be asked to provide the amount you want to sell or buy as well as the two currencies you'll use. You can see the available funds in the selected currency instantly below after choosing the currencies you wish to trade. Here you’ll be able to see the current exchange rate for your chosen currencies.

Keep in mind that this exchange rate is indicative and not guaranteed. For additional details on this, please see our Scheduled Exchanges page.

You'll see the option to use your existing funds immediately after the "required funds" information, which indicates how much the exchange will cost you. If you sent funds before preparing your exchange instruction, as we advise, it will show up here. If you didn't, if you want your exchange to be successful, you will need to transfer funds after creating the payment order.

The "Transaction Summary" is located on the right and includes the amount you are buying or selling, the exchange rate, the processing fee, the potential gain (the amount you could save on this transaction, depending on exchange rate fluctuations), and the required transfer. Also, you can decide here whether or not you wish to use the amount you already have.

In light of the aforementioned details and in order to get ready for the trade, let's go through the process of creating and concluding an exchange.

Choose the two currencies that will be used in the exchange next.

If you wish to sell a certain currency, for example, "I have £4,500 and I want to convert it to euros," your instructions would be as follows:

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/XfeWhbsaDk/Creating-a-new-exchange-instruction-Screenshot-2.png (Creating a new exchange instruction)

If you are buying a certain amount, such as, "I need to purchase €50,000 using Sterling to settle a European invoice," your order would be formatted as follows:

Note: the minimum exchange cost is the equivalent of £5,000 in another currency.

Step four: creating a beneficiary

The beneficiary selection page will appear after you complete the next step.

From here, you can choose an existing beneficiary or add a new one to determine where the funds will go. You might be new to exchanges, so let's start by adding a new beneficiary:

Then select "Create new beneficiary."

Remember that you're able to easily click on the icons to the left of the page to return to the "Transaction" page.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/0J2HAltYaN/Creating-a-new-exchange-instruction-Screenshot-3.png (Creating a new exchange instruction)

In the field that appears, type the account name of the chosen beneficiary, then choose the beneficiary's nationality.

Further input fields that are specific to the chosen country and currency will show up once the country has been selected.

You may additionally supply a payment reference and/or a description (optional).

Finally, you should choose transaction's rationale from the drop-down menu.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/Npl2E9xGvw/Creating-a-new-exchange-instruction-Screenshot-4.png (Creating a new exchange instruction)

To carry out your exchange instruction, click "Continue" at the bottom of the page after you've completed out all the necessary fields.

You will be requested to choose your bank if you have insufficient funds to complete the exchange or haven't transferred any funds (where your funds are coming from). Choose "Other banks inc. International" if your bank is not listed.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/nFwaq3q3qf/Creating-a-new-exchange-instruction-Screenshot-6.png (Creating a new exchange instruction)

Following your selection on a bank, you will see some transfer instructions and a connection to that bank's website (if available).

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/wvoa23CKmo/Creating-a-new-exchange-instruction-Screenshot-7.png (Creating a new exchange instruction)

Alternatively, a transaction confirmation screen should show in place of the transfer instructions if you already have enough money in your account.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/eia0SkeWv4/Screenshot-2019-10-29-at-13.04.19-1024x259.png (Exchange created)

Once the transaction has been completed, you will receive a confirmation email with an exchange summary file (typically within one day, based on the currency and time of transaction). The funds have been distributed and are now in your beneficiary's account after the trade was concluded.

Question 5

How can I fill out an application to create an account on another company's behalf?

Accepted Answer

A submission for a company can be quick and easy. You may complete the entire registration process online. Fill out the essential forms and submit any necessary supporting documentation. When your application has been received, please email us at hello@wearefreemarket.com, and a Relationship Manager will get in touch with you to help with any onboarding needs.

If we need additional information to support your application, you will be contacted by email.

Question 6

How can I keep safe online?

Accepted Answer

Take Five is a national campaign offering straight-forward, impartial advice that helps prevent email, phone-based and online fraud – particularly where criminals impersonate trusted organisations. Led by UK Finance and backed by His Majesty’s Government, the initiative is supported by a range of partners such as; the payment industry, financial services firms, legal sector, telecommunications providers, and commercial, public, and third sector organisations.

