It does seem weird, but it also makes sense. On first glance, this appears to be a type of meta-exchange specific to the circumstance of speculation on Mt. Gox

It does seem weird, but it also makes sense. On first glance, this appears to be a type of meta-exchange specific to the circumstance of speculation on Mt. Gox's solvency and actual legitimacy. If this is a serious service, there is reason to require this information to offer legitimacy. Collection of this information is typical of exchanges to follow presumed KYC (know your customer) guidelines for exchange of Bitcoin for fiat. [1] I think this is a very interesting move to claim "Gox" Bitcoin is separate the rest of the Bitcoin market. If you don't follow the Mt. Gox saga closely, you might also be interested to know that one week ago Roger Ver (prominent Bitcoin advocate) offered to purchase Mt. Gox BTC from folks trying to exit that marketplace. [2] From my perspective, some reasonable amount of KYC is necessary to offering a service that does this. I commend Josh for building this. The situation Bitcoin is facing with Mt Gox right now is totally new territory. Bitcoin Builder seems like a creative hack around a real problem in the Bitcoin ecosystem. [1] For example, Bitbox required this information for normal buy / sell orders on their website prior to pause. [2] http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1xrmb1/roger_ver_a_prominent_bitcoin_advocate_is_buying/ http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1xrmb1/roger_ver_a_...