Account Migration to GigaStar Securities

Why Account Migration Is Needed

If you currently hold Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) purchased through GigaStar Market, you already have an account with the funding portal. However, trading on the GigaStar Secondary Market requires a separate account with GigaStar Securities, the FINRA-member broker-dealer that operates the Alternative Trading System (ATS).

This is not a policy choice by GigaStar. It is a regulatory requirement. Federal securities law mandates that secondary trading of securities must be conducted through a registered broker-dealer. GigaStar Market is a funding portal, not a broker-dealer, and it is limited by law to facilitating primary offerings under Regulation Crowdfunding. The Secondary Market, which enables Investors to buy and sell existing CRTs with each other, must operate under the broker-dealer framework.

Two Entities, One Ecosystem

Think of it this way:

GigaStar Market (funding portal): Where Creators raise capital by offering new CRTs to Investors in primary offerings. This is where you made your original investment.
GigaStar Securities (broker-dealer): Where existing CRT holders and new buyers can trade CRTs with each other on the Secondary Market.

Both entities are part of the GigaStar ecosystem, but they serve different functions and are governed by different regulatory frameworks. Your migration creates the bridge between the two.

Step-by-Step Migration Process

The migration process is designed to be straightforward. Here are the steps you will follow:

Step 1: Start Your GigaStar Securities Application

Visit the GigaStar Securities account opening page to begin the application. You will be asked to provide:

Full legal name (must match your government-issued ID)
Date of birth
Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number
Current residential address
Contact information (email and phone number)

If you already have a GigaStar Market account, some of this information may be pre-populated. However, you will still need to review and confirm all fields, as the broker-dealer account has its own data requirements.

Step 2: Complete Identity Verification (KYC)

GigaStar Securities is required to verify your identity under federal Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This process involves:

Government-issued photo ID: Upload a clear image of a valid driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID.
Proof of address: This may be satisfied by the ID itself or through a supplementary document such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
Identity validation: Your information will be verified against regulatory databases. In most cases, this is automated and completes within minutes. In some cases, manual review may take several business days.

Even if you completed KYC for your GigaStar Market account, the broker-dealer account requires its own independent verification. This is a regulatory requirement, not a duplication.

Step 3: Review and Accept Account Terms

The GigaStar Securities account has its own set of terms and agreements, which are distinct from the funding portal terms. You will be asked to review and agree to:

Customer Account Agreement: The core agreement governing your relationship with GigaStar Securities as a broker-dealer client.
ATS Subscriber Agreement: The terms specific to participating in the Secondary Market.
Risk Disclosures: Important information about the risks associated with secondary trading of CRTs.
Privacy Policy: How your data is handled by GigaStar Securities.

Take the time to read these documents carefully. They contain important information about your rights, obligations, and the risks involved.

Step 4: Link Your Existing CRT Holdings

Once your account is verified, you will link your existing CRT holdings to your GigaStar Securities account. This step ensures that:

Your CRTs are recognized within the broker-dealer system
You can view your complete portfolio in the GigaStar Securities interface
Holdings that meet the 12-month requirement are flagged as eligible for sale

The linking process connects your GigaStar Market portfolio records with your new broker-dealer account. Your CRT terms, distribution rights, and holding dates are all preserved.

Step 5: Fund Your Account (If Planning to Buy)

If you intend to purchase CRTs on the Secondary Market, you will need to deposit funds into your GigaStar Securities account. Available funding methods and processing times will be detailed in your account setup materials.

If you only plan to sell CRTs, funding your account is not required at this stage. Sale proceeds will be credited to your GigaStar Securities account after trade settlement.

Step 6: Confirm Readiness

Before the Secondary Market launch, confirm that:

Your identity verification is complete (status shows as "verified")
Your CRT holdings are linked and visible in the GigaStar Securities interface
You have reviewed the trading rules and operational procedures
Your account is funded if you plan to buy

You will receive a confirmation notification when your account is fully set up and ready for trading.

What Happens to Your Existing CRT Holdings

This is one of the most important questions for current CRT holders, and the answer is straightforward: nothing changes about your actual investments.

Holdings Remain Intact

Your CRTs are not modified, transferred to a new issuer, or altered in any way during migration. The underlying securities remain the same. The revenue-sharing terms, the percentage of Creator revenue allocated to CRT holders, and the duration of the agreement are all unchanged.

Distribution Rights Are Preserved

Your right to receive monthly distributions continues without interruption. Migration does not affect the timing, amount, or mechanism of your distributions. You will continue to receive your proportional share of Creator revenue according to the terms of each CRT you hold.

Holding Period Clock Continues

The 12-month holding period required for selling on the Secondary Market is measured from your original purchase date on GigaStar Market, not from the date of account migration. If you purchased CRTs in January 2025, your 12-month clock started in January 2025 regardless of when you migrate.

Portfolio Visibility

After migration, your CRT holdings will be visible in your GigaStar Securities account, along with relevant details like purchase date, holding period status, distribution history, and eligibility for secondary trading.

KYC and Identity Verification

Identity verification is a critical part of the migration process. Here is what to expect and how to ensure a smooth experience.

Why Separate KYC Is Required

Even though you completed identity verification for your GigaStar Market account, the broker-dealer has independent regulatory obligations. FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer) and the Bank Secrecy Act require broker-dealers to independently verify the identity of each customer. GigaStar Securities cannot rely solely on verification performed by a separate entity (the funding portal).

