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The law requires solicitors as well as banks, building societies and estate agents, to obtain satisfactory evidence of the identity of their clients to meet with Money Laundering Regulations.
We appreciate that it can be frustrating having to produce documentation to prove your identification, but ultimately the regulations are in place to protect you. The sooner you provide proof of identification to us, the sooner we can begin acting for you.
We offer three easy ways to submit your ID documents:
Please note that the ID documents provided must belong to the person presenting them and therefore we must see the presenter either in person by attending one of our offices, or via an electronic search provider using a biometric check or via a video call.
For Individuals:
You will need to provide 2 types of identity documents – photographic ID for evidence of name and identity (e.g. passport/driving licence), and evidence of proof of address (e.g. bank statement/utility bill).
For Business Clients:
For business clients, we are required to identify beneficial owners and controlling parties. Limited companies must provide evidence of the identity and address for at least one director, as well as a list of the names and addresses of senior shareholders. In the case of a partnership, a list of all partners is required, as well as evidence of identity and address for at least two of the partners. In addition, we also need a copy of the current partnership deed or other document that confirms who owns the business.
On receipt of your ID documentation, we will verify those identity documents through trusted and reputable reference companies who carry out relevant identity checks on our behalf. This is a soft search and will not impact your credit score.
Please click here for more information about the types of ID that are accepted.
The verification process is usually quick and can be processed within a few business days, if you can produce all the required documents within this time frame. Sometimes it can take longer if we require additional information/documentation, but we will contact you if there are any issues.
Yes. Whether you choose to submit your ID in person or online, your documents will be handled with care, ensuring your personal information remains confidential and secure and in line with our GDPR obligations.
In compliance with the UK Money Laundering Regulations, we will retain the records of all client identity verifications, transactions, and KYC-related documents for a minimum of five years after the conclusion of the client’s legal matter or business relationship.
These records will be securely stored and made available to relevant authorities upon request.
If you are not able to provide the documents listed above please contact the Client Support Team at the earliest opportunity so that we can discuss alternative options. If you have already begun the ID process, you should already have details for the Client Support Team member assisting you but you can also find further contact information at the end of this document.
If you have any further questions, or require assistance please contact the Client Support Team:
Email: hayley.coleman@ellisons.com or leah.rose@ellisons.com
Phone: +44 (0)1206 764477
Address: The Bath House, Le Cateau Rd, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7NA
Ellisons is a trading name of Ellisons Legal LLP. Ellisons Legal LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 8001031) | © Ellisons
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