Non-Doc Verification

🔹 Definition

Non-Doc Verification refers to the process of verifying a customer’s identity or risk profile without requiring traditional identity documents, such as passports or ID cards. Instead, it leverages alternative data sources—including biometric authentication, mobile device signals, banking credentials, government databases, or credit bureau records—to verify identity in a faster, frictionless, and fully digital way.

This method is particularly valuable in digital onboarding, fintech, and underserved markets, where access to physical documents may be limited or where user experience demands low-friction compliance workflows.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does Non-Doc Verification work?
It typically combines:

• Phone number verification and SIM registration data
• Facial biometrics or liveness detection from a selfie
• Bank account linking and open banking data
• Credit bureau or utility records
• Government-backed digital ID services (e.g., Singpass, Aadhaar, BankID)

Instead of uploading an ID document, users authenticate via trusted digital sources that indirectly confirm identity.

Q2: Where is Non-Doc Verification commonly used?

• Digital banks and neobanks
• Lending and credit scoring platforms
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services
• eCommerce checkout flows
• Mobile wallets and remittance apps

Q3: What are the advantages of Non-Doc Verification?

• Faster onboarding and improved user experience
• Higher conversion rates in customer acquisition
• Reduced reliance on manual document review or OCR
• Allows access to unbanked or thin-file populations
• Fully digital and scalable—ideal for mobile-first regions

Q4: What are the limitations or risks?

• May have lower assurance levels than full document verification in some jurisdictions
• Data source quality varies by geography and provider
• Risk of synthetic identity fraud if signals aren’t properly cross-validated
• Regulatory acceptance of non-doc methods differs by country
• Requires strong risk-based controls and fallback mechanisms

Q5: Is Non-Doc Verification compliant with AML/CFT requirements?

• Yes, if implemented as part of a risk-based approach (RBA) and supported by reliable independent data sources
• FATF encourages digital identity innovation, including non-documentary methods, as long as they provide equivalent assurance
• Some jurisdictions (e.g., Singapore, UK, EU) allow non-doc onboarding via national digital ID frameworks or regulated identity providers