Identity verification and anti-money laundering checks

Why do we need to verify your identity?

Money laundering and associated regulations place certain obligations upon solicitors.  As part of these obligations we are required to verify the identity of our clients before any instructions can be carried out.  We are also required to disclose to the appropriate authorities any suspicions of money laundering.  We will not be able to inform you of any such disclosure.

How do we do this?

We will complete an electronic identity check on all individuals relevant to your matter in order to comply with our anti-money laundering obligations. On receipt, there may be a need for further checks. By instructing us, you consent to us completing an electronic identity check on your behalf and any further checks as required. For company clients, it is the responsibility of the company to make directors and shareholders aware of this requirement.

For these checks we instruct a market leading third party, Info Track, who will engage with you direct to complete the process. Please be aware that you need to cooperate with Info Track to complete the process otherwise we will not be able to continue to act on your behalf. There is charge for these checks which currently are:

Each individual: £30 plus vat

Company check: £60 plus vat

Please be aware that for company checks we will also need to undertake individual checks on directors and beneficial owners, which will incur additional fees.

Info Track does not perform a hard credit check on any client

What do we also check?

The regulations also oblige us to verify the source and destination of any funds to be used in any transactions.  We are also required to disclose to the appropriate authorities any suspicions of money laundering.  We will not be able to inform you of any such disclosure.