What this tool does
The Identity Verification Pathway Explorer helps Australian Tranche 2 reporting entities think through practical identity verification options before they collect personal information. You answer six short circumstance questions about the customer type, whether the individual can attend in person, whether original documents can be presented, location, electronic verification access and whether further checks may be needed.
The tool then surfaces example pathways — such as face-to-face sighting, certified copies, electronic checks, remote combinations, entity records, overseas considerations and additional measures — that you may wish to consider. Results are assembled from your answer codes using published branching rules, without storing customer names, dates of birth, document numbers or identity images.
Who it is for
The explorer is designed for law firms, accountants, conveyancers, real estate professionals, trust and company service providers, jewellers and other businesses preparing for Australia’s AML/CTF Tranche 2 obligations. It is also useful for compliance officers, partners and practitioners who want a structured way to discuss verification options with colleagues before opening a customer file or choosing a verification method in software.
What it does not do
This tool does not determine compliance, recommend a legally sufficient method, or replace your AML/CTF program or professional judgment. It does not collect or verify a real customer’s identity, and it does not create an AUSTRAC filing, KYC submission or customer record inside Flagship AML.
Identity verification sits inside broader know-your-customer work. Understanding ownership and control often comes first; verification methods then help you evidence who the relevant individuals are, in light of risk and your program. The explorer deliberately keeps examples non-determinative so teams can apply their own policies and risk ratings.
General educational information only
Use the explorer as a learning and discussion aid. Apply your AML/CTF program, assess ML/TF risk and obtain legal or specialist compliance advice where appropriate. Bookmarkable result pages show the same educational modules so you can share a pathway discussion with a colleague without sharing personal customer data.
For related reading, see Flagship AML’s guidance on KYC, beneficial ownership and enhanced due diligence on the Resources page, or try the Share Percentage Calculator for simple direct shareholdings.
Related reading:
What is KYC?,
beneficial ownership,
beneficial ownership before KYC,
and the
Share Percentage Calculator.
Pathway types you may explore
Australian reporting entities preparing for Tranche 2 often need practical ways to discuss identity verification
before collecting personal information. The sections below expand on pathway types the explorer may surface.
None of these examples replaces your
AML/CTF program.
Face-to-face and original document sighting
Where an individual can attend in person and present original identity documents, firms often consider sighting
government-issued photo identification, comparing the person with the photograph, and recording who performed
the sighting and when. Those steps are examples only.
Certified copies when originals are not presented
If the individual will not attend in person, or cannot present originals, firms may explore certified copies and
check that certification is complete, legible and acceptable under the program. Certified copies are not
automatically sufficient for every circumstance.
Electronic and DVS-related options
Where electronic identity verification is available, examples can include non-biometric DVS checks, electoral
roll data where lawfully available, credit bureau or other independent electronic data, and commercial identity
providers. See
Flagship AML KYC features.
Remote, overseas, entity and further checks
Remote engagement often involves a combination of measures. Overseas individuals may involve foreign ID,
certification, registry information and corroboration. Entity customers may require official records such as an
ASIC extract plus verification of relevant individuals. Concerns may call for
enhanced customer due diligence.
Browse more guidance on
Resources,
or
contact us about a free trial.
Privacy practices are described in our
Privacy Policy.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool tell me which identity verification method I must use?
No. The Pathway Explorer shows examples you may wish to consider based on the answers you enter. It does not determine compliance or replace your AML/CTF program or professional judgment.
Do I need to enter customer personal information?
No. The explorer does not request names, dates of birth, document numbers, images or uploads. Answers stay in your browser session only.
Can remote verification be a single video call and a scanned ID?
The explorer may show remote measures used in combination. It does not state that any particular combination is sufficient. Apply your program and risk assessment.
Is electronic or biometric verification required?
No. Where electronic access is available, the tool may include DVS and other electronic examples. It does not imply that biometrics or electronic verification are mandatory.