Vale Depositor Agreement

Effective Date: January 21, 2026

Last Updated: January 21, 2026

1. Nature of the Protocol

Vale ("the Protocol") is a decentralized yield aggregation protocol that enables users ("Depositors," "You") to contribute digital assets to automated strategies designed to generate returns through integrations with other decentralized finance ("DeFi") protocols and smart contracts. Vale does not take custody of user funds in a traditional sense. All transactions are executed by you, the user, via self-custodial wallets interacting directly with smart contracts that may route assets through integrated DeFi protocols. Vale's operations are autonomous, non-custodial, and permissionless, subject to applicable laws and regulations, and to the inherent risks of blockchain technology.

2. Acknowledgement of Risk

By interacting with the Vale Protocol, you acknowledge and accept that using decentralized finance carries substantial risk. These include, but are not limited to: Smart Contract Risk, Protocol & Strategy Risk, Oracle Risk, Market Risk, Liquidity Risk, Custody & Access Risk, Network Risk, Regulatory & Legal Risk, and Third-Party Dependency. You understand and agree that Vale is not a bank, investment fund, or financial institution, and that deposits are not insured or guaranteed by any government or regulatory entity.

3. User Eligibility, Representations, and Compliance

By interacting with the Vale Protocol, you represent, warrant, and covenant that:

  • You are legally permitted to use decentralized finance protocols in your jurisdiction of residence or access.
  • You are acting solely on your own behalf and not for, or on behalf of, any third party that is prohibited from accessing the Protocol.
  • You are not located in, ordinarily resident in, or acting on behalf of any individual or entity subject to economic or trade sanctions, embargoes, or restricted-party designations administered or enforced by any applicable governmental authority, including but not limited to sanctions programs administered by the United States, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.
  • Your use of the Protocol complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and sanctions laws.
  • You understand the mechanisms of decentralized smart contracts and assume full responsibility for all interactions with the Protocol.
  • You are solely responsible for any tax, reporting, or regulatory obligations arising from your use of the Protocol.

4. No Guarantee or Financial Advice

Vale and its contributors do not provide financial, investment, legal, or tax advice, and nothing on the Vale platform constitutes such advice. Displayed returns, APYs, or performance metrics are estimates based on current conditions and are subject to change. Past performance does not guarantee future results. You should independently evaluate the risks and legal considerations before participating.

5. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law: Vale, its developers, contributors, affiliates, and service providers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential losses arising from your use of the Protocol. This includes, but is not limited to, losses due to smart contract exploits, third-party protocol failures, market volatility, regulatory action, sanctions enforcement, or user error. All participation is at your own risk, and you agree to bear sole responsibility for any resulting losses.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Vale, its contributors, affiliates, and partners from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, penalties, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to your use of the Protocol, your violation of applicable laws or sanctions regulations, or your breach of this Agreement.

7. No Custodial Relationship

Vale is a non-custodial protocol. At no time does Vale, its team, or affiliates take legal ownership or possession of user funds. All transactions occur directly between your wallet and smart contracts deployed on supported blockchains. Funds routed through integrated DeFi protocols remain under user control at the contract level and are subject to the operational risks of those protocols.

8. Compliance Enforcement and Restrictions

Vale reserves the right, but does not assume the obligation, to restrict, block, or prevent access to the Protocol by specific wallet addresses, smart contracts, or users if it reasonably believes such access may:

  • Violate applicable laws or regulations, including sanctions laws
  • Involve illicit, fraudulent, or prohibited activity
  • Expose the Protocol, its contributors, or users to legal, regulatory, or reputational risk

Vale may, in its discretion, cooperate with law enforcement, regulators, or competent authorities where required by law or where there is a reasonable basis to believe that stolen, laundered, sanctioned, or misappropriated assets are being transacted through the Protocol.

9. Modifications

Vale reserves the right to modify or update this Depositor Agreement at any time. Changes become effective immediately upon posting to the Vale application or website. Continued use of the Protocol constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

10. Contact

For questions regarding this Agreement or the operation of the Protocol, please contact contact@valefi.xyz.