Terms of Use

Last updated: 22nd Jan 2026

Welcome to Hotstuff. These Terms of Use (“Terms”) explain the terms and conditions by which you may access and use the Hotstuff L1 website-hosted user interface (the “Interface”) https://www.hotstuff.trade to interact with the Hotstuff L1. The Interface is made available by Syndr LLC, dba Hotstuff Labs (the “Company,” “Hotstuff,” “we,” “us” or “our”). You must read these Terms carefully, as they govern your use of the Interface. By accessing or using the Interface, you signify that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you are not authorised to use the Interface. These Terms include important legal disclaimers and limitations of liability, so please review them thoroughly. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of the Interface and the Hotstuff L1 is compliant with all laws and regulations applicable to you.

1. The Interface and Protocol Access

1.1 Decentralised Protocol: The Interface is a frontend portal that facilitates interaction with Hotstuff L1, a decentralised, permissionless blockchain protocol run by a network of independent validators. The Company does not own or control the Hotstuff L1, nor can we unilaterally modify or interfere with its functionality, security, or availability. In other words, Hotstuff L1 is operated by its community and validators, not by the Company, and the core blockchain will continue to run even without our Interface. The underlying software code for the Hotstuff L1 is intended to be gradually open-sourced to the community, enhancing transparency and community trust.

1.2 Non-Exclusive Access: The Interface is one way – but not the only way – to access the Hotstuff L1. You are not dependent on our website alone; you may also interact with Hotstuff L1 by connecting directly to the blockchain (for example, by running a node or using third-party applications). We plan to offer software development kits (SDKs) and public APIs to enable programmatic access to Hotstuff L1’s features, and we will publish official smart contract documentation to support users and developers in interacting directly with the protocol. This means you can build your own applications or use other interfaces to access Hotstuff L1 without surrendering control of your assets to us.

1.3 Self-Custodial Wallet Required: To use the Interface, you must connect a compatible non-custodial digital wallet (e.g. a crypto wallet that you control). This wallet allows you to store your digital assets and interact with the Hotstuff L1 blockchain (e.g. sign transactions). You remain in control of your assets at all times – the Company has no custody or control over the contents of your wallet and cannot retrieve, freeze, or transfer your assets for you. All transactions you initiate via the Interface are executed directly on the Hotstuff L1 blockchain by its validator network, not by the Company. With Hotstuff L1, there is no need to deposit funds into a centralised platform or third-party custodian; you retain self-custody of your assets throughout. Consequently, we do not hold user funds at any time, and we do not have the ability to reverse or modify your on-chain transactions. When you connect your wallet to the Interface, you are responsible for maintaining control over that wallet (including safeguarding your private keys or seed phrase). Generating or using a wallet through the Interface (if that feature is provided) is at your own risk, and you agree that connecting your wallet constitutes your agreement to these Terms.

1.4 User Responsibility and Risk: By using the Interface to interact with the Hotstuff L1, you acknowledge and agree that you do so entirely at your own risk. The Hotstuff L1 is experimental and decentralised; any transaction you perform (such as trades, transfers, or other blockchain interactions) will be irreversible once confirmed on-chain. The Company is not an intermediary, broker, or agent in your transactions, and we disclaim liability for any loss or damage arising from actions taken on the Hotstuff L1, even if you access it via our Interface. You should be financially and technically capable of evaluating the risks of using decentralised systems before you proceed. We strive to provide accurate information on the Interface (such as pricing data or transaction details), but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or timeliness at all times. Any information on the Interface is provided for general information only, and you should not rely on it for any financial or investment decisions without independent verification.

1.5 Restricted Jurisdictions: The Interface is not available to “Restricted Persons.” Restricted Persons include: (a) any person or entity located in, resident of, or incorporated in the United States of America or the province of Ontario, Canada; (b) any person or entity located in or organized in a country or region that is subject to comprehensive economic sanctions (e.g. Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, or any territory embargoed by U.S., UK, or EU); (c) citizens or residents of such sanctioned jurisdictions wherever they are located; or (d) any person, entity, or party that appears on any sanctions or terrorist watchlist maintained by the U.S., EU, UK, United Nations, or other applicable government. Restricted Persons are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the Interface. We do not conduct KYC/AML identity verification to onboard users – Hotstuff L1 is a permissionless protocol open to anyone with a wallet, in line with core DeFi principles. However, by using the Interface, you represent and warrant that you are not a Restricted Person and are not using any tools to conceal your location (such as VPNs or proxies) to evade these restrictions. If we determine that you are a Restricted Person or have violated this rule, we may block your access without notice. You are solely responsible for knowing and obeying the laws that apply to you. If your country of residence or use imposes additional legal requirements on cryptocurrency use (for example, if certain crypto trading activities are illegal or require licensing), you are responsible for compliance with those laws when using Hotstuff L1.

1.6 Technical Access Controls: We may implement reasonable technical and organisational measures (including IP blocking, geofencing, and transaction monitoring) to restrict access to the Interface by Restricted Persons. However, we do not guarantee that such measures will be effective in all circumstances. You acknowledge that the primary responsibility for complying with these restrictions rests with you, and any attempt to circumvent them constitutes a material breach of these Terms.

