CTF (Counter-Terrorist Financing)
Quick Answer
Counter-terrorist financing (CTF) refers to measures preventing funds from reaching terrorist organisations, requiring sanctions screening and transaction monitoring in crypto payments.
Full Definition
Counter-terrorist financing refers to the regulatory framework and operational measures designed to prevent the flow of funds to terrorist organisations. In crypto payments, CTF obligations require screening transactions and wallet addresses against sanctions lists (OFAC, EU, UN), monitoring for suspicious patterns, and filing reports with financial intelligence units. CTF is a core pillar of compliance alongside AML and is mandatory for all payment service providers.
Related Terms
Chargeback
A chargeback is a forced payment reversal initiated by a cardholder's bank. Crypto payments are chargeback-free by design because blockchain transactions are irreversible once confirmed.
Cold Wallet
A cold wallet is cryptocurrency storage not connected to the internet, providing maximum security against hacking. Examples include hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor.
Confirmation Time
Confirmation time is the duration between a transaction being broadcast and receiving its first block confirmation. It ranges from under 1 second (Solana) to 10 minutes (Bitcoin).
Consensus Mechanism
A consensus mechanism is the protocol by which a blockchain network agrees on the state of the ledger. Common types include Proof of Work (Bitcoin) and Proof of Stake (Ethereum).
Cross-Chain
Cross-chain refers to interoperability between blockchain networks, enabling asset transfers across them. Essential for multi-chain payment gateways that accept payments from any supported chain.
Crypto Payment Gateway
A crypto payment gateway is software that enables merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments and receive settlement in fiat or stablecoins. It handles wallet connection, exchange-rate conversion, and payout.