Identity Verification – Trusts

We are required by law to obtain identification and verification documents when establishing a client relationship.  Please note that until we have received all necessary supporting information and documentation from you, we will not be able to progress with your work/transaction or accept funds into our client account.

1. Trust documents

Please provide a certified copy of:

1. the trust instrument, any amendments and supplemental instruments or;
2. other documents evidencing:

• the name of the trust;
• when and where the trust was established;
• official identification number if applicable (e.g. tax identification number or registered charity or non-profit organisation number);
• nature of the trust and trustees’ duties;
• details of the trust fund; and
• full name and addresses of:
  • each trustee of the trust,
  • settlor of the trust,
  • beneficiaries of the trust, and
  • protectors of the trust.

2. Parties to the Trust

Please provide:

1. CDD* – verification documents for:

• each trustee of the trust,
• the settlor of the trust,
• the beneficiaries of the trust
  (with vested rights at the time or before distribution of trust property or income)
• the protector of the trust
• any individuals exercising ultimate effective control over the trust including through other ownership arrangements (e.g. partnership agreements, powers to appoint senior management or voting rights) or through personal and historical contractual connections.

*see our guidance regarding our CDD requirements for individuals and companies. For other entities please contact us.

3. How to obtain certified copies

Certified copies are duplicates of documents which a person of professional standing has stated to be genuine copies of the original(s).

People who can certify documents are:

1. A qualified lawyer or attorney, registered with the relevant national professional body.
2. A qualified accountant who is a member of a recognised professional body.
3. A notary public, member of the judiciary, a senior civil servant, or a serving police or customs officer;
4. an officer of an embassy, consulate or high commission of the country of issue of documentary evidence of identity;
5. a director, officer or manager of a regulated financial services business which is operating in a well-regulated jurisdiction.

The person certifying the copy of the document must:

• sign and date the copy document and state in writing that it is a true copy of the original, which they have seen.

4. Suitable wording of the certification

Please note that the person carrying out the certification must state:

• “I hereby certify that I have seen the original of this document and that this is a complete and accurate copy of that document.”

Please note where the certification is to confirm the identity of a person it must also confirm:

• ”I also certify that the photograph contained in this document bears a true likeness to the individual that has requested certification of this document.”

Certifiers need to confirm their position and provide contact details where they can be contacted.

Certifiers need to provide their details, sign (“wet signature”) and date the certification documents.