AML & Identity Verification Policy

UK company establishment and corporate support work carries an inherent financial crime risk. Verifying identity protects our clients, the integrity of the UK register, and our practice. It also makes banking and payment-provider introductions materially stronger, because well-verified files are received far better.

We apply customer due diligence consistent with the UK Money Laundering Regulations: identifying the client, identifying beneficial owners holding 25 per cent or more, understanding the intended purpose and nature of the structure, and monitoring the relationship for consistency with what we were told at the outset.

• A valid passport or national identity document for each officer and beneficial owner.
• Proof of residential address dated within the last three months.
• Corporate documents where a shareholder is a company or trust, including ownership structure charts.
• A brief description of the intended business activity and principal markets.

Verification may be completed through a secure electronic provider or by certified copies where electronic verification is not possible.

Where the structure, activity or jurisdiction indicates higher risk, we may ask for evidence of source of funds for the capital being introduced and, in some cases, source of wealth. Enhanced due diligence applies to politically exposed persons and to connections with high-risk jurisdictions.

Verification records are retained for a minimum of five years from the end of the engagement, as required by law, and then securely deleted unless a longer period is required for legal or regulatory reasons.

Verification material is held securely, accessed only by those who need it, and never shared for marketing or commercial purposes. Disclosure occurs only where required by law or with your authority — for example when supporting a bank application on your instruction.

We may decline an enquiry, or discontinue an engagement, where verification cannot be completed satisfactorily, where information provided is inconsistent, or where the proposed activity falls outside our risk appetite. In certain circumstances we are prohibited by law from explaining our reasons.

Questions about verification requirements may be sent to hello@ukbusinessexperts.com before you submit any documents; we are happy to explain what will be needed for your structure.