3-Shepherd provides regulated payment account infrastructure that holds funds securely until transaction milestones are confirmed, protecting both buyers and sellers.
Funds held securely until you confirm delivery & authenticity.
Payment guaranteed upon verified delivery and acceptance.
Clear process for transaction disagreements with DFSA oversight.
Simple, transparent payment protection for secure transactions
Buyer and seller agree on transaction terms. Buyer deposits funds into a secured 3-Shepherd payment account.
Seller ships goods or delivers service. Buyer tracks real-time logistics and receives proof of delivery.
Buyer inspects goods/services and confirms acceptance in the platform.
Upon confirmed delivery and buyer acceptance, funds are released to the seller's account.
If disputes arise, our compliance team mediates using transaction records and documented evidence.
All parties receive compliance reports and transaction receipts for record-keeping.
Regulated payment protection infrastructure for trusted digital commerce
3-Shepherd exists to eliminate buyer-seller trust gaps in digital commerce. We provide DFSA-regulated payment protection infrastructure that makes high-value transactions safe, transparent, and dispute-free.
Founded in 2023 and based in the DIFC, we operate under a DFSA Innovation Testing Licence for Providing or Operating Payment Accounts (DFSA Firm Reference F009865).
Seller Risk: Shipping goods without payment guarantee; chargebacks and fraud.
Buyer Risk: Paying for goods that never arrive or don't match description.
Our Solution: Payment held securely by a regulated intermediary. Funds only move when both parties meet transaction terms.
Simple, flat-rate charges with no hidden fees
0.5% – 1.0%
Of transaction value
2.9% + AED 1.50
Stripe card processing passthrough
AED 5,000
One-time onboarding fee for businesses. Includes KYC/KYB verification, account setup, and compliance documentation. No recurring fees.
Competitive vs. traditional alternatives. Our pricing is designed to be lower than traditional escrow services (typically 2-5%) while providing full regulatory oversight.
Join the testing phase of 3-Shepherd's payment protection platform
Business Address
Level 1, DIFC Innovation Hub
Gate Avenue, DIFC
Dubai, UAE
Complaints
Phase 1 Participants: Early adopters participate in regulated testing with up to 10 participants during the first phase. Your feedback shapes the platform.
We'll respond within 2 business days.
Legal terms governing use of the 3-Shepherd platform
3-Shepherd Tech Limited provides payment account services that enable buyers and sellers to transact securely. The platform holds buyer funds in segregated accounts pending transaction completion and is operated under a DFSA Innovation Testing Licence (F009865).
3-Shepherd operates under a DFSA restricted Innovation Testing Licence. This means:
You must be a UAE resident (individual or registered business) to access the platform. Minors cannot create accounts. You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information during onboarding.
When you initiate a transaction: (1) Buyer deposits funds via secure payment gateway; (2) Seller fulfils the transaction; (3) Buyer confirms receipt and acceptance; (4) Funds are released to seller. All transactions are recorded and monitored for compliance.
Transaction fees (0.5–1.0%), payment processing fees (2.9% + AED 1.50), and setup fees (AED 5,000 for businesses) are clearly stated at transaction initiation. You authorise 3-Shepherd to deduct applicable fees from your account.
Buyer funds are held in segregated accounts with Emirates NBD in accordance with DFSA rules. 3-Shepherd does not own or control these funds; we hold them on your behalf as a regulated intermediary. In the unlikely event of bank failure, funds are subject to UAE banking protections.
If a transaction dispute arises, you must report it within 30 days. 3-Shepherd's compliance team will review transaction records, communications, and logistics data to make a fair determination. Decisions are final unless escalated to the DFSA.
All users undergo KYC/KYB verification via Shufti Pro. Transactions are monitored for AML/CFT compliance. Suspicious activity is reported to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit. You agree not to use 3-Shepherd for illegal or sanctioned activities.
3-Shepherd is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Our maximum liability is limited to the transaction value. You use the platform at your own risk and should review this disclosure before proceeding.
These terms are governed by DIFC law and the DFSA Rulebook. Any disputes are subject to DIFC Courts jurisdiction.
For questions: hello@3-shepherd.com | For complaints: complaints@3-shepherd.com | DFSA consumer escalation: consumer@dfsa.ae
How we collect, use, and protect your personal data
We collect personal data necessary for KYC/KYB compliance, transaction processing, and regulatory reporting: name, email, phone, identity documents, address, business registration details (for corporate users), and transaction history.
Your data is used to: verify your identity, process transactions, comply with DFSA and UAE regulations, prevent fraud and money laundering, and resolve disputes. We do not sell your data to third parties.
Your data may be shared with: (1) Emirates NBD for fund custody; (2) Shufti Pro for KYC verification; (3) DFSA and UAE FIU for regulatory compliance; (4) law enforcement if legally required. All partners are bound by data protection agreements.
We use encryption, secure servers, and multi-factor authentication to protect your data. Our security infrastructure complies with DFSA Cyber Risk Management Framework requirements.
Transaction and KYC records are retained for a minimum of 6 years as required by DFSA and UAE regulations. After this period, data is securely deleted unless legal obligations require longer retention.
You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal and regulatory requirements. Submit requests to privacy@3-shepherd.com.
Our website uses non-essential cookies for analytics and user experience. Essential cookies (security, authentication) are always active. You can disable non-essential cookies in your browser settings.
We may update this policy. Material changes will be notified via email. Your continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorist Financing Compliance
3-Shepherd Tech Limited is committed to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing in accordance with DFSA regulations, UAE Federal Law No. 20 of 2018, Cabinet Decision 74 of 2020, and applicable international standards including AML Rule 9.3 (Electronic fund transfers).
All users undergo identity verification via Shufti Pro, including liveness checks, document verification, and screening against global PEP, sanctions, and adverse media databases. Corporate users must provide trade licences, memorandum of association or board resolutions, and UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) declarations. Enhanced due diligence is applied to high-risk customers, PEPs, and transactions above specified thresholds.
All transactions are monitored for suspicious patterns including unusual volumes, structuring to avoid thresholds, transactions involving sanctioned jurisdictions, and rapid fund cycling. Automated alerts are reviewed by the Compliance Officer within 24 hours.
Where suspicious activity is identified, 3-Shepherd files Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Tipping off is strictly prohibited in accordance with UAE law.
All CDD records, transaction records, and compliance documentation are retained for a minimum of 6 years from the date of the transaction or end of the business relationship, whichever is later, as required by DFSA regulations.
3-Shepherd's designated Compliance Officer (DFSA Approved) is responsible for implementing this policy, staff training, and liaison with the DFSA and FIU. AML enquiries: compliance@3-shepherd.com.
You agree not to use 3-Shepherd for transactions involving: (1) Proceeds of crime; (2) Terrorist financing; (3) Sanctions evasion; (4) Bribery or corruption; (5) Regulatory violations. Violations result in account suspension and potential regulatory reporting.
How we handle and resolve customer complaints
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of 3-Shepherd's services, contact us through:
Email: complaints@3-shepherd.com
Post: Complaints Department, 3-Shepherd Tech Limited, Level 1, DIFC Innovation Hub, Gate Avenue, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Your full name and account email, the transaction reference (if applicable), a clear description of the issue, the outcome you are seeking, and any supporting evidence.
If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction:
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
Level 13, The Gate, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
www.dfsa.ae | consumer@dfsa.ae