1.7 Institutional Use: Currently, we do not offer any special portals or custodial services for institutional users. The Interface and protocol are accessible on the same self-custodial basis for all users, whether individuals or institutions. Institutions that wish to use Hotstuff L1 must do so by using non-custodial wallets or via third-party custody solutions that integrate with Hotstuff L1. We may develop additional institutional onboarding options or partnerships in the future, but at this time, there are no separate processes or privileges for institutional participants. All users are subject to these same Terms and decentralized access models.

2. No Warranties; Assumption of Risk

2.1 “As-Is” Service: The Interface is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Company disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement, accuracy, or reliability. We do not guarantee that the Interface will be continuously available, uninterrupted, or error-free, or that any defects will be corrected. We also cannot promise that interacting with the Hotstuff L1 through the Interface will meet your expectations or requirements, or that data displayed is complete or current. Use the Interface at your own discretion and risk.

2.2 Blockchain and Asset Risks: By using the Interface, you accept and assume all risks associated with digital assets and decentralized protocols. These risks include, but are not limited to:

2.2.1 Market Volatility: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile. The value of tokens or assets can fluctuate dramatically over short time periods, and you may incur significant losses suddenly. Using leveraged products (if available on Hotstuff L1) can amplify these losses, potentially leading to immediate liquidation of your positions.

2.2.2 Technical Vulnerabilities: Decentralized systems rely on complex software and cryptography. Bugs, coding errors, or exploits in Hotstuff L1’s smart contracts, the consensus algorithm, or related tools (bridges, oracles, etc.) could result in unintended behavior, security breaches, or loss of funds. Similarly, newer blockchains (like Hotstuff L1) may not have the battle-tested reliability of older networks, and could experience downtime, network splits, or failures.

2.2.3 Unauthorized Access & Hacks: There is a risk of hacking, phishing, malware, or other cyberattacks in the crypto ecosystem. If your wallet is compromised (e.g. your private key is stolen) or if the Interface itself were ever attacked, you could lose access to your assets. The Company has no way to restore lost keys or reverse unauthorised transactions. You are solely responsible for the security of your wallet and devices. We strongly recommend using security best practices (hardware wallets, strong passwords, caution against phishing).

2.2.4 Network Congestion & Failures: Blockchain transactions may be delayed or fail due to network congestion, validator issues, or other technical problems beyond our control. Forks or upgrades to the Hotstuff L1 network (especially if governed by a decentralised process) might lead to unexpected outcomes such as chain splits or rollback of transactions. You understand that transactions may not always execute quickly or at all, and assets bridged from other chains (if applicable) carry additional cross-chain risks.

2.2.5 Liquidity and Market Risks: Hotstuff L1 is a new protocol and may have limited liquidity in its markets. Low liquidity can result in slippage (the price moving against you during execution) or an inability to execute large orders without significant price impact. Markets can also be subject to manipulation or oracle failures – for example, if price oracles are slow or manipulated, you might be liquidated at unfair prices. While the protocol may have safeguards (like open interest caps or circuit breakers ), these are not infallible.

2.2.6 Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal status of cryptocurrency trading and decentralized protocols is evolving. It is possible that your use of Hotstuff L1 or certain assets could be impacted by regulatory actions, new laws, or guidance in your jurisdiction. Regulatory developments could limit or prevent the continued operation of the Interface or aspects of the Hotstuff L1, and could result in asset freezes, trading halts, or other consequences. You are responsible for staying informed about and complying with any such developments.

2.3 No Recourse for Losses: You agree that you will have no recourse against the Company or any other party for any claims or losses arising from these inherent risks or your use of the Interface and Hotstuff L1. This includes (but is not limited to) losses due to: inaccurate information displayed on the Interface (e.g. pricing errors), transaction failures or errors, network congestion or outages, corrupted wallet files, unauthorized access to your wallet, software bugs or weaknesses, third-party service failures (like node providers or bridges), slippage or market manipulation, liquidation of leveraged positions, or forks and governance actions that affect the protocol. You bear full responsibility for all consequences of using the Interface. The Company is not offering to insure you against these risks. In legal terms, we make no fiduciary commitments to you: you agree that no advisory or fiduciary relationship is created by your use of our Interface, and you waive any fiduciary duties that may be imposed by law to the fullest extent permitted.

3. Prohibited Activities

3.1 You agree not to engage in or attempt any of the following categories of prohibited activities when accessing the Interface or using the Hotstuff L1:

3.1.1 Intellectual Property Infringement: Do not engage in any activity that infringes or violates the intellectual property rights of others, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, privacy or publicity rights, or any proprietary rights under applicable law. For example, you must not use the Interface to distribute unauthorised copyrighted material or misuse Hotstuff’s name and branding.

3.1.2 Cyberattacks & Malicious Tech: Do not interfere with or compromise the integrity, security, or proper functioning of any computer system, network, or the Hotstuff L1 itself. This prohibition includes deploying viruses or malware, performing denial-of-service attacks, attempting to hack or gain unauthorised access to any systems (including the Interface, the blockchain, other users’ wallets, etc.), or using the Interface in a way that could damage or overload infrastructure.

3.1.3 Fraud and Misrepresentation: Do not use the Interface to defraud anyone or engage in deceptive practices. You must not provide false, misleading, or fake information to other users. Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely claiming an affiliation, or attempting to deceive others about the nature of transactions (for instance, spoofing orders, fabricating data) is strictly prohibited.

