KYC, pKYC and Customer Due Diligence

Know Your Customer

Customer Due Diligence is a key part of AML compliance, and KYC should be the first step in any considered risk-based approach. SmartSearch’s technology simplifies CDD and KYC for quick and accurate results.
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The core elements of the Know Your Customer process explained

The exact KYC process steps you take can depend on what KYC tools you have at your disposal. However, here is a basic breakdown of what we would consider the proper KYC steps to follow, enabling you to comprehensively confirm customer identity while adhering to AML regulations.
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Meet our AML and KYC solution: TripleChecK

SmartSearch can perform KYC checks on both domestic and international clients, confirming identities in over 200 countries using our electronic verification software.
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The help you need, when you need it

Whether you’re a small business just getting to grips with AML regulations or a large corporation with plenty of experience in compliance, SmartSearch can help you to comply with regulations, fight financial crime and grow your business with confidence.

 

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KYC and AML: Key differences & how they work together

In casual contexts, acronyms ‘KYC’ and ‘AML’ might be used interchangeably. However, they have distinct meanings:

AML (Anti-Money Laundering): This covers measures required to prevent criminals from hiding illicit funds.

KYC (Know Your Customer): An aspect of AML, KYC involves checks to confirm customers’ identities and assess their risk. Depending on the risk, Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) might be needed.

KYC is a preliminary step before onboarding customers, while AML encompasses broader, ongoing procedures.

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How Perpetual Know Your Customer (pKYC) can reduce the risk for your regulated firm

If AML regulations apply, you need to conduct initial KYC checks and continue monitoring to detect any changes in the customer’s risk profile. Compliance involves periodic verification based on risk assessments. Switching to pKYC ensures ongoing compliance without frequent re-initiations, making the process more efficient.

KYC checklist: 5 ways to enhance your AML process

You shouldn’t just settle for the bare minimum with your KYC measures — not least because, in doing so, you could too easily risk falling short of compliance with AML regulation. To assist you in optimising your KYC process, here is a checklist of crucial things it should look for.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Perpetual Know Your Customer (pKYC) work?

Perpetual KYC differs from a traditional KYC programme primarily in the sense that customer information is checked — and, as and when necessary, updated — continuously. This means that, if the customer’s status does change, you can be notified especially quickly.

What are the legal requirements?

If you are an AML-regulated UK business, you have a legal requirement to use proper due diligence processes in the course of Know Your Customer procedures. This means identifying and verifying the client before screening them against PEP lists and sanctions lists.

What is AML (Anti-Money Laundering)?

This umbrella term covers measures AML-regulated firms are legally required to take for preventing criminals from illegally concealing the source of funds obtained from illicit activities like corruption, gambling, and human trafficking.

What is KYC (Know Your Customer or Know Your Client)?

This can be seen as an aspect of AML, as KYC checks are what a company performs to establish that customers or clients seeking to work with the business are genuinely who they claim to be.

How you can prepare your organisation for pKYC?

The continual nature of pKYC requires it to be electronic. If you are still carrying out KYC processes manually, you can future-proof them by transitioning to electronic verification (EV).

Why SmartSearch?

Ensure your KYC provider encompasses all of the features you need. While some KYC providers might — for example — offer AML screening but omit the use of facial biometrics, SmartSearch’s innovative platform for AML compliance covers all aspects of KYC.

See it in action

Let one of our highly-trained sales team demonstrate the multi-award winning SmartSearch AML product.

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