Verification checks

KYC is the foundation of any compliant onboarding process across financial services, accounting, law, property, and other professional sectors. Annature provides a seamless KYC experience through a combination of document verification, biometric checks, and real-time fraud detection.

How Annature performs KYC

Identity document verification
Supported documents include passports, driver licences, national ID cards, and other government-issued documents. Stripe Identity performs advanced authenticity checks such as hologram inspection, MRZ validation, liveness signals, and security pattern analysis.

Biometric matching (selfie verification)
The end-user provides a live selfie, which is compared to the document headshot using machine-learning-based facial similarity technology. This prevents impersonation or stolen-document fraud.

Data extraction and validation
Key identity attributes—full name, DOB, document number, expiry—are extracted and validated for consistency.

Fraud and tampering detection
Stripe Identity and RealAML perform automated checks for digitally altered images, screenshots, synthetic identity indicators, and high-risk behaviour patterns.

Annature’s enhanced AML checks are powered by ComplyCube and RealAML, two global providers specialising in real-time risk intelligence. These checks form part of your obligations under the AML/CTF Act, FATF guidelines, and AUSTRAC’s expectations for regulated entities.

What AML screening includes

AML screening searches an individual’s identity information against:

• International sanctions lists (UN, OFAC, EU, DFAT)
• Law enforcement and regulatory watchlists
• Global financial crime databases
• Interpol notices
• Lists related to fraud, corruption, tax evasion, organised crime, cybercrime, and trafficking

Each category is returned as a separate pass or fail result, giving you clear insight into where risks may exist.

Why AML screening matters

AML obligations require businesses to assess whether a client may be involved in financial crime or is prohibited under international sanctions. Annature’s real-time screening provides immediate visibility so you can identify, escalate, and manage these risks early in your onboarding process.

CTF obligations apply to any business subject to the AML/CTF Act. With Tranche 2, this will soon include accountants, real estate professionals, lawyers, conveyancers, and other designated service providers.

How CTF screening works

ComplyCube’s CTF modules compare identity data against:

• Domestic and international terrorism-related watchlists
• UN Security Council terrorism sanctions
• Government intelligence notifications
• Lists identifying individuals or organisations suspected of supporting terrorism financing

All results are continuously updated to reflect global geopolitical and regulatory changes.

PEP identification is essential for proper risk assessment under AML/CTF frameworks. Annature screens individuals against global PEP databases and identifies the level of exposure.

Types of PEPs

• Foreign PEPs – heads of state, senior government ministers, judges, ambassadors
• Domestic PEPs – Australian federal, state, or local government officials
• International organisation PEPs – executives within major global institutions
• Family members and close associates – spouses, business partners, relatives, and known associates

What PEP results mean

PEPs are not inherently suspicious, but they require enhanced due diligence. Annature helps you identify PEP status immediately so you can apply appropriate monitoring or escalation.

Annature integrates with official VEVO verification systems to provide accurate, real-time information about non-citizens engaging in work or services.

What a VEVO check returns

A VEVO result may include:

• Visa subclass and conditions
• Work rights and restrictions
• Study limitations (if applicable)
• Visa start and expiry dates
• Travel conditions
• Sponsorship requirements

When VEVO checks are used

• Employment onboarding
• Contractor and labour-hire verification
• Migration agent workflows
• HR compliance processes

How Annature verifies WWCC

Annature performs real-time status checks by validating:

• The WWCC number
• The issuing state or territory
• Current status (valid, expired, suspended, barred)
• Expiry date and renewal requirements

Industries that rely on WWCC

• Education and childcare
• NDIS providers
• Health and community services
• Sporting organisations
• Religious institutions

This helps organisations ensure that individuals involved in child-focused roles meet mandatory safeguarding requirements.

Who Tranche 2 will apply to

The reforms are expected to apply to the following professions, but only when they perform a designated service:

• Accountants and bookkeepers
• Lawyers and legal service providers
• Conveyancers and settlement agents
• Real estate agents and property managers
• Trust and company service providers

It is a common misconception that all accountants, bookkeepers, lawyers, and real estate professionals will be captured by Tranche 2. In reality, only businesses that perform specific designated services—defined under the AML/CTF Act and expanded through Tranche 2—become reporting entities.

What are designated services?

A designated service is a type of activity that carries elevated money laundering or terrorism financing risk. When a business conducts one of these activities, the AML/CTF Act applies, and the business becomes a reporting entity with compliance obligations.

Examples of designated services (as proposed under Tranche 2) include:

For accountants and bookkeepers

A practice will be captured when it performs services such as:

• Managing client funds held in trust or controlling client money
• Providing advice or assistance for setting up companies, trusts, or other legal arrangements
• Preparing, arranging, or executing transactions on behalf of a client (e.g., purchase/sale of property or assets)
• Arranging for another person to receive, move, or store funds

General bookkeeping, BAS preparation, tax returns, and routine accounting work do not automatically trigger AML/CTF obligations unless they involve a designated service.

For lawyers and conveyancers

A legal practice becomes a reporting entity when it:

• Manages client funds or trust accounts
• Facilitates real estate transactions
• Assists with company or trust formation
• Prepares or carries out complex financial transactions on behalf of clients

For real estate professionals

A real estate agency is captured when it participates in:

• The purchase or sale of residential or commercial property
• Leasing of high-value commercial property
• Movement or holding of client funds relating to a property transaction

Routine property management may not trigger Tranche 2 obligations unless client money flows are involved.

For trust and company service providers

A business becomes subject to AML/CTF obligations when it:

• Forms companies, partnerships, or trusts
• Acts as a nominee director or trustee
• Provides a registered office, business address, or administrative services for clients

What Tranche 2 obligations include

Tranche 2 entities performing designated services will need to implement:

• Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
• Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients
• Ongoing monitoring
• Risk-based AML/CTF programs
• Suspicious matter reporting (SMRs)
• Record-keeping for at least seven years

These obligations are similar to those already required of banks, lenders, and remitters.

How Annature helps businesses prepare for Tranche 2

Annature provides the key verification and compliance components needed to meet expected Tranche 2 obligations, including:

• Electronic KYC verification with biometric matching
• Real-time AML and CTF screening via ComplyCube and RealAML
• Identification of PEPs, sanctions, and adverse media
• Comprehensive event logs and audit-ready evidence
• Secure, ISO-certified information handling
• Seamless integration into onboarding and signing workflows

For accountants, lawyers, real estate professionals, and other DNFBPs, Annature offers a scalable, low-friction way to embed compliance into everyday client onboarding—long before Tranche 2 becomes mandatory.