3.1.4 Market Manipulation: Any activity that distorts or manipulates the fair and efficient functioning of markets on Hotstuff L1 is banned. This includes practices like wash trading (trading with yourself to create false volume), pump-and-dump schemes, spoofing (placing orders with the intent to cancel to move the market), or coordination to artificially affect prices or liquidity. You must comply with all applicable market integrity laws and regulations.

3.1.5 Circumvention of Restrictions: You may not attempt to bypass or evade any restrictions that we or the protocol impose. This includes using VPNs or other technology to disguise your location to access the Interface from a prohibited jurisdiction, or creating false identities or shell entities to hide your eligibility status. Any attempt to subvert geoblocking, eligibility checks, or other safeguards in place is a violation of these Terms. By using the Interface, you confirm that you are not a Restricted Person and will not try to become one under false pretences.

3.1.6 Illegal Financial Activity: Do not use Hotstuff L1 or the Interface in connection with money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illicit financial activities. You are prohibited from using the platform to handle proceeds of crime, to conceal the origins of funds, or to facilitate any transactions that would violate sanctions laws or trade embargoes. Engaging in or facilitating any activity that would breach anti-money laundering (AML) laws or economic sanctions (for example, attempting to use Hotstuff L1 to evade sanctions) is grounds for immediate termination of access and potential reporting to law enforcement.

3.1.7 Exploiting Protocol Vulnerabilities: You must not exploit or attempt to exploit any bugs or vulnerabilities in the Interface, the Hotstuff L1, or associated smart contracts. If you discover a potential issue, you should report it responsibly (e.g. via our bug bounty program) rather than using it for personal gain. This includes refraining from activities like using an exploit to drain funds, manipulate the state, or otherwise gain an unfair advantage. We reserve the right to seek restitution and legal remedies against individuals who maliciously exploit our platform.

3.1.8 Automated Abuse: While we welcome algorithmic and programmatic trading via our future API, you must not engage in excessive automated actions that harm the platform. For example, running bots that overwhelm the network, spamming transactions to clog the order books, or bypassing rate limits or API usage guidelines is prohibited. Your automated tools should use the platform within reasonable bounds and according to any technical rules we publish.

3.1.9 Leverage and Liquidation Manipulation: If Hotstuff L1 offers leveraged trading or similar features, you must not execute schemes intended to unfairly influence the leverage or liquidation mechanisms. For instance, coordinating with others to pump or crash a market just to trigger liquidations or take advantage of other users’ leveraged positions is not allowed. The protocol’s liquidation process is designed to be transparent and fair; any attempt to game this system, such as intentionally creating scenarios to force liquidations for profit, is abusive.

3.1.10 Other Unlawful Conduct: You agree not to use the Interface for any purpose that violates any law or regulation applicable to you. This catch-all includes things like engaging in fraud, theft, illegal gambling operations, Ponzi or pyramid schemes, distributing illegal content, or any other criminal or civil violations using the Interface or protocol. If it’s illegal in the real world, it’s not allowed on Hotstuff L1.

3.1.11 No Regulatory Evasion: You acknowledge and agree that you will not use the Interface or Hotstuff L1 for the purpose of evading, circumventing, or avoiding any applicable laws, regulations, regulatory oversight, or enforcement actions. Any such use constitutes a material breach of these Terms.

3.2 If you engage in any of the above Prohibited Activities, you are in breach of these Terms and may be subject to immediate termination of your access, as well as potential legal consequences. You also agree to indemnify the Company for any losses or claims arising from your prohibited acts (see the Indemnity section below). We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including cooperating with law enforcement or other authorities, if you misuse our Interface or the Hotstuff L1.

4. No Professional Advice; No Client Relationship

4.1 Informational Purposes Only: Any content or information that you obtain through the Interface (or from Hotstuff’s documentation, blog, Discord, etc.) is provided for general information only. Nothing on our Interface should be taken as investment, legal, financial, or other professional advice. The Company is not advising you on the merits of any transaction or digital asset. We do not know your personal situation, and content on the Interface is not tailored to you. For example, displaying the price of an asset or the P/L (profit and loss) of a vault is not a recommendation to trade or invest; it’s just data. You alone must evaluate the information and make your own decisions.

4.2 Potential Inaccuracies: The content and data presented via the Interface (including order book data, token values, news, or educational materials) might not always be complete, accurate, or up-to-date. Cryptocurrency markets move fast, and information can become outdated quickly. There may also be occasional errors or omissions. You should independently verify any information before relying on it. If you plan to make a significant financial or technical decision (like an investment or deploying a smart contract) based on something you saw on Hotstuff L1, we urge you to double-check with credible, independent sources or consult a professional advisor.

4.3 No Fiduciary or Advisory Relationship: Your use of the Interface does not create any advisory, fiduciary, or professional relationship between you and the Company We are not your broker, dealer, intermediary, or agent. We do not monitor your trading activity for suitability, and we will not warn you if a trade seems ill-advised. Any trading strategies or decisions you implement are purely your responsibility. The Company expressly disclaims any duty to monitor or guide you, and no information you receive from us (via the Interface or otherwise) should be construed as a personalised recommendation. We provide tools and a platform, but how you use them is up to you.

4.4 Non-Reliance: You acknowledge and agree that you do not rely on, and shall have no right or remedy in respect of, any statement, representation, assurance, or warranty (whether express or implied, oral or written) made by or on behalf of the Company, except as expressly set out in these Terms, and that any information provided through the Interface or related channels is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any guarantee regarding functionality, security, profitability, regulatory treatment, or future performance.

