Certified documents for KYC and AML partnerships are a mandatory requirement whenever a partnership is involved in UK property transactions, bank onboarding, investments, or cross-border matters. Unlike individuals, partnerships must prove both their legal existence and the identity of the people who control them. As a result, Customer Due Diligence (CDD) for partnerships is often more detailed and more frequently rejected if documents are incomplete or incorrectly certified.
This guide explains which certified documents for KYC and AML partnerships are required in practice, how CDD applies to partnership structures, and how to prepare documents in a format that UK solicitors, banks, and regulated firms will accept without delay.
This guide is written for:
- Partnerships and professional firms
- General and limited partners
- Overseas partnerships operating in the UK
- Solicitors, accountants, and compliance teams
Why Certified Documents for KYC and AML Partnerships Matter
Under UK anti-money laundering regulations, partnerships are treated as higher risk than individuals. This is because partnerships separate management, control, and ownership, and they often lack a central public register.
Therefore, regulated firms must clearly understand:
- whether the partnership legally exists,
- who the partners are, and
- who ultimately controls or benefits from the structure.
For this reason, certified documents for KYC and AML partnerships are almost always required, even where electronic AML checks are available.
CDD for Partnerships: Minimum Requirements
To comply with CDD obligations, partnerships must provide original documents or certified true copies. These requirements apply to UK and overseas partnerships alike.
Although requirements may vary by firm, the documents below represent the minimum CDD standard applied by most UK solicitors, banks, and regulated entities.
Partnership Registration (CDD Requirement)
To establish legal existence, firms require proof of registration.
You must provide:
- proof of the partnership name, including any trading names,
- proof of the date and country of establishment or registration, and
- an official identification or registration number, where available.
Acceptable documents typically include a partnership registration certificate, an official registry extract, or equivalent government-issued evidence.
Address of Registered Office or Place of Business
Next, firms must verify where the partnership operates.
You will need to provide:
- proof of the registered business or office address,
- the mailing address, if different, and
- proof of the principal place of business or operations, if different.
Accepted address documents usually include recent utility bills, bank statements, or official correspondence. Most firms require documents issued within the last three months.
Partnership Agreement (Certified Copy Required)
The Partnership Agreement is a core document for KYC and AML checks.
It allows compliance teams to understand:
- how the partnership is structured,
- who the partners are, and
- who has authority and control.
Accordingly, you must provide:
- a copy of the Partnership Agreement,
- certified as a true copy,
- signed and dated by a suitable certifier who has sighted the original.
If the agreement has been amended, firms often request both the original agreement and all subsequent deeds.
Names of All Partners (CDD Disclosure)
CDD for partnerships requires full transparency.
You must disclose the names of all partners, including:
- general partners,
- limited partners, and
- any other individuals who exercise control.
Where applicable, firms will also require full details of the General Partner.
Partners’ Proof of Identity (Individual CDD)
In addition to partnership-level documents, CDD extends to the partners themselves.
Most firms require identity documents for two or more partners, and often for all partners who control the structure.
Each identified partner must provide:
- a certified copy of a passport, and
- a certified copy of a current address proof (utility bill or bank statement).
Certification must