KYC Requirements in the United Kingdom
Know Your Customer (KYC) is a fundamental process for verifying customers' identities to prevent fraud, spam, and bad actors. Originating from the banking industry, KYC has become essential in various sectors, including communications. This article outlines the KYC requirements in the United Kingdom, highlighting the steps businesses and individuals must take to comply with these regulations.
Key Features and Benefits
Key Features
- Verification: Ensures that individuals and businesses are accurately identified.
- Security: Protects consumers from fraud and spam by verifying the legitimacy of businesses.
- Compliance: Aligns with regulatory guidelines to maintain a trusted communication ecosystem.
Benefits
- Consumer Protection: Reduces the risk of fraud and spam, safeguarding consumer interests.
- Enhanced Trust: Builds a more trusted communication environment, fostering better customer relationships.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to local regulations, avoiding potential legal issues.
How to Use: Step-by-Step Guide
Create Regulatory Bundles from Within the Application
- Navigate to Settings:
- Go to the __CompanyName Platform.
- Click on Settings in the bottom left menu.
- Select Phone Numbers and then Regulatory Bundle/Address.
- Create a New Regulatory Bundle/Address:
- Click on Create in the top right corner to set up a regulatory bundle/address for the __CompanyName Platform.
- Regulatory Bundle and Address List View:
- Users can view a list of all submitted bundles and addresses, along with their current status.
- Please Note:
- This page is visible to all accounts using the __CompanyName Platform Phone System, regardless of their country.
- Submit Information:
- After submitting all required information, __CompanyName will coordinate and get the regulatory bundle approved.
UK KYC Compliance for 10-Digit Long Code Numbers
To comply with UK KYC regulations, all UK 10-digit long code numbers must be linked to a UK Bundle by October 31st. Without this, messages cannot be sent from unverified numbers. Subaccounts using legacy UK numbers can create and connect their numbers to the UK Bundle, ensuring compliance. This feature ensures seamless messaging by indicating whether numbers are KYC-verified or require further action.
Benefit:
Linking your numbers to the UK Bundle verifies, preventing disruptions in messaging services.
How to Use:
Go to the Phone Numbers page and identify any unverified UK numbers.
- Navigate to the Regulatory Bundle tab.
- Create a UK Bundle corresponding to the number type.
- Wait for the UK Bundle to be approved.
- Once approved, link the UK Bundle to the unverified phone number.
For Individuals
Local or National Numbers
- Name
- Proof of Identity Required: Submit a government-issued ID or passport.
- UK Address
- Proof of Address Required: Provide documents such as a utility bill, tax notice, rent receipt, or title deed.
- UK Emergency Address (if different from UK Address)
- Must be a valid United Kingdom address.
- Phone Number
- This must be a valid mobile number only where the customer can be reached.
Mobile or Toll-Free Numbers
- Name
- Proof of Identity Required: Submit a government-issued ID or passport.
- Phone Number
- This must be a valid mobile number only where the customer can be reached.
For Businesses
Local or National Numbers
- Business Name
- Proof of Identity Required: Provide an excerpt from the commercial register.
- Business Registration Number
- Proof of Identity Required: Submit an excerpt from the commercial register.
- UK Business Address
- Must be a valid United Kingdom address.
- UK Emergency Address (if different from UK Business Address)
- Must be a valid United Kingdom address.
- Authorized Representative's Phone Number
- This must be a valid mobile number only where the customer can be reached.
Mobile or Toll-Free Numbers
- Business Name
- Proof of Identity Required: Provide an excerpt from the commercial register.
- Business Registration Number
- Proof of Identity Required: Submit an excerpt from the commercial register.
- Authorized Representative's Phone Number
- This must be a valid mobile number only where the customer can be reached.
Special Requirements and Limitations
- Verification: All new and existing UK long codes must be connected to an approved regulatory compliance bundle to be able to send messages or make voice calls.
- Applicability: This regulation applies to local, national, mobile, and toll-free phone numbers in the UK.
- Deadlines: Ensure compliance with the KYC requirements to avoid service interruptions.
Documentation Requirements Table
Individual: Local or National
| Information Required | Documentation Required | Acceptable Documentation |
| Name | Proof of Identity | Government-issued ID, Passport |
| UK Address | Proof Of Address | Government-issued ID showing local address, Utility bill, Tax notice, Rent receipt, Title deed |
| UK Emergency Address | Proof Of Address | Government-issued ID showing local address, Utility bill, Tax notice, Rent receipt, Title deed |
| Phone Number | Proof of Valid Number |
Individual: Mobile or Toll-Free
| Information Required | Documentation Required | Acceptable Documentation |
| Name | Proof Of Identity | Government-issued ID, Passport |
| Phone Number | Proof of Valid Number |
Business: Local or National
| Information Required | Required Documentation | Acceptable Documentation |
| Business Name | Proof of Identity | Excerpt from the commercial register |
| Business Registration Number | Proof of Identity | Excerpt from the commercial register |
| UK Business Address | Proof Of Address | |
| UK Emergency Address | Proof Of Address | |
| Authorized Representative's Name | Proof of Valid Number |
Business: Mobile or Toll-Free
| Information Required | Required Documentation | Acceptable Documentation |
| Business Name | Proof of Identity | Excerpt from the commercial register |
| Business Registration Number | Proof of Identity | Excerpt from the commercial register |
| Authorized Representative's Phone Number | Proof of Valid Number |
Pro Tips
- Proactive Submission: Start collecting and submitting your KYC information early to avoid any delays or disruptions in service.
- Documentation: Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date to expedite the approval process.
- Authorized Representative: Assign a senior manager as the authorized representative to streamline the verification process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will there be any fees for registering my UK long codes?
No, there are no fees to register UK long codes.
What if I don’t have the required identity or address document as an individual?
Unfortunately, without proper documentation, you will not be able to use UK long codes.
What is an emergency address?
An emergency address is a physical address where emergency services can send help in case of an emergency.
What happens if I do not submit my KYC information?
You will not be able to buy new UK long codes without an approved regulatory compliance bundle, and existing numbers without a KYC bundle will have all traffic blocked.