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Introduction
In the last decade, global businesses have been fined roughly $26 billion in fines for failing to comply with compliance related regulations. This statistic underscores a critical component underlying fintech companies globally: knowing exactly who you're doing business with.
Whether you're a financial institution, a fintech startup, or any business handling financial transactions, understanding the distinction between Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) is extremely important for your business.
Understanding KYC (Know Your Customer)
Know Your Customer (KYC) serves as your first line of defense against fraud and financial crimes when dealing with individual customers. KYC is a regulatory requirement that mandates businesses to verify the identity of their customers before opening accounts or conducting financial transactions.
The KYC process involves:
Collecting personal identification information (name, date of birth, address)
Verifying government-issued identification documents (passport / national ID)
Screening against sanctions lists
Assessing the customer's risk profile
Monitoring ongoing transactions for suspicious activity
While KYC helps protect your business from fraud, it also helps build trust with legitimate customers who appreciate your commitment to security.
Understanding KYB (Know Your Business)
Know Your Business (KYB) takes verification to another level when dealing with corporate customers. While KYC focuses on individuals, KYB focuses on business entities, their ownership structures, and their legitimacy.
KYB verification involves:
Confirming the business's legal existence and registration
Identifying and performing KYC on ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs)
Verifying business documentation and licenses
Analyzing the company's ownership structure
Screening for sanctions and adverse media coverage
Monitoring business activities and transactions
The stakes are higher with KYB because business relationships often involve larger transaction volumes and more complex ownership structures that could potentially mask illegal activities.
Regulatory Framework: A Global Perspective
Global Standards
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) provides the foundation with its 40 recommendations, serving as the global blueprint for verification requirements.
Regional Requirements
United States:
The Patriot Act of 2001 sets the baseline for verification requirements
The Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Final Rule strengthens beneficial ownership identification
FinCEN provides ongoing guidance and enforcement
European Union:
6AMLD (Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive) tightens criminal penalties
Upcoming unified AML/CFT rulebook (2024) aims to standardize requirements
GDPR influences data handling throughout the verification process
United Kingdom:
FCA oversees verification requirements post-Brexit
Money Laundering Regulations 2017 provide the regulatory framework
Emphasis on risk-based approach to verification
The Verification Process: A Practical Guide
KYC Verification Steps
Initial Information Gathering
Collect basic personal information
Request identification documents
Record proof of address
Verification
Validate document authenticity
Cross-reference provided information
Screen against sanctions lists
Risk Assessment
Evaluate customer risk profile
Determine level of due diligence required
Set monitoring parameters
KYB Verification Steps
Business Information Collection
Gather registration documents
Obtain corporate structure information
Identify all beneficial owners
Enhanced Verification
Verify business registration
Screen all beneficial owners
Check for regulatory compliance
Ongoing Monitoring
Track business activities
Monitor transaction patterns
Update verification periodically
KYC & KYB Challenges and Solutions
Common Challenges
Complex ownership structures
Cross-border verification requirements
Resource-intensive manual processes
Constantly evolving regulations
Technology Solutions
AI-powered document verification
Automated sanctions screening
Blockchain-based identity verification
Real-time transaction monitoring
Conclusion
Understanding and implementing proper KYC and KYB processes is critical for any company dealing with financial related activity. It’s important to stay informed about requirements, leverage technology, and maintain robust processes in order to stay compliant.
About Arch
Arch is building a next-gen wealth management platform for individuals holding alternative assets. Our flagship product is the crypto-backed loan, which allows you to securely and affordably borrow against your crypto. We also offer access to bank-grade custody, trading and staking services, powered by BitGo.