Anti Money Laundering (AML) checks - more information

UK client applications - where all persons are UK based we will attempt to carry out electronic identity (EID) checks using a soft search*. This can often verify a person’s name, home address and date of birth without needing to obtain documentary evidence. If an EID check is inconclusive we are legally required to request certified copies of proof of home address and photo ID. If certified ID is required the application will be delayed until this is received and accepted.

Non-UK client applications - where any person named in an application resides outside the UK we are not able to use EID on that person. They must therefore provide certified ID documents and a translation if not in English.

Corporate entities being used as officers or shareholders - where an application utilises another corporate entity in any position this creates a more complex due diligence process as we have to verify the structure and all persons across all entities and then identify them. This can be time consuming and complex and may require further information that the system has not collected. These more complex structures will delay the application. Please note we do not accept applications that include non-UK corporate entities as officers or shareholders.

Higher risk business activities - some business activities may be assessed as higher risk under AML regulations. If we identify a higher risk activity we may need to carry out higher level due diligence to satisfy the regulations.

Further information on supplying certified identity documents is available here - https://www.simpleformations.com/money-laundering-regulations.htm (opens in new window)

We apologise for any delays incurred while we run ID checks or await certified documents. All UK company formation agents are legally required to comply with this legislation before we can register a company. 

*A soft search uses a person credit file to verify their identity. It is not a credit check and has no effect on a person's credit rating.