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KYC documents to collect from a new client

Anti-money laundering rules require you to identify a new client and know who is behind the assets before you act. This checklist lists what Swiss fiduciaries, asset managers and lawyers usually collect, with notes for the EU. Send it at the start of the engagement and keep a complete, dated file for each client.

Send this list as a request
  1. 1

    Copy of the client's ID card or passport

    Required

    Certified copy or video identification, as your self-regulatory organisation requires.

  2. 2

    Proof of address less than 3 months old

    If it applies

    Utility bill or residence certificate. Common in the EU, often requested in Switzerland.

  3. 3

    Commercial register extract

    If it applies

    For companies: an extract less than 12 months old, or an online extract you print yourself.

  4. 4

    Articles of association

    If it applies

    For companies, foundations and associations.

  5. 5

    List of authorised signatories and their IDs

    If it applies

    People acting for a company, plus any power of attorney.

  6. 6

    Beneficial owner declaration (Form A)

    Required

    Names the natural persons who ultimately own the assets.

  7. 7

    Controlling person declaration (Form K)

    If it applies

    For operating companies: persons holding 25% or more, or otherwise in control.

  8. 8

    Shareholder register or ownership chart

    If it applies

    Shows the chain of ownership up to the natural persons.

  9. 9

    Trust deed or foundation documents (Form T or S)

    If it applies

    Settlor, trustees, protector and beneficiaries.

  10. 10

    Client profile: activity and purpose of the relationship

    Required

    Occupation or business, expected services and amounts.

  11. 11

    Proof of source of funds or wealth

    If it applies

    For higher-risk relationships: sale contract, inheritance, salary, company accounts.

  12. 12

    Tax residence self-certification

    If it applies

    For account and asset management: CRS and FATCA status.

  13. 13

    Signed engagement letter or mandate agreement

    Required

    Scope of the mandate, fees, data protection.

Your contact gets one email with this list, uploads each document from a link without an account, and is reminded until everything is in.

Send this list as a request

Tips

  • Identify the client and establish the beneficial owner before providing the service, and document both.
  • Update the file when the ownership or activity changes, and review high-risk clients more often.
  • In Switzerland, from 1 October 2026 advisers, lawyers and fiduciaries also have due diligence duties when they set up companies or handle real estate deals.
  • Keep KYC documents for at least 10 years after the relationship ends (Swiss AMLA); EU rules usually require 5 years.

Questions

Sources: fedlex.admin.ch · law.ch · law.ch · swissbanking.ch · economie.gouv.fr · transparenzregister.de · eur-lex.europa.eu · swissbanking.ch