4.5 Taxes: You are solely responsible for calculating, reporting, and paying any taxes applicable to your activities on Hotstuff L1. The Interface will not provide tax advice, nor will it provide tax reporting forms (unless required by law in the future). Cryptocurrency transactions may have tax implications (for example, capital gains, income, VAT/GST, etc., depending on your jurisdiction). We make no representations about what taxes you owe (if any) for using Hotstuff L1. We strongly recommend keeping records of your trades and consulting a qualified tax professional to ensure you comply with all tax obligations. The Company will not be liable for any tax liability or penalties you incur.

5. Programs and Promotions

5.1 From time to time, the Company may launch special programs, offers, competitions, or promotions (each a “Program”) for Hotstuff L1 users. Examples could include trading competitions, referral reward schemes, liquidity mining incentives, airdrops, bonus distributions, or other community rewards. Participation in any Program is voluntary and may be subject to additional terms and conditions (“Program Terms”), which we will communicate when such a Program is offered. Here’s what you should know about possible Programs:

5.2 Separate Terms: If we roll out a Program, we will publish or communicate the specific rules governing that Program (e.g. on our blog, docs, or a dedicated page). Read those terms carefully, because they may impose additional requirements or conditions beyond these general Term. For example, a trading competition might have eligibility criteria or a rewards formula that is not covered here. In the event of any direct conflict between these Terms and the specific Program Terms, the Program Terms will take precedence but only for that particular Program. These Terms will continue to govern your use of the Interface in all other respects.

5.3 No Guarantee of Availability: We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or cancel any Program at any time without prior notice. Programs are offered at our discretion. There is no guarantee that a particular reward or Program will continue for any duration – we might change the rules or terminate a Program if we believe it’s necessary (for instance, due to suspected abuse, lack of funds, regulatory considerations, or simply at Program end). No vested rights are granted by virtue of a Program; what one user earns is independent and at our discretion.

5.4 No Cash Value (Unless Stated): Unless explicitly stated in the specific Program Terms, any points, tokens, rewards, or benefits you earn in a Program have no cash value. They are not your property and cannot be redeemed for cash (again, unless the program says so).

5.5 No Vested Rights: Participation in any Program does not create any vested, transferable, or proprietary rights in any reward, token, or benefit unless and until such reward is actually distributed to your wallet in accordance with the applicable Program Terms. Until distribution occurs, any rewards remain conditional, revocable, and subject to modification or cancellation at our discretion and in accordance with applicable law.

5.6 Conditions and Forfeiture: Program Terms may include conditions you must meet to actually receive or retain a reward. The Company retains the right to deny or claw back any Program benefit if we find that you have violated the Program rules or these Terms, or if required by law If we suspect fraud, manipulation, or any wrongful conduct in connection with a Program, we can cancel your benefits and possibly disqualify you from future Programs. All of our determinations regarding Program eligibility and outcomes are final and binding.

6. Usage Limitations and Termination

6.1 Eligibility Decisions: The Company has the right to determine who is eligible to use the Interface and to participate in any features or Programs. Any decision we make regarding your use (including questions of rule interpretations or whether a violation occurred) is final and not subject to appeal. We may, in our sole discretion, refuse access to the Interface to any user for any lawful reason. This could include (but is not limited to) cases where we suspect you are a Restricted Person, you violated these Terms, or your use could pose legal or security risks.

6.2 Suspension or Termination: We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Interface (and any associated programs or features) at any time, without prior notice, if we suspect (in our sole judgment) that: (a) You have engaged in fraudulent, illegal, or unauthorised activity; (b) you have breached these Terms or are attempting to subvert the platform’s integrity; or (c) Such action is reasonably necessary to comply with legal requirements. Suspension may mean temporarily blocking your wallet address or IP from using our official Interface. Termination means permanent revocation of your privilege to use our Interface. In either case, because Hotstuff L1 is decentralised, you would still technically be able to interact with the blockchain via other means, but you will no longer be permitted to use our hosted Interface. We will not be liable to you for any losses resulting from suspension or termination in accordance with these Terms.

6.3 Fees and Costs: The Interface itself does not charge any additional platform fees for basic usage. However, when you interact with the Hotstuff L1 blockchain (through our Interface or otherwise), you may incur transaction costs — for example, network fees paid to validators or protocol fees for trades (if any). You are solely responsible for paying all such blockchain fees, and you acknowledge that these costs can vary (sometimes dramatically) based on network conditions. Hotstuff L1 might have its own fee model (e.g. a small fee on trades or withdrawals, denominated in a certain token), and those are determined by the protocol’s rules (or governance) rather than by our Interface. We do not control network fee rates or gas costs. You should always review the estimated fees before confirming a transaction, and understand that once sent, those fees are non-refundable.

6.4 Irreversibility of Transactions: Transactions confirmed on the Hotstuff L1 blockchain are irreversible. Once a transaction is submitted and finalised, the Company cannot reverse it or recover any assets sent in error. We assume no liability for mistakes you make in your on-chain transactions, such as sending funds to the wrong address, inputting incorrect transaction details, or falling victim to scams. Double-check all details (addresses, amounts, asset types) before approving any wallet transaction. The Interface may provide warnings or confirmation steps, but ultimately,you must ensure accuracy. If you encounter what you believe is a technical error (for example, the Interface displayed something incorrectly and you acted on it), you can contact us (see Support below), but understand that the blockchain’s records are final.

