Category: KYC/AML
New MLR guidance recognises trusted digital identities in financial services
Sarah Croft
September 24, 2025
The UK government has shared plans for new guidance recognizing trusted digital identities in financial services, giving firms clarity on how certified Digital Verification Services (DVS) can meet Money Laundering Regulations. The goal is to unlock efficiencies, reduce fraud, and streamline onboarding, helping businesses confidently integrate digital identity into compliance processes.
Identity checks helping to fight fraud in a tough economic climate
Tony Machin
September 12, 2023
Embedding ID validation technology into the KYC processes helps high-risk customers to protect both their business and their reputation for providing an excellent customer onboarding experience.
Five ways Identity Service Providers (IDSPs) can help Right to Rent checks
Sarah Croft
March 10, 2022
If you work in the lettings industry or are a private landlord, you will be aware that you are required to check all your adult tenants have the legal Right to Rent in the UK. Even if you already have processes in place, making high volumes of visual checks or managing remote checks may be a challenge.
What’s it worth? Exploring the real value of Know Your Customer checks
Tony Machin
October 27, 2021
KYC checks help businesses to distinguish between favourable and unfavourable clients. They are a legal requirement for organisations covered by Anti Money Laundering (AML) legislation but can also provide additional safety and assurance for any company working with new clients.
How improving KYC processes can help you to gain more business
Tony Machin
September 21, 2021
Regardless of your industry, you shouldn’t see KYC checks as a luxury. Money laundering alone costs the UK more than £100 billion every year, and affects all kinds of companies of all sizes.
Anti-Money Laundering for Art Market Participants –top tips when checking identity
Christie Lewis
September 2, 2021
Art dealers and antique traders, as well as any intermediaries such as galleries and auction houses, who accept or make payments of €10,000 or more must carry out customer due diligence (CDD) to ensure they understand who they are dealing with. AMPs can face significant penalties, including fines or even imprisonment, if they are found to be involved in money laundering activities.
Automated KYC verification: ease your regulatory burden
Tony Machin
July 5, 2021
In 2020, HMRC issued a record fine of nearly £24 million to a money service business called MT Global for breaching money laundering rules. One of the offences committed was failing to conduct ‘fundamental’ due diligence which involves verifying a customer’s identity and, where appropriate, their line of business.
Managing AML compliance in uncertain times
Tony Machin
July 1, 2021
I recently wrote an article which appeared in ‘The Accountant online’ looking how accountants can conveniently comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) requirements in a fast-moving business environment. Read on for a summary of the article.
Digital KYC checks combined with human expertise – the best way to protect your business
Tony Machin
June 14, 2021
What is a digital Know Your Customer (KYC) check and is it important? We are living in a digital age. Smart phones, smart speakers and connected devices are everywhere, and connected to all aspects of our lives. So, if you are working in a profession that requires you to comply with UK anti-money laundering (AML) […]
Keeping up with the big players – how IFAs can manage KYC compliance with limited resources
Tony Machin
June 8, 2021
As an Independent Financial Advisor, you’re legally required to perform Know Your Customer (KYC) checks as part of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. But, even without the legal imperative, there are compelling reasons to follow due diligence. Properly conducted KYC checks can not only guard against money laundering, but also prevent corruption and fraud. All these […]
