Risk Disclosure Statement
Important information about the risks associated with AI-powered trading
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
IMPORTANT RISK WARNING
Trading in financial markets involves substantial risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you based on your experience, objectives, financial resources, and other relevant circumstances.
1. General Investment Risks
All investments carry risk, and you should be prepared for the possibility of losing some or all of your invested capital. The following risks apply to all trading activities, whether manual or automated:
Market Risk
The value of investments can go down as well as up due to market conditions, economic factors, and other external influences beyond our control.
Currency Risk
If you trade in foreign markets or currencies, fluctuations in exchange rates may affect the value of your investments.
Liquidity Risk
Some investments may be difficult to sell quickly at a fair price, especially during volatile market conditions.
Interest Rate Risk
Changes in interest rates can affect the value of your investments, particularly bonds and dividend-paying stocks.
2. AI and Algorithmic Trading Risks
Bitlax Smart AI's automated trading system introduces additional risks that you should understand:
2.1 Technology Risks
Algorithm Performance
AI algorithms are based on historical data and mathematical models. Market conditions can change rapidly, and algorithms may not adapt quickly enough to new patterns or unprecedented events.
Example Scenario:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, market behavior became highly unpredictable. AI systems trained on pre-pandemic data experienced significant losses as they couldn't anticipate the unprecedented market volatility and government interventions.
System Failures
Technical failures, including internet connectivity issues, server downtime, or software bugs, may prevent trades from being executed or cause unintended trades.
Execution Delays
Network latency or system overload may cause delays in trade execution, potentially resulting in unfavorable prices.
2.2 Model Limitations
Data Dependency
AI models are only as good as the data they're trained on. Incomplete, inaccurate, or biased data can lead to poor trading decisions.
Overfitting
AI models may perform excellently on historical data but fail to generalize to new market conditions, a phenomenon known as overfitting.
Black Box Nature
AI algorithms can be complex and difficult to interpret, making it challenging to understand why certain trading decisions are made.
3. Specific Risk Factors
3.1 High-Frequency Trading Risks
Our AI system may execute numerous trades in short time periods, which can amplify both gains and losses:
- Rapid loss accumulation during adverse market conditions
- Increased transaction costs due to frequent trading
- Potential market impact from large or frequent orders
- Regulatory scrutiny and compliance risks
3.2 Leverage and Margin Risks
LEVERAGE WARNING
Trading on margin or using leverage can magnify both profits and losses. You may lose more than your initial investment.
If your trading strategy involves leverage:
- Small market movements can result in large gains or losses
- You may be required to deposit additional funds (margin call)
- Your positions may be liquidated automatically if margin requirements aren't met
- Interest charges apply to borrowed funds
Leverage Example:
With 10:1 leverage, a 5% market decline results in a 50% loss of your invested capital. A 10% market decline would result in a 100% loss, potentially triggering a margin call.
3.3 Regulatory and Legal Risks
- Changes in financial regulations may affect our operations
- Tax implications of algorithmic trading may vary
- Cross-border trading may involve additional regulatory complexities
- Potential restrictions on AI trading in certain jurisdictions
4. Past Performance Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: Any performance figures, backtesting results, or historical returns presented by Bitlax Smart AI are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee future results. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
Factors that may cause future performance to differ from past results include:
- Changing market conditions and volatility
- Evolution of market structure and participants
- Regulatory changes affecting trading practices
- Technology improvements by competitors
- Changes in data availability and quality
5. Risk Management Measures
While we cannot eliminate risks, Bitlax Smart AI implements several risk management features:
5.1 Built-in Safeguards
- Stop-loss mechanisms to limit downside risk
- Position sizing algorithms to prevent over-concentration
- Daily loss limits and circuit breakers
- Real-time monitoring and alert systems
- Regular model validation and updates
5.2 User Controls
- Customizable risk tolerance settings
- Maximum investment amount limits
- Asset class and sector restrictions
- Emergency stop and manual override functions
- Regular performance reviews and adjustments
6. Recommendations for Users
To help manage your risk exposure, we recommend:
6.1 Before You Start
- Only invest money you can afford to lose
- Understand your risk tolerance and investment objectives
- Start with smaller amounts to test the system
- Read and understand all terms and conditions
- Consider seeking independent financial advice
6.2 Ongoing Monitoring
- Regularly review your portfolio performance
- Monitor market conditions and news
- Adjust risk settings as your situation changes
- Maintain adequate diversification across asset classes
- Stay informed about system updates and changes
6.3 Exit Strategy
- Have a clear plan for when to exit positions
- Understand how to stop automated trading
- Know the process for withdrawing funds
- Be aware of any withdrawal restrictions or fees
7. Regulatory Compliance
Bitlax Smart AI operates in compliance with Australian financial regulations, including:
- Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Australia (IIROC) rules
- Australian Securities Administrators (CSA) regulations
- Provincial securities legislation
- Anti-money laundering (AML) requirements
However, regulatory requirements may change, and new regulations specific to AI trading may be introduced.
8. Insurance and Compensation
While Bitlax Smart AI maintains professional liability insurance and follows industry best practices, please note:
- Investment losses due to market movements are not covered by insurance
- Technology failures may not be subject to compensation
- Australian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) may provide limited protection for eligible accounts
- Terms and limits of protection vary by account type and circumstances
9. Conflicts of Interest
Bitlax Smart AI may have conflicts of interest that could affect your investments:
- We may receive compensation from brokers or market makers
- Our own trading activities may compete with client orders
- We may have relationships with data providers that influence our algorithms
- Performance fees may incentivize riskier strategies
We are committed to managing these conflicts fairly and transparently in accordance with regulatory requirements.
10. Communication and Updates
We will communicate important risk-related information through:
- Regular account statements and performance reports
- Email alerts for significant events or losses
- Platform notifications for system changes
- Annual risk disclosure updates
- Quarterly market outlook reports
11. Your Responsibilities
By using Bitlax Smart AI's services, you acknowledge that you:
- Have read and understood this risk disclosure
- Accept the risks associated with AI trading
- Will monitor your account regularly
- Will notify us of any changes to your financial situation
- Understand that losses may exceed your initial investment
- Will not hold Bitlax Smart AI liable for investment losses due to market movements
ACKNOWLEDGMENT REQUIRED
Before using our services, you must acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted all the risks outlined in this disclosure statement.
Questions About Risk?
If you have questions about any of the risks described in this document, please contact our risk management team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 (412) 345 678
Address: 17 and 20, 17/31 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Investment Advice: For personalized investment advice, please consult with a qualified financial advisor who can assess your individual circumstances and risk tolerance.