> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.alignlabs.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.alignlabs.dev/compliance/prohibited-and-restricted-use/restrictions-on-financial-institutions.md).

# Restrictions on Financial Institutions

Regulated financial institutions, including banks, electronic money institutions, payment institutions, money service businesses and similar regulated entities, are restricted to **first-party payment activity only**.

This means:

* The regulated financial institution must be the direct customer.
* Payments must be made solely for the institution’s own operational or corporate purposes.
* The institution must act on its own behalf and for its own account.

The following activities are not permitted:

* Acting as an intermediary, agent, correspondent, processor, gateway or platform for third-party merchants, clients or end users.
* Collecting, receiving, holding, pooling, settling or forwarding funds on behalf of underlying customers or beneficiaries.
* Operating as a payment facilitator, programme manager, sponsor or pass-through payments provider.

If a financial institution wishes to use the full scope of Align’s services, including third-party settlements and virtual accounts, its underlying customers (both individuals and businesses) **must be onboarded directly with Align.**