1. Introduction
UK Business Gateway is committed to preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, sanctions breaches and other forms of financial crime. As part of this commitment, we operate robust identity verification and anti-money laundering (AML) procedures in accordance with applicable UK legislation and best practice.
This policy explains why we may ask for identification documents and compliance information when providing our services.
2. Why Do We Carry Out Identity Verification?
Identity verification helps ensure that individuals and businesses using our services are who they claim to be. Identity verification assists in:
- preventing fraud;
- reducing identity theft;
- protecting the integrity of the UK corporate system;
- complying with legal and regulatory obligations;
- protecting our clients and business partners.
3. Services That May Require Verification
Identity verification and AML checks may be required for services including:
- company formation services;
- registered office services;
- service address services;
- company secretarial services;
- confirmation statement services;
- director verification services;
- PSC verification services;
- compliance monitoring services;
- other business support services.
We reserve the right to require verification for any service where we consider it appropriate.
4. Information We May Request
Depending upon the nature of the service and the level of risk identified, we may request:
Identity Documents
Examples include:
- passport;
- driving licence;
- national identity card.
Proof of Address
Examples include:
- utility bills;
- bank statements;
- council tax statements;
- government correspondence.
Business Information
Examples include:
- company ownership information;
- shareholder details;
- PSC details;
- business activity information.
Additional Due Diligence Information
Where necessary we may request:
- source of funds information;
- source of wealth information;
- bank statements;
- supporting documentation;
- additional explanations regarding business activities.
5. Standard AML Checks
A Standard AML Check may include:
- identity verification;
- sanctions screening;
- politically exposed person (PEP) screening;
- fraud screening;
- basic compliance checks.
6. Enhanced AML Checks
In certain circumstances we may undertake Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD). Enhanced checks may include:
- enhanced identity verification;
- adverse media screening;
- international sanctions screening;
- source of funds verification;
- source of wealth verification;
- enhanced ownership analysis;
- additional supporting documentation.
Enhanced checks are typically required where a higher level of risk is identified.
7. Persons with Significant Control (PSC) Verification
We may verify the identity of Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). PSC checks may include:
- identity verification;
- sanctions screening;
- PEP screening;
- ownership verification;
- enhanced due diligence where appropriate.
This helps ensure compliance with UK corporate transparency requirements.
8. Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
A Politically Exposed Person (PEP) is an individual who holds, or has previously held, a prominent public position.
Being identified as a PEP does not automatically prevent access to our services. However, additional checks may be required to comply with regulatory obligations.
9. Sanctions Screening
We may conduct sanctions screening against applicable sanctions lists and databases. Where sanctions concerns are identified, we may:
- request additional information;
- suspend processing;
- decline services;
- take any other action required by law.
10. Source of Funds and Source of Wealth Verification
Where appropriate, we may request information regarding:
Source of Funds
How money used in a transaction has been obtained. Examples:
- salary;
- business income;
- inheritance;
- property sale proceeds.
Source of Wealth
How a person's overall wealth has been accumulated. Additional evidence may be required in certain circumstances.
11. Third-Party Verification Providers
To support compliance and security, we may use trusted third-party providers to carry out:
- identity verification;
- biometric verification;
- sanctions screening;
- AML checks;
- adverse media screening;
- source of funds verification;
- source of wealth verification.
These providers operate under their own security and data protection procedures.
12. Refusal or Failure to Provide Information
We may be unable to provide services if:
- required information is not provided;
- documents cannot be verified;
- information appears inaccurate or misleading;
- compliance concerns cannot be resolved.
13. Ongoing Monitoring
Where required, we may conduct ongoing compliance monitoring throughout the duration of our relationship with a client. This may include:
- updated identity checks;
- updated sanctions screening;
- updated PSC verification;
- periodic compliance reviews.
14. Anti-Money Laundering Reporting
We are subject to legal obligations relating to the prevention of financial crime. Where required by law, we may:
- undertake additional enquiries;
- delay transactions;
- suspend services;
- refuse instructions;
- make reports or disclosures to relevant authorities.
15. Data Protection
Personal data collected for identity verification and AML purposes is processed in accordance with:
- UK GDPR;
- Data Protection Act 2018;
- our Privacy Policy.
Verification information is stored securely and retained only for as long as required by law or legitimate business purposes.
16. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in:
- legislation;
- regulatory guidance;
- industry best practice;
- our services.
The latest version will always be available on our website.
17. Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding this AML & Identity Verification Policy, please contact:
We will be pleased to assist with any queries regarding our verification and compliance procedures.