6.5 Technical Issues: We are not responsible for any technological problems or technical malfunctions in connection with your use of the Interface. This includes issues arising from your hardware or internet connection, the blockchain network, third-party service outages (like if a node provider or wallet service goes down), or general internet congestion. You acknowledge that using a blockchain application involves relying on many systems beyond our control. For instance, if your web browser crashes at a critical moment, or your transaction fails due to a network fork, those are inherent risks of decentralised systems. We do not guarantee that the Interface will be compatible with all devices or will be free from errors.

6.6 Force Majeure Events: If unforeseen events occur that are beyond our control and affect the performance of the Interface or any feature, the Company shall not be liable for any inconvenience or losses you suffer as a result. Such events may include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, war, civil unrest, power or internet outages, acts of cyberattacks or terrorism, regulatory actions, or other “force majeure” events. If such an event causes the Interface to not operate as intended (for example, a widespread internet outage or a critical bug is discovered), we reserve the right to suspend, modify, or shut down the Interface (or certain features) while the situation is addressed. We will endeavour to restore normal functionality as soon as feasible, but we provide no guarantee on timing. In extreme cases, we might decide to discontinue a feature entirely if it cannot be safely reactivated. You agree that we will not be liable for any damages or losses arising from any such disruption or our actions taken in response to extreme conditions. For the avoidance of doubt, force majeure events include blockchain-specific events such as consensus failures, validator collusion, network attacks (including 51% attacks), protocol exploits, cryptographic failures, critical software vulnerabilities, chain reorganisations, or hard forks.

7. Changes and Modifications

7.1 Platform Changes: The Company reserves the right to modify, update, or discontinue any part of the Interface or any feature offered through it, at any time, in our sole discretion. This includes adding new features, changing how existing features work, or removing features altogether. For example, we might launch a new version of the Interface with a different layout, or we might integrate a new tool, or disable a functionality that we feel is problematic. We may not always provide advance notice for such changes, but we typically will announce significant changes via our official channels. We will not be liable to you for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Interface or any service. If you are dissatisfied with a change, your only remedy is to stop using the Interface. (Because Hotstuff is open, you could also fork or build an alternative interface if a change truly bothers you, but that would be outside these Terms.)

7.2 Terms Updates: We may also update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this document and, if the changes are material, we will use reasonable means to notify users (e.g., via a notice on our website or an announcement) All modifications to Terms take effect at the time of posting, unless a later effective date is indicated . It is your responsibility to review the Terms periodically. By continuing to use the Interface after any revised Terms have been posted, you agree to the updated Terms . If you do not agree with any amendment, you must stop using the Interface immediately. Because the Hotstuff L1 is separate from this Interface, note that changes to these Terms do not change the underlying protocol rules; however, if you cannot abide by the Terms, you should not use our hosted Interface (you might still interact with Hotstuff L1 directly at your own risk, but without our support or permission).

7.3 Programs and Policies: Similarly, we may update or introduce additional policies, FAQs, guidelines, or Program Terms that govern specific aspects of the Hotstuff L1 platform. For example, we might publish a new Privacy Policy, developer guidelines, or Program-specific rules. We reserve the same rights to modify or discontinue those, and they may be referenced within these Terms. Changes to any such policies will be handled in a manner consistent with the above (effective upon posting, etc.). Always refer to the latest available documentation when using the Interface.

8. Assumption of Risk & Release of Claims

8.1 Using a decentralised financial platform like Hotstuff L1 involves significant risks (as described above in Section 2). To the fullest extent permitted by law, you assume all such risks and agree to release the Company from any claims related to your use of the Interface or Hotstuff L1. Specifically:

8.2 Your Own Risk: You explicitly acknowledge that you are voluntarily choosing to participate in an emerging technology ecosystem that carries many uncertainties and dangers. All risk of loss is borne by you. This includes risks of software bugs, economic loss, regulatory crackdowns, and everything in between. If you cannot afford to lose the value of all your assets used on Hotstuff L1 or if you are not prepared for the possibility of total failure of an experimental platform, do not use Hotstuff L1.

8.3 No Guarantees of Security or Performance: The Company does not and cannot guarantee the security, functionality, or performance of the Hotstuff L1 blockchain or any related technology. While we commit to making reasonable efforts in developing and maintaining the Interface, we are not responsible for any vulnerabilities or failures in Hotstuff’s smart contracts, consensus mechanism, cryptography, or other infrastructure. You understand that the Company is not a counterparty to your trades or transactions on-chain; we neither facilitate nor control the execution of on-chain actions Therefore, any issue that arises on the network (like an exploit or a consensus failure) is outside our liability.

8.4 Waiver of Claims: By using the Interface, you waive and release any claim or cause of action against the Company (and its officers, directors, employees, and agents) for any losses, damages, or liability you may incur arising out of or relating to your interaction with Hotstuff L1. This waiver includes, but is not limited to, claims related to:

8.4.1 Trading Losses: If you lose money trading on Hotstuff L1 (whether due to market conditions, liquidations, or errors), you agree you will not hold the Company liable for those losses.

8.4.2 Liquidation Events: If your leveraged position is liquidated (or otherwise adversely affected) on Hotstuff L1, you waive any claims that the Company should compensate you or that the liquidation was improperly executed You understand that liquidations are an automated part of the protocol and carry no guarantees.

