Overview
Legl uses UK-based data sources to verify a client's address automatically in the Identity Verification step of the CDD. When a client provides a non-UK address, there is not coverage to verify clients in this way. To ensure your firm always has address evidence on file, Legl automatically adds a proof of address document upload step to the client's Engage request.
Why this is required
Address verification is a core part of client due diligence. Where automated database matching cannot confirm a client's address, your firm needs an alternative form of evidence to meet your AML obligations.
Legl's identity verification uses UK-based data sources to match a client's address. For clients based outside the UK, there is no coverage in these sources, making automated verification unreliable. Requiring a document upload ensures your firm has address evidence for every client, regardless of where they are based.
This limitation applies only to address verification. ID document verification is available for government-issued photo ID from 195+ countries.
ℹ️ Further guidance
How this benefits you
Your firm receives address evidence for non-UK clients without any manual intervention. The proof of address upload step is added to workflows automatically, so fee-earners do not need to follow a separate process or request documents outside of Legl.
This keeps your CDD records complete and consistent, and ensures your firm can demonstrate that appropriate steps were taken to verify a client's address.
What would happen without this
Without this step, clients with a non-UK address would complete their Engage request without providing address evidence your firm can verify. This would leave a gap in your CDD records for those clients, as the automated database check cannot confirm their address.
When this applies
This applies whenever a client submits an address in a country outside of the UK. The trigger is the address the client enters, not their nationality or the ID document they provide.
A proof of address upload step is added automatically to the client's Engage request
The client sees an on-screen message explaining what is required and must upload a document before they can continue
You can edit the message shown to clients within this step at any time via Engage then Workflows
Clients with a UK address are not affected and will not see this step (however this can be added for UK clients if required)
Engage requests that have already been sent to clients are not affected
Automated Proof of Address verification
For clients in 80+ countries, Legl can automatically verify the uploaded Proof of Address document, checking it is genuine and valid. This removes the need for your team to manually review the document.
For clients in countries outside this coverage, the document is still collected via the upload step and can be reviewed manually by someone at your firm.
ℹ️ Further guidance
Important information
This step is triggered by the client's submitted address, not their nationality or ID document
The upload step is added automatically and does not overwrite any existing messages or document requests already configured in your workflows
ID document verification works for government-issued photo ID from 195+ countries. This limitation is specific to address verification via database matching
If you have questions about this, contact our Support team