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Visit the Take Five website here for more information.

We utilise best-in-class services to enhance our compliance and risk policies, and we use real-time rules-based monitoring in our automated transaction monitoring tool. To further safeguard our clients we hold all funds in segregated accounts with our banking partners.

How do I spot a fake, fraudulent or phishing email or website?

Phishing is a type of email attack in which a fraudster sends you an email while impersonating a person, business, or reliable website in order to obtain your passwords or other sensitive information or gain complete control of your computer.

The majority of phishing efforts take place via email, but fraudsters will use every method they can think of to get you to give them your information or money, including:

Fraudulent emails and other messages that look like they're from legitimate companies
Fake invoices saying you’ve missed a payment
Misleading pop-ups and ads that say your device has a security problem
Scam phone calls or voicemails that impersonate employees at companies
Fake promotions that offer free products and prizes

It’s best to be vigilant at all times, fraudsters want your personal details for a number of reasons. Freemarket will never ask you for any personal data. If you receive a message and are unsure it’s really from Freemarket, check to see if it does any of the following:

Uses generic, impersonal greetings like "Dear user" or "Dear [your email address]." We'll always refer to you in our correspondence by your first and last name or by your company name. Greetings like "Dear user" or "Hello Freemarket member" are never used by us.
Requests that you click on links that lead to phoney websites. Before clicking any links in emails, always double-check them. A link can have a secure appearance, such as www.wearefreemarket.com/SpecialOffers. To view the actual location, be sure to hover your cursor over the link. Don't click on the link if you aren't sure.
Has unidentified attachments. Open an attachment only if you are certain it is trustworthy and safe. Pay particular attention to invoices from businesses and contractors you are unfamiliar with. Some attachments contain viruses that install themselves when opened.
Projects a false feeling of urgency. Phishing emails frequently use alarmist language and urge you to update your account right away. They're hoping you'll be swayed by their haste and disregard red flags that the email is a scam. If there’s an urgent need for you to complete something on your account, you can find this information by logging into Freemarket directly.

You can find some more information, tips, how to spot phishing attempts and best practices from Apple, Santander, Microsoft, and Which.

Question 7

How can I make a stablecoin withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

To initiate a stablecoin withdrawal, navigate to the ‘Balances’ page, and select the stablecoin currency you wish to withdraw. Click on the ‘withdraw funds’ button from the upper right hand corner.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/ojAPggSF3z/Withdraw%201.png (Withdraw 1 (1).png)

Enter the amount you wish to withdraw, or choose to withdraw the full balance. Click ‘continue’.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/VSiqP8Ztrm/Withdraw%202.png (Withdraw 2)

Select either an existing beneficiary from the dropdown or create a new one by clicking on the ‘Add new beneficiary’ button.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/aJRj1eKk9b/Withdraw%203.png (Withdraw 3)

If creating a new beneficiary, input the required beneficiary details and select the protocol/blockchain the beneficiary’s wallet is on and enter the wallet address. Click ‘continue’.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/jeytf7FSR1/Withdraw%204.png (Withdraw 4 (2).png)

You will be asked to confirm and authorise the withdrawal using the authorisation code sent to you via SMS or email.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/1vXSd482xK/Withdraw%205.png (Withdraw 5)

Once confirmed, the payment will be sent for processing and will show in your completed transactions once processed.

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Question 8

How can I make a withdrawal from my account?

Accepted Answer

Once you have funds on your account, you can withdraw them any time to a beneficiary of your choice. To do this, go to the ‘Balances’ page and select the currency sum you want to transfer.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/b3SzUfe2O2/How-to-make-a-withdrawal-Screenshot-1.png (How to make a withdrawal)

Performing a withdrawal is the next step after selecting the currency you want to withdraw from. To withdraw funds, select "withdraw funds" in the upper right corner of the Balances tab. From here you can either withdraw a specific amount or withdraw your full balance. Once you’ve selected the amount, click continue.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/XKRnSRq6Gl/How-to-make-a-withdrawal-Screenshot-2.png (How to make a withdrawal)

The beneficiary, or the individual who will receive the funds, must be chosen next. If you haven't already made a transfer, a new beneficiary must be created. Click "Add New Recipient" to get started.