8.4.3 Data or Display Errors: If the Interface displays incorrect or delayed information (for example, an outdated price feed or wrong account balance) and you act on it, resulting in a loss, you agree not to seek compensation from the Company. We strive for accuracy, but mistakes happen, and ultimate responsibility lies with you to verify critical information.

8.4.4 Third-Party Tools: Hotstuff L1 might be used in conjunction with third-party integrations or tools (like analytics sites, bots, wallet software, bridges, etc.). If any loss occurs due to a failure or issue with a third-party service, you will not hold the Company responsible for that. For example, if a browser plugin you use is hacked and that leads to theft of your funds, that is outside our control, and this release covers it.

8.4.5 Regulatory Consequences: Should you face any legal consequences (like having your account investigated, assets frozen, or penalties) due to your use of Hotstuff L1 (for instance, if your local laws prohibit some activity), you release the Company from liability for those consequences. We have made clear that you must follow your own laws; any breach of law on your part is solely your responsibility.

8.5 Specific Acknowledgement for Leveraged Trading: If Hotstuff L1 offers perpetual futures or margin trading, note that these are high-risk products. By using the Interface to engage in such trading, you acknowledge the possibility of large, sudden losses and waive any recourse against the Company for those losses. We echo that: you trade at your own risk.

8.6 This Release of Claims is a vital part of these Terms. It means that to use our platform, you are agreeing up front that you will not sue or seek damages from the Company for the myriad things that could go wrong. If you cannot agree to this, then you should not use the Interface. (That said, if you ever have a concern or think something truly improper occurred, we encourage you to reach out to our support team so we can at least be aware and possibly help within our ability – see Contact Us below – but this clause means we are not legally obligated to remedy your issue.)

9. Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company and its affiliated parties (including our officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, and subsidiaries) (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, expenses, and damages (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) that arise out of or relate to your actions in connection with the Interface or Hotstuff L1. In plain language, if your use (or misuse) of Hotstuff L1 causes us to be sued or suffer damage, you will cover the costs. This includes, but is not limited to:

Your Use of the Interface: Any claim by a third party arising from your access to or use of the Interface or the Hotstuff L1. For example, if you infringe someone’s intellectual property while using Hotstuff L1 and they sue us for it, you must indemnify us. Or if you use Hotstuff L1 in a way that gets us entangled in a legal dispute, you bear the cost.

9.1 Your Violation of Terms or Law: Any claim resulting from your breach of these Terms or your violation of any law or regulation If you do something banned in Section 3 (Prohibited Activities) and it leads to a lawsuit or regulatory fine against us, you are responsible for those costs. Similarly, if you break the law using Hotstuff L1 (knowingly or unknowingly) and we get subpoenaed or have to pay penalties, you must cover us.

9.2 Misuse by Others on Your Account: Any claim arising from another person’s or entity’s use of the Interface via your wallet, credentials, or devices. Although Hotstuff L1 doesn’t use traditional accounts, if someone gains access to your wallet or API keys and uses them, you are responsible for their actions as if they were your own. You agree to take precautions to prevent unauthorised use. We will treat any actions taken through your wallet or devices as your actions.

9.3 Third-Party Services: If you use any third-party services or integrations in conjunction with Hotstuff L1 (for example, a trading bot, an analytics platform, or a custodial solution) and that leads to a dispute or claim against us, you agree to indemnify us. We are not responsible for what third-party tools do; that responsibility lies between you and the third party.

9.4 False Statements by You: If you provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information to us (for instance, lying about not being a Restricted Person, or any other certification) and that causes us harm, you will indemnify us for the consequences Honesty is part of this agreement; dishonesty that causes damage triggers your indemnification duty.

If a claim is brought against the Company for which you owe indemnification, we will (if feasible) promptly notify you in writing. You agree to cooperate fully with us in defending any such claim and to provide us with reasonable assistance as needed. We reserve the right to assume the exclusive defence and control of any matter subject to indemnification (meaning we might handle it with our lawyers) at your expense. You agree not to settle any such claim without our prior written consent, as an unauthorised settlement could prejudice us or admit liability on our behalf. This indemnity continues even after you stop using the Interface or after termination of these Terms.

10. Limitation of Liability Under no circumstances will the Company or any of the Indemnified Parties be liable to you for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages whatsoever arising out of or related to your use of (or inability to use) the Interface or Hotstuff L1 This means we are not responsible for losses like lost profits, lost revenue, lost opportunity, lost data, or business interruption, even if we were advised that such damages were possible. Additionally:

10.1 No Liability for Certain Types of Loss: The Company and its affiliates will not be liable for any damage or loss resulting from events including, but not limited to: hacking or security breaches, software bugs or vulnerabilities in the Hotstuff L1, errors or inaccuracies in any content, personal injury or property damage arising from your access to the Interface, unauthorized access or use of our servers (if any) or any data, interruption of service, viruses or malicious code transmitted to or through the Interface by third parties, third-party fraud or phishing impacting users, failures of third-party services or infrastructure, or unclaimed user rewards or assets. In short, if something goes wrong – whether it’s a cyberattack, a technical failure, or a problem with an external service – we are not liable for the resulting damage.

