Identity Verification (ID&V)

Identity and Verification (ID&V) is a critical process for financial services organisations to ensure that the individuals or entities they are dealing with are who they claim to be. The ID&V process typically involves collecting and verifying official documentation such as government-issued identification or proof of address. This process is designed to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes, as well as to comply with regulatory requirements.

The ID&V process can take different forms depending on the context, but it usually involves a combination of document verification, biometric authentication, and database checks. For example, when opening a new account, a bank may require a customer to provide a government-issued ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill. The bank will then compare the information provided by the customer to a database of known fraudulent documents and conduct background checks to verify the customer's identity.

In recent years, advanced technologies such as biometric authentication have been increasingly used to enhance the ID&V process and improve security. Biometric authentication uses unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voiceprints, to confirm an individual's identity. This technology can help to prevent identity theft and provide a more seamless and convenient user experience for customers. However, it is important to balance the benefits of advanced technologies with the risks of potential data breaches or privacy concerns.

In corporate, commercial and business banking, the ID&V process is a crucial part of opening and maintaining accounts for businesses and other corporate entities. The process is designed to verify the identity of the account holder and ensure that the bank is not inadvertently facilitating money laundering, terrorist financing or other financial crimes.

The ID&V process for corporate entities typically involves collecting and verifying a range of information and documentation, including:

• Company registration documents, such as certificates of incorporation, business licenses, or partnership agreements.
• Identification documents for authorised signatories or directors, such as passports or driving licenses.
• Proof of address for the company and its authorised signatories, such as utility bills or bank statements.
• Information about the nature of the business, such as its industry sector, size, and ownership structure.
• Details of the company's beneficial owners or ultimate beneficiaries (UBO).

The bank will then conduct a series of checks to verify the information provided by the company and its authorised representatives. These checks may include:

• Database searches to check for any red flags, such as sanctions or politically exposed persons (PEPs).
• Identity verification checks to confirm that the documents provided are legitimate and have not been tampered with.
• Business verification checks to ensure that the business is legitimate and not a shell company or front for criminal activity.
• Enhanced due diligence checks for high-risk customers or transactions.

Overall, the ID&V process for corporate entities in banking is a complex and rigorous process that helps to ensure the integrity of the financial system and prevent financial crime.