My services handle two types of users: (A) and (B), where (B) are in fact the users of (A).
I act as the mediator between (A) and (B). My website provides marketing services which facilitates (B)'s usage of the products and services of (A).
Under usual circumstances, (B) would have paid (A) directly; but now, because of the value addition I provide (B) pays (A) via me as explained below:
I collect money from (B) for facilitating their interaction with (A) and I pay (A) the money that I've collected from (B) after I retain some x% as my service charges. I also return back to (B) whatever money that I may have collected from them, for which they did not use the services of (A)
Hope I am clear on the workings. The above mechanism removes the need of a payment processor for (A) as they receive the money from me. Will I be, in turn, be regarded as a payment processor? That is something I want to avoid because I fear some legal issues.
Any other legal problems this can involve?
My initial reading about this has thus far suggested that my business is similar to say real-estate agents, or used-car websites or auction sites like E-bay. There too there are two types of users, and there too money passes from one user to the other via the website. Any help will be appreciated
My company would be an LLC registered in Delaware with a single member from INDIA (i.e. I am from India). It will have a US bank to conduct its business. The business would be completely online all over the world
Payments Legal Payment Gateway
On it's face, merely acting as an intermediary for payment is not a problem. For example, if you were accepting checks from party A, taking your cut and sending another check to party B - this is OK. But, there are typically some additional facts which call for increased compliance and care.
If the above does not apply to you, then you should be OK. There are certain industries in the U.S (and in certain states) which have specific regulations (examples including law, real estate, banking, and many more). You should make sure the good or services you are offering do not trigger any of these additional regulations.