What Is Enhanced Due Diligence?

Due diligence is required when a client or a business poses a greater risk of money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes. This is referred to as enhanced due diligence which goes beyond the standard KYC/AML checks and gathers information that isn’t part of the basic scope.

This includes identifying the people and entities behind your customers, like ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) and identifying the source of wealth, money and business activities. It also investigates the underlying relationships and investigates suspicious transactions and activities that may reveal hidden risks.

It’s a crucial tool in the fight against criminal and terrorist financing. It’s crucial to remember that EDD is a security measure that should be utilized on a case by case basis. For instance, a bank account opening in the UK with a clean passport, a solid address history and no CCJs may only require CDD. But, another customer may require EDD due to enhanced due diligence an excessive amount of cash deposits or more complex transactions.

The best way to evaluate the necessity for EDD is to establish an extensive risk assessment and screening framework. That should cover both your internal controls and external factors such as negative media or political instability, sanctions and terrorism finance organized crime, fraud and money laundering.

Ultimately, effective due diligence isn’t just about meeting the requirements of regulatory agencies or protecting your brand’s reputation. It’s about making a difference in the fight against criminality in the world. To accomplish this you require a speedy efficient, accurate and affordable identity verification and EDD solution.