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Integration Modes Overview

This section introduces the three integration modes available in Interlace — Merchant of Record (MoR), Gateway, and Distributor. Each mode defines how clients connect to Interlace's API, manage funds, and operate their downstream customers. Choosing the right model depends on your regulatory status, business needs, and operational scope.

1. MoR Mode (Merchant of Record)

Definition

MoR (Merchant of Record) refers to a licensed business entity that manages its own clients and funds. Under this mode, all cards and wallets are linked to a single master account, but each end-customer's Business Account is independently created. The master merchant manages fund allocation between these end-customers.


Account Structure

Below is a diagram illustrating the account structure.


Core Characteristics

  • The Master Merchant is the top-level account in this mode.
  • The master merchant may create sub-wallets under its master wallet to separate funds for different end-customers.
  • All cards are issued under the master merchant account. The master merchant can then assign these cards to different customers or individuals, who use the cards as their own.
  • The master merchant and each end-customer have their own independent Business Account and multiple virtual accounts.
  • There are no sub-merchants in this mode. All end-customers are managed internally by the master merchant.

Terminology

  • Master Merchant Wallet: The CryptoConnect Master Wallet of the master merchant.
  • Master Merchant Sub-wallet: The CryptoConnect Sub-wallet of the master merchant.
  • Master Merchant Infinity Account: The Infinity Account of the master merchant.
  • Master Merchant Business Account: The Business Account of the master merchant.
  • End-Customer Business Account: The Business Account of the end-customer.

Use Case

Licensed financial institutions or fintech platforms that:

  • Manage their own users' deposits.
  • Issue and control cards directly.
  • Require full control of compliance and settlement.

Registration URL: https://www.interlace.money/sign-up

2. Gateway Mode

Definition

Gateway mode is designed for clients who are unlicensed or prefer not to manage end-user funds. It enables them to provide card or banking services to their downstream users (sub-merchants) via Interlace's API. Interlace serves as the licensed issuer, while the master merchant provides a user-facing portal or platform. Each downstream customer is assigned a dedicated sub-account with an independent balance, card issuance and banking account capability.


Account Structure

Below is a diagram illustrating the account structure.


Core Characteristics

  • The Master Merchant is the main client integrating with Interlace.
  • The Sub-Merchant is a downstream business or individual user onboarded by the master merchant.
  • Account Independence:
    • Each sub-merchant has its own CryptoConnect Wallet, Infinity Account, and Business Account.
    • The master merchant's accounts (wallet, Infinity Account and Business Account) do not interact with the sub-merchants' accounts, except in cases where transaction fees are collected.
  • Security and Fund Segregation:
    • Sub-merchants' funds are completely independent to ensure security and protect client assets. There is no direct interaction between sub-merchants' accounts except when transactions occur.

Terminology

  • Master Merchant Wallet: The CryptoConnect Master Wallet of the master merchant.
  • Master Merchant Sub-wallet: The CryptoConnect Sub-wallet of the master merchant.
  • Master Merchant Infinity Account: The Infinity Account of the master merchant.
  • Master Merchant Business Account: The Business Account of the master merchant.
  • Sub-Merchant Wallet: The CryptoConnect Wallet of a sub-merchant.
  • Sub-Merchant Infinity Account: The Infinity Account of a sub-merchant.
  • Sub-Merchant Business Account: The Business Account of a sub-merchant.

Use Case

Payment gateways or SaaS platforms that:

  • Serve multiple downstream businesses or end-users.
  • Prefer Interlace to hold user funds.

Registration URL: https://distributor.interlace.money

3. Distributor Mode

Definition

Distributor mode enables partners or aggregators to distribute Interlace's API capabilities to their downstream clients (Master Merchants). The distributor facilitates integration, credential management, and support for all its downstream master merchants. Currently, Distributor mode does not support BaaS service.


Account Structure

Below is a diagram illustrating the account structure.


Core Characteristics

  • The Distributor itself does not issue cards or hold accounts.
  • Each Master Merchant operates its own Infinity Account and Wallet.
  • The Distributor manages credentials, Master Merchants onboarding, and reporting.

Use Case

API distributors, solution integrators, or channel partners who:

  • Manage multiple master merchants.
  • Provide white-label or localized versions of Interlace's card services.

Registration URL: https://distributor.interlace.money

Updated 16 days ago