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Understanding Know Your Customer (KYC) in the United Kingdom

What is Know Your Customer (KYC)?​

If you're involved in A2P communications, you might already be familiar with Know Your Customer (KYC) data. Originally from the banking sector, KYC involves collecting customer information to verify their identity. This typically includes names, addresses, and dates of birth for individuals, and company names, registered addresses, and business verification documents for businesses. Over the years, global carriers and regulators have worked to create a trusted messaging and voice ecosystem, protecting consumers from spam, fraud, and bad actors.

To enhance consumer protection, businesses must now submit their KYC information for verification by local authorities before they can start texting or calling customers. While not all countries require KYC data yet, it is becoming increasingly common as the communications industry evolves.

KYC Requirements in the United Kingdom​

In response to rising fraud and scams, the UK regulator has updated its Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines. These changes aim to protect consumers by requiring businesses to submit and verify their information.

Key Dates to Remember:​

  • Starting May 27, 2024: All new Long Code purchases will need an approved Regulatory Compliance (RC) bundle.
  • Starting July 30, 2024: SMS from International Long Codes to the UK will be blocked.
  • Starting September 30, 2024: All UK long codes, new and existing, must be linked to an approved UK RC bundle to send messages or make calls.

These regulations apply to UK Long Codes, including local, national, mobile, and toll-free numbers.

Required KYC Information for Businesses in the UK​

Individual: Local or National​

  • Name: Proof of identity required (Government-issued ID, Passport)
  • UK Address: Valid UK address with proof (Utility bill, Tax notice, Rent receipt, Title deed)
  • UK Emergency Address: Valid UK address (no documentation required)
  • Date of Birth: No documentation required
  • Phone Number: Valid mobile number (not from a CPaaS provider)
  • Email: No documentation required
  • Comments: Optional

Individual: Mobile or Toll-Free​

  • Name: Proof of identity required (Government-issued ID, Passport)
  • Address: Valid address globally (no documentation required)
  • Emergency Address: Valid address globally (no documentation required)
  • Date of Birth: No documentation required
  • Phone Number: Valid mobile number (not from a CPaaS provider)
  • Email: No documentation required
  • Comments: Optional

Business: Local or National​

  • Business Name: Proof of identity required (Excerpt from the commercial register)
  • Registration Authority: Proof of identity required (Excerpt from the commercial register)
  • Business Registration Number: Proof of identity required (Excerpt from the commercial register)
  • Website Address: No documentation required
  • UK Business Address: Valid UK address (no documentation required)
  • UK Emergency Address: Valid UK address (no documentation required)
  • Authorized Representative's Name: Valid mobile number (not from a CPaaS provider)
  • Authorized Representative's Work Email: No documentation required
  • Business Classification: No documentation required
  • Comments: Optional

Business: Mobile or Toll-Free​

  • Business Name: Proof of identity required (Excerpt from the commercial register)
  • Registration Authority: Proof of identity required (Excerpt from the commercial register)
  • Business Registration Number: Proof of identity required (Excerpt from the commercial register)
  • Website Address: No documentation required
  • Business Address: Valid address globally (no documentation required)
  • Emergency Address: Valid address globally (no documentation required)
  • Authorized Representative's Name: No documentation required
  • Authorized Representative's Phone Number: Valid mobile number (not from a CPaaS provider)
  • Authorized Representative's Work Email: No documentation required
  • Business Classification: No documentation required
  • Comments: Optional

What You Need to Do​

  1. Prepare for Changes: Begin collecting the necessary information and documents.
  2. Submit KYC Information: Use the Stack console to submit your KYC details.
  3. Approval Process: Once submitted, Stack will review and approve or reject your RC bundles.
  4. Rejected Bundles: If rejected, understand the reason and resubmit with the correct information.
  5. Plan for Future Purchases: For new UK long codes after May 27, 2024, ensure your RC bundle is approved to avoid service disruptions.
  6. Connect Existing Codes: Attach all UK long codes purchased before May 27, 2024, to an approved RC bundle by September 30, 2024, to prevent service interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions​

  • Are there any fees for registering my UK long codes?

    • No, there are no fees for registering UK long codes.

  • What if I don’t have the required identity or address document?

    • You won't be able to use Stack’s UK long codes without proper documentation.

  • What is an emergency address?

    • It's the physical address where emergency services can send help if needed.

  • Which long codes can I use if my business is not registered in the UK?

    • You should use UK Mobile or UK Toll-Free numbers.

  • What happens if I don't submit my KYC information?

    • You won't be able to buy new UK Long Codes without an approved UK RC bundle after May 27, 2024. Existing numbers without a KYC bundle by September 30, 2024, will have all traffic blocked.

  • Are the Ofcom regulatory guidelines public?

    • Yes, Ofcom released the guidelines to the public on November 15, 2022. You can access them here.