Documents You Will Need

Have the following ready before starting:

Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, passport, or state ID. Must be current (not expired).
Proof of address: If your ID does not show your current address, have a recent utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence available.

Verification Timeline

Automated verification: Most accounts are verified within minutes through automated identity validation systems.
Manual review: If automated verification cannot confirm your identity, your application will be routed to manual review, which typically takes 1-3 business days.
Additional documentation: In rare cases, you may be asked to provide supplementary documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Tips for a Smooth Verification

Ensure your name matches exactly across your ID, application, and GigaStar Market account
Use a high-quality image or scan of your ID (no blurriness, all corners visible)
Make sure your ID is not expired
If your address has changed since opening your GigaStar Market account, update it before starting migration

Timeline and Key Deadlines

Recommended Migration Timeline

While there is no mandatory deadline to migrate, here is the recommended timeline:

Now through late February 2026: Begin the migration process. Complete your application and identity verification.
Early March 2026: Confirm your holdings are linked and your account is fully set up. Fund your account if you plan to buy.
March 16, 2026: Secondary Market launch date. Accounts that are fully verified and linked will be ready to participate.

Why Start Early?

Identity verification delays: While most verifications are fast, manual review can add several days. Starting early gives you a buffer.
Document issues: If your ID is expiring soon or your address needs updating, handling this now avoids complications.
Familiarity: Having your account set up before launch day lets you explore the interface, understand the order placement process, and feel confident when trading begins.

After Launch

You can migrate your account at any time after the Secondary Market launches. There is no window that closes. However, you cannot participate in secondary trading until migration is complete.

What Doesn't Change

Migration can sound like a significant change, but it is important to understand what stays exactly the same.

Monthly Distributions Continue

Your CRT distribution schedule is unaffected by migration. Revenue distributions are calculated and paid based on the terms of each CRT, not based on which account system you are using. Whether you have migrated or not, your monthly distributions continue on the same schedule.

Same CRTs, Same Terms

The CRTs you hold are identical before and after migration. The revenue percentage, the duration, the Creator, and all other terms defined in the original offering documents remain the same. Migration is an account-level change, not a security-level change.

Same Creator Relationships

The Creators whose CRTs you hold are the same. Their obligations under the revenue-sharing agreements are unchanged. Migration does not involve the Creators in any way.

GigaStar Market Account Remains Active

Your GigaStar Market funding portal account stays open and active. You can continue to:

View your investment history
Participate in new primary CRT offerings
Receive communications and updates about your investments

The two accounts (GigaStar Market and GigaStar Securities) exist side by side. You do not have to choose one or the other.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

"My name is slightly different on my two accounts."

Ensure your legal name is consistent across your government ID, your GigaStar Market account, and your GigaStar Securities application. Minor discrepancies (such as a middle initial vs. full middle name) may trigger manual review. Update your GigaStar Market account if needed before starting migration.

"I moved since opening my original account."

Update your address on your GigaStar Market account first, then use your current address on the GigaStar Securities application. Provide a recent proof of address document for KYC verification.

"My ID is expiring soon."

If your government-issued ID expires before or shortly after you plan to migrate, consider renewing it first. An expired ID will not be accepted for identity verification.

"I don't see all my CRT holdings after linking."

If some holdings are not appearing in your GigaStar Securities account after linking, contact support at info@gigastar.io. This may be a timing issue during the data synchronization process and is typically resolved within one business day.

"I only want to hold, not trade. Do I need to migrate?"

No. If you have no intention of buying or selling CRTs on the Secondary Market, you do not need to migrate. Your CRT holdings and monthly distributions continue normally through your GigaStar Market account. You can always migrate later if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

Migration is required for Secondary Market participation: You need a GigaStar Securities broker-dealer account to buy or sell CRTs on the ATS.
Your CRT holdings are not affected: Terms, distributions, and holding periods remain exactly the same.
Separate KYC is required: The broker-dealer must independently verify your identity, even if the funding portal already has.
Both accounts coexist: Your GigaStar Market account remains active for primary offerings; your GigaStar Securities account enables secondary trading.
Start early: Begin the migration process well before the March 16, 2026 launch to avoid last-minute delays.
No fee to migrate: Opening a GigaStar Securities account and linking your holdings is free.
Support is available: Contact info@gigastar.io with any questions about the migration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my CRT holdings during migration?

No. Your existing CRT holdings remain intact throughout the migration process. Migration links your holdings to the new GigaStar Securities broker-dealer account so they can be recognized for secondary trading. Nothing about the underlying securities changes.

Is there a deadline to migrate my account?

You do not need to migrate by a specific deadline. However, you must have a verified GigaStar Securities account before you can buy or sell CRTs on the Secondary Market. Starting the process early is recommended to avoid delays around the March 16, 2026 launch.

Does migration cost anything?

There is no fee to open a GigaStar Securities account or to migrate your existing CRT holdings. Any trading fees associated with the Secondary Market will be disclosed separately in the GigaStar Securities fee schedule.

Can I keep my GigaStar Market account after migrating?

Yes. Your GigaStar Market funding portal account remains active. You can continue to participate in new primary CRT offerings through GigaStar Market while also trading on the Secondary Market through GigaStar Securities. The two accounts serve different purposes and operate independently.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of your entire investment.