Currency Mart Privacy Policy

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

Currency Mart Inc. ("Currency Mart", "we", "our", or "us") operates retail foreign exchange branches in Ontario and Manitoba, alongside online currency ordering services across Canada. We are committed to safeguarding personal information collected from our customers, visitors, and website users.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information in full accordance with:

• The federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation.
• The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) administered by FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada).

2. Information We Collect

To deliver currency exchange services and fulfill statutory compliance mandates, Currency Mart collects specific personal and transactional details depending on the nature and size of the trade:

A. Individual Client Identification

• Contact Details: Full legal name, residential address, telephone number, and email address.
• Identity Verification: Date of birth, occupation, employer name, and copies of valid government-issued photo identification (such as a Canadian driver's licence, passport, permanent resident card, or provincial photo ID card), including document reference numbers, issuing authority, and expiration dates.

B. Financial and Transaction Data

• Transaction Records: Currencies traded, exchange amounts, payment method (cash, debit, Interac e-Transfer, bank draft, wire transfer), date and time of transaction, and branch location.
• Payment and Settlement Details: Bank account numbers, institution and transit numbers, or recipient beneficiary information required to settle electronic funds transfers.
• Source and Purpose: Information regarding the source of funds and the intended commercial or personal purpose of the exchange, as required under federal anti-money laundering guidelines.

C. Corporate and Entity Clients

For corporate accounts, partnerships, or non-profit entities, we collect company articles of incorporation, registered business address, nature of business, director identification, and beneficial ownership information for all individuals who own or control 25% or more of the entity.

D. Technical and Website Information

When you visit currencymart.net, our web servers automatically log non-identifiable technical data including your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, and referral URLs. This information is used strictly to maintain website security, optimize server performance, and diagnose technical issues.

3. Why We Collect Your Information

Currency Mart collects and uses personal information strictly for identified, legitimate business and regulatory purposes:

• Transaction Fulfillment: To process currency purchases, cash pickups, home deliveries, and wire transfers accurately.
• Statutory FINTRAC Compliance: To satisfy mandatory identity verification thresholds (e.g. transactions of $1,000 CAD or more), compile Large Cash Transaction Reports ($10,000 CAD or more within 24 hours), and screen against domestic and international sanctions lists.
• Fraud Detection and Risk Mitigation: To prevent counterfeit notes, unauthorized payment reversals, debit card fraud, and identity theft.
• Customer Support: To confirm order confirmations, provide pickup receipts, and resolve customer service inquiries.

4. Consent and Legal Requirements

By using our retail counters or online platform, you consent to the collection and handling of your information as outlined in this policy.

Under Canadian federal law, providing valid government-issued identification is a mandatory legal prerequisite for currency transactions meeting regulatory thresholds. If a customer refuses to provide required regulatory documentation, Currency Mart is legally prohibited from executing the transaction.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We disclose personal information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers & Banking Partners: Trusted financial institutions, payment gateways, and courier partners who assist directly in executing your transaction and are bound by contractual confidentiality agreements.
• Legal and Regulatory Authorities: Government bodies such as FINTRAC, law enforcement agencies, or courts of competent jurisdiction where disclosure is required by subpoena, warrant, or statutory compliance obligations under Canadian law.

6. Data Security and Safeguards

We maintain rigorous physical, administrative, and technological security controls to guard your personal information against loss, theft, and unauthorized access:

• Technological Security: 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for all digital transmissions, secure firewall configurations, restricted database access, and continuous server monitoring.
• Physical Security: Secure cash handling zones, video surveillance, and restricted-access storage for physical records at our branch locations.
• Operational Controls: Role-based access restrictions ensuring only authorized personnel have access to sensitive records, alongside mandatory annual AML and privacy compliance training for all staff members.

7. Record Retention

In accordance with Section 54 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Regulations, Currency Mart is legally required to retain customer identification and transaction records for a minimum period of five (5) years from the date of the transaction or the closing of an account. Following the expiration of the statutory retention window, records are securely deleted or physically destroyed.

8. Your Rights and Access to Information

Under PIPEDA, you have the right to request access to the personal information Currency Mart holds about you and to request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate or outdated.

To request access or submit a correction, please contact our Compliance and Privacy Officer in writing. To safeguard your records, we require identity verification before releasing or updating file contents.

9. Privacy Officer Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal records, please reach out directly to our Compliance Office:

If your privacy inquiry is not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the right to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) at www.priv.gc.ca or toll-free at 1-800-282-1376.