Name the beneficiary account, then choose your location. There should be a collection of input fields for bank details. Click "Submit" after providing the beneficiary account details and the transaction's explanation.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/dVXjuDVlem/How-to-make-a-withdrawal-Screenshot-3.png (How to make a withdrawal)

A confirmation notification will be sent to you once your funds have been cleared.

Question 9

How can I receive a stablecoin?

Accepted Answer

To receive stablecoin, you first need to create a channel. Channels are unique, static digital wallet addresses linked to your account, and you can set up a different channel for each payer you are expecting to receive stablecoin from so you can easily reconcile the funds.

When a channel is created for either USDC or USDT, a unique wallet address is generated for each protocol we support. If you would like to know more about the protocols available, please contact the Freemarket support team.

Creating a new channel

To create a new channel and wallet, go to the ‘Balances’ page and select the stablecoin you are looking to receive. Click the ‘Receive Digital Assets’ button located on the right-hand side of the screen.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/2iSrpv9mtJ/image%20%288%29.png (Receive digital assets)

Scroll to the ‘Add a partner’ section of the page and enter the name of the payer you will be receiving stablecoins from in the ‘Partner Name’ box. Click the green ‘Add partner’ button.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/vlr98OO0V1/image%20%289%29.png (Add partner)

A unique channel will be created for this partner (this should only take a couple of minutes). Once completed, the page will update with the available protocol wallet addresses. To copy the wallet address, click on the green copy icon on the right-hand side for the relevant protocol.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/WEV4lnpktt/image%20%2810%29.png (wallet address)

View existing channels

To view an existing channel, navigate to the ‘Balances’ page and select the stablecoin you want to view. Click the ‘Receive Digital Assets’ button.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/2iSrpv9mtJ/image%20%288%29.png (image (8))

All your active channels and their wallet addresses will be displayed on this page. You can also view the channels and wallet addresses of the other stablecoin by selecting it from the ‘Select Currency’ drop down list.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/vlr98OO0V1/image%20%289%29.png (image (9))

What happens next?

When stablecoin is received into one of your wallets, it will automatically be applied to your balances in the Freemarket portal. Within the ‘Comments’ column on the Balances screen, the ‘Partner name’, that was input when the channel with the associated wallet was first created, will be displayed as the reference so that you can easily reconcile who you have received the stablecoin from.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/Qn0tcZNJ7I/image%20%2811%29.png (image (11))

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Question 10

How can I use the withdrawal approval function?

Accepted Answer

Using the "Withdrawal Approval Function," designated users can approve withdrawal requests made by "regular" users. Every time a withdrawal instruction needs approval, users having "Withdrawer Approver" access will be notified by email. Although the "Withdrawal Approval Function" is by default disabled, you may turn it on and off on the platform as desired for your ease.

Please be aware that, if the function is enabled, solely administrators and withdrawal approvers may authorise withdrawals.

The process is as follows: following implementation, any withdrawal instruction created (other than by a withdrawal approver) will show up in the "Transactions" tab with a "Approval pending" status. A withdrawal is automatically accepted if it is initiated by a withdrawal approver. The account's withdrawal approver(s) will then get an email containing the withdrawal's information and a link to confirm it. The "Approve" button may be found underneath the withdrawal status on the transactions page (you might need to login in to access this page). Our payment systems will produce the withdrawal as soon as the withdrawal approver chooses "Approve" to continue.

User Interface: The functionality in account settings allows you to turn on or off the workflow for withdrawal approval. If the "on" button is blanked out, you do not have the necessary rights to turn this feature on. By default, only the user who created the account will have access to these rights. However, this may be changed by getting in touch with your Relationship Manager and asking them to provide permissions to additional users.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/oIYZRLTqpa/Withdrawal-approval-1.png (Withdrawal approval)

Click "on" to start the workflow. You must choose one or more users to have the "withdrawal approver" role by using the search bar on the overlay that will display. Once the users have been identified and assigned, click "confirm," and a notification confirming the activation of the new approvers should appear at the top right of the page.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/FeMT1Fx38b/Screenshot-2019-10-29-at-12.48.35-1024x434.png (Withdraw approval)

Note: by selecting "Change Approved Users" from the account settings menu, you may change and update withdrawal approvers at any time.