Know Your Customer (KYC) is the process of verifying that customers are who they claim to be before — and during — a business relationship. In 2026 it is both a legal obligation for regulated businesses and a frontline defence against identity fraud, account takeover and money laundering.

What is KYC?

KYC combines identity verification, sanctions and watchlist screening, and ongoing risk monitoring. The goal is simple: confirm a real person is behind an account, and keep checking that the relationship stays low-risk. Certivant runs the full flow as KYC identity verification.

Why KYC matters

KYC requirements flow from anti-money-laundering law. The global baseline is set by the FATF recommendations, which national regulators such as the United States’ FinCEN translate into binding rules. Failing to verify customers exposes a business to fines, frozen accounts and reputational damage.

The KYC process, step by step

1. Document verification

The customer submits a government ID. The system reads the MRZ and NFC chip and checks security features — see document verification.

2. Biometric and liveness checks

A selfie or short video confirms a live, present person and is matched to the ID photo, defeating photos, replays and deepfakes — see biometric verification.

3. AML screening

The verified identity is screened against sanctions, PEP and adverse-media lists — see AML screening.

4. Risk decision

Signals are combined into an explainable score that auto-approves, rejects or escalates the case — see risk scoring.

KYC in 2026: what changed

  • Deepfake-resistant liveness is now table stakes, not a nice-to-have.
  • Perpetual KYC replaces one-off onboarding checks with continuous monitoring.
  • Automation moves manual review to the exception, not the rule.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a KYC check take?

Automated KYC typically completes in seconds; only borderline cases reach a human reviewer.

Is KYC the same as AML?

No. KYC verifies identity; AML is the broader programme of screening and monitoring. See KYC vs KYB vs AML.

Ready to automate KYC? Start free with 25 test verifications — no sales calls.