Tips On How To Know Your Customer
Performing a know your customer check is easier than you may
think
Are you planning on partnering with a business based in Hong
Kong? If so, you’re required to run a Hong Kong KYC (know your customer)
check. The same applies to businesses with an address in Japan. You’ll need to
perform a Japan KYC check.
The process is the same, regardless of where the company is
located. The process is also a legal requirement.
The know your customer check helps prevent money laundering
and terrorist financing. Failing to do due diligence can result in hefty fines
and the possibility of not being allowed to do business in the country.
So, how do you run a Hong
Kong KYC or a Japan KYC? Here’s a brief look at
the simple steps.
Gather the
Necessary Information
The business you’re merging or partnering with will need to
provide the following information so you can verify specific aspects of the
company.
·
Full Business/Owner’s name
·
The owner’s date of birth or the date the
business is incorporated
·
Nationality, even if the owner is a Hong Kong or
Japanese native
·
The unique identification number (UIN) of the
business. Sole proprietors will provide their passport or identity card number.
The type of documentation used to supply this information is also necessary for
this step.
If the company is a large corporation with multiple owners,
stakeholders, or ultimate beneficial owners, you’ll need the following
information for the screening process.
·
Proof of identification (Valid IDs, Residence,
Date of Birth, Nationality of shareholders and members of the beneficial owners).
·
A copy of the Board of Directors’ decisions.
·
A copy of the company’s Memorandum of
Association.
With this information, you can verify the business’s
credentials and detect red flags that may indicate the company’s participation
in illegal financial activities.
The Purpose of
Performing a KYC Check
The objectives of a KYC check are posted on the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Monetary Authority of
Singapore (MAS) websites. The information is basically the same for
Japanese-based companies.
·
Detect, deter, and prevent money laundering,
associated predicate offenses, and terrorism financing.
·
Protect the integrity of its financial system
from illegal activities and illicit fund flows.
Using a variety of approaches, an effective KYC can help
prevent illegal and fraudulent activity. Some of these approaches include
maintaining close policy and operational coordination and cooperation with all
stakeholders. The process also enhances private sector stakeholders’ understanding
of money laundering/ terrorist financing risks and promotes a culture of
compliance.
Other approaches include prioritizing resources based on
risk. If fraudulent or illegal activity is suspected or detected, the
organization will take decisive action that includes alerting law enforcement
to the money laundering/ terrorist financing activity, including that relating
to foreign crimes.
These methods can also help disrupt drug dealing and other
serious offenses early to help prevent profits from being laundered.
With the importance placed on performing effective KYC
checks, the government is working to reduce the rate of financial crimes
occurring in Hong Kong and Japan.
Comments
Post a Comment