In general terms, we use two electronic verification companies who perform soft credit checks. As we aren’t in the business of offering credit, these are not not hard credit checks and should not affect your credit rating. It will also query the electoral roll. If we get sufficient matches from different databases, this will return a pass.
For clients who do not have a sufficient electronic footprint we ask for documentary proof, which in line with JMLSG guidelines should consist of government issued photo ID or a proof of address. What we need will depend on the level of match we have found electronically.
Failed matches can be the result of typos in a date of birth, or address field. We are trying to match incorrect data. While we try to work with someone applying who cannot provide standard evidence, we have to balance our legal obligations to verify identity, and so cannot always be flexible on the documentation we require.