Financial Crime World

KYC Verification Process in Mauritius: A Comprehensive Checklist

The Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd has introduced a comprehensive Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process for non-individuals to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.

Required Documents and Information

To facilitate the KYC verification process, the bank requires non-listed companies to provide certified true copies of certain documents and information. The required documents include:

  • Certificate of incorporation or equivalent document dated less than six months
  • Certificates of current standing where applicable
  • Register of directors signed by either the company secretary or registered agent
  • Confirmation of directorship from notary/attorney
  • Register of shareholders signed by either the company secretary or director
  • Resolution authorising the opening of accounts and giving authority to signatories

The resolution must be in the form of a written resolution signed by all directors or an extract of minutes signed by the company secretary or any director.

Business Plan and Financial Documents

Additionally, companies are required to provide:

  • A business plan or certified true copy thereof, detailing the company’s business activities and including sources and application of funds
  • Estimated volume of inflows and outflows
  • Audited accounts/financial statements or bank statements for the last six months

Identity Verification

To verify the identity of directors, authorized signatories, significant shareholders, and beneficial owners, the bank requires:

  • Original or certified true copies of proof of identity, such as a valid passport or identity card, bearing a clear photographic image and specimen signature
  • Proof of current permanent residential address dated less than three months

Risk-Based Approach

The bank may request further information and/or documents deemed necessary to complete its due diligence process from a risk-based approach.

Objective of the Comprehensive Checklist

The comprehensive checklist aims to ensure that all non-individual customers are thoroughly vetted before account opening, thereby strengthening the bank’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.