10.2 Cap on Liability: To the extent that any liability is not completely disclaimed (in some jurisdictions, certain liabilities cannot be excluded), you agree that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company and Indemnified Parties to you for all claims arising under these Terms or your use of the Interface is limited to USD $100 (one hundred U.S. dollars. This cap applies whether the claim is based ioncontract, tort, strict liability, or any other legal theory, and even if we have been advised of the possibility of more serious damages. Some jurisdictions do not enforce such low liability caps for certain kinds of wrongful conduct, so this provision will apply to you to the fullest extent that the law allows. But in no case will we pay more than $100 in aggregate for all claims.

10.3 Local Law Exceptions: We acknowledge that some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or the limitation/exclusion of certain liabilities (for example, some countries disallow the exclusion of liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct, or have consumer protection laws that override contract terms). If you live in such a jurisdiction, some of the above limitations may not fully apply to you. However, in any dispute, our liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law. These Terms are intended to comply with all applicable laws on limitation of liability and warranties – no provision is intended to contravene mandatory legal protections.

By using the Interface, you understand and agree that the above disclaimers and limits on liability are a fundamental part of our agreement. The Interface would not be provided to you without these limitations. If you believe you have greater rights than those stated here under your local laws, you should not proceed to use Hotstuff L1, or you should consult with us if possible before use.

11. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Please read this section carefully, as it requires arbitration of disputes and limits your ability to litigate in court or to join a class action. This section is intended to be broadly interpreted to encompass all disputes or claims arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Interface.

11.1 Arbitration Agreement: Except for disputes that qualify for small claims court (as described below), you and the Company agree to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Interface through final and binding arbitration, on an individual basis This means you are waiving your right to a trial by jury and your right to have your dispute decided by a judge in a public court. Arbitration is typically more informal than a lawsuit in court and uses a neutral arbitrator instead of a judge or jury.

11.2 No Class Actions: You and the Company agree that any arbitration (or court proceeding, if applicable) will be conducted solely on an individual basis and not as a class, collective, or representative action. Class action lawsuits, class-wide arbitrations, private attorney-general actions, and consolidation with other arbitrations are not permitted. The arbitrator may only resolve your individual claim and may not consolidate multiple parties’ claims or preside over any form of a representative or class proceeding. By agreeing to these Terms, you are giving up the ability to participate in any class or representative action against us.

11.3 Small Claims Court Option: Either you or the Company may choose to bring an individual action in a small claims court of appropriate jurisdiction for disputes or claims that fall within the scope of that court’s jurisdiction (for example, if your claim and damages are below a certain monetary threshold, which varies by location). If a dispute qualifies to be resolved in small claims court, that may proceed instead of arbitration, at the option of the party seeking relief. However, if the dispute is moved to a higher court or does not qualify, the arbitration agreement applies.

11.4 Initial Dispute Resolution – Notice Requirement: We hope to resolve any issues you may have amicably. Before initiating arbitration, you agree to contact us and provide an opportunity to resolve your dispute informally. To do so, you must send a written notice of your dispute to the Company. The notice should be sent via email to our official support/legal contact (currently support@hotstufflabs.com for dispute notices, or another email we designate) You may also send a copy to a physical address if we publish one for legal notices (as of now, email notice is primary). Your notice must include: (1) your full name and contact information (address, email); (2) a clear description of the nature of the dispute or claim, including relevant facts and what outcome you desire; and (3) any specific relief or resolution you are seeking. Once we receive your notice, we will acknowledge it, and then both parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute informally. We will have 30 days from receipt of your notice to try to resolve with you (this could involve email communications, phone calls, or other informal discussions). If, after 30 day,s we cannot resolve the dispute, either party may proceed to file an arbitration claim. (Note: Providing this notice and waiting the 30-day period is a condition precedent to initiating an arbitration – meaning you must do it, otherwise the arbitrator may dismiss your case.)

11.5 Governing Law: These Terms (and any disputes/enforcement arising from them) are governed by the laws of England and Wales (UK), excluding any conflict-of-law principles that would result in applying a different jurisdiction’s law. We choose English law because Hotstuff aims to be a global protocol, and English law is often seen as neutral for international agreements (and we avoid U.S. jurisdiction to the extent possible ). However, we emphasise that your local mandatory laws still apply to your conduct – this governing law is for interpreting the contract and handling disputes between you and us.

11.6 Arbitration Venue and Rules: Any arbitration will be administered by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and conducted in English in London, United Kingdom, unless otherwise agreed. The arbitration will be decided by a single arbitrator appointed according to LCIA rules. The LCIA’s then-current rules will apply (we incorporate those rules by reference here), and you can find information about the LCIA’s procedures on their official website. The arbitrator has the authority to determine his or her own jurisdiction and to decide any questions of arbitrability (i.e., whether an issue is subject to arbitration), except as limited by these Terms. Each party will bear its own arbitration fees and costs, unless the arbitrator decides otherwise or the rules provide otherwise. The arbitrator can award any individual relief or remedies that a court could award to an individual, but may only award relief to the claimant in the arbitration and cannot issue relief to anyone else.

11.7 No U.S. Forum: Given the arbitration agreement and governing law, you agree not to bring any disputes against us in United States courts (Likewise, we agree not to sue you in U.S. courts, either, except for enforcement of an arbitration award or as may be required to enforce this arbitration agreement.) This aligns with our intent to avoid U.S. jurisdiction to the extent lawful, due to the regulatory uncertainties and other considerations. Any court with competent jurisdiction (likely courts in England & Wales, or another jurisdiction as necessary for enforcement) may be used to enforce the arbitrator’s award if needed. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding, and judgment on it can be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

11.8 If, for any reason, the arbitration agreement set out in this Section 11 is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable with respect to a particular claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, and you irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction.

Important: By agreeing to arbitration and the class action waiver, you are giving up certain rights you might otherwise have to litigate in court (including in a jury trial) and to participate in class actions. You understand and accept that. If you have questions about whether arbitration or a class waiver is appropriate for you, you may want to consult legal counsel. This arbitration clause shall survive termination of these Terms. If a court or arbitrator decides that any part of this arbitration agreement (other than the class action waiver) is invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the clause shall remain in effect. If the class action waiver is deemed invalid, then the entirety of this Section 11 (arbitration) shall be null and void, and the dispute may be brought in court.

12. Miscellaneous Provisions This section covers a few additional legal points to round out the Terms:

12.1 Entire Agreement: These Terms (along with any incorporated documents like our Privacy Policy and any Program Terms) constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding the Interface and supersede any prior agreements, understandings, or communications on the same subject. This means that any promises or representations (whether oral or written) that are not included in these Terms are not binding. If you think you were told something that isn’t reflected here, you should get it added to the Terms or consider it not agreed.

12.2 Privacy Policy: We care about your privacy, and any personal data we might collect or process is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is hereby incorporated by reference. By using the Interface, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in that policy. Always review the Privacy Policy to understand what data we collect (such as analytics or cookie data) and how we use or share it.

12.3 No Agency or Partnership: Nothing in these Terms is intended to, nor does it, create any partnership, joint venture, agency, employment, or fiduciary relationship between you and us. We are independent parties. You also agree that, except as expressly set out in these Terms, no third party (besides our affiliates under these same Terms) shall be a beneficiary of these Terms. In other words, this contract is just between you and us; it doesn’t give rights to anyone else.

12.4 Assignment: You may not assign or transfer any rights or obligations under these Terms to anyone else without our prior written consent. Any attempt by you to do so (for example, trying to transfer your rights to another user or to a different entity) will be null and void. The Company, however, may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under these Terms freely to any affiliate or in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate rreorganisation or sale of substantially all assets, or by operation of law. We can do this with or without notice to you. These Terms will bind and iensureto the benefit of the parties, their successors, and permitted assigns.

12.5 Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in full force and effect. Essentially, if a court finds one part of the contract illegal or void, the rest isn’t thrown out – we simply adjust or remove the offending part while keeping the remainder intact. For example, if the arbitration clause above were found unenforceable, the rest of the Terms would still apply (minus arbitration, with potentially court litigation as a fallback). The same applies to any other clause; we would modify it to reflect the original intent as closely as possible in a valid way.

12.6 No Waiver: Our failure or delay in exercising any right, power, or privilege under these Terms shall not operate as a waiver thereof. A waiver by the Company of any breach of these Terms by you on one occasion will not constitute a waiver of any other breach, whether past or future. To be effective, any waiver of rights by the Company must be in a written document provided to you.

12.7 Notices: You agree that we may provide notices and communications to you electronically, such as by email or by posting notices on our website or within the Interface. You are responsible for keeping your contact information (especially your email) up to date and for checking for notices periodically. If we post a notice on our site or send an email, and you do not see it because your information is outdated or you neglect to read it, that notice is still considered delivered. For any notices you send to us (including the dispute notice in Section 11), you must use the contact information provided (e.g., the support email) or any other method we designate.

12.8 Headings and Interpretation: The headings used in these Terms (like “No Warranties; Assumption of Risk”) are for convenience and organisation only. They do not have legal effect. Similarly, when we say “including,” it means “including without limitation.” These Terms are intended to be interpreted neutrally, and not presumptively in favour of or against either you or us. If anything in these Terms is ambiguous, neither party will be considered the drafter for purposes of interpreting the ambiguity. Translations of these Terms (if any) are provided for convenience; the English version will control in the event of any discrepancy.

12.9 Survival: Any section of these Terms which by its nature should survive termination of the agreement (such as indemnities, limitation of liability, arbitration, governing law, and other protective provisions) will survive any expiration or termination of these Terms. Even if you stop using the Interface or these Terms are ended, those commitments and disclaimers stay in effect.

12.10 Intellectual Property: All intellectual property rights in and to the Interface, including its software, source code (excluding open-source protocol components), design, text, graphics, logos, trademarks, and other content, are owned by or licensed to the Company. Nothing in these Terms grants you any rights in such intellectual property except for a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable right to access and use the Interface in accordance with these Terms.

12.11 Consumer Rights: Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit any consumer rights that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law, including mandatory rights under UK or EU consumer protection legislation where applicable. Where such laws apply, certain disclaimers, exclusions, or limitations of liability in these Terms may not apply to you to the extent prohibited by law.

12.12 Electronic Communication and Consent: By using the Interface, you consent to receive all communications, agreements, notices, disclosures, and other messages from the Company electronically, including via the Interface or by email, and agree that such communications satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

You further acknowledge and consent to the processing of information as described in the Privacy Policy and to the application of the risk disclosures, disclaimers, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution provisions contained in these Terms.

Contact and Support We are here to help. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms or the Hotstuff L1 platform, please feel free to reach out:

Email: You can email our support team at support@hotstufflabs.com for direct assistance or to provide notice of any issues. We aim to respond promptly, typically within 1-2 business days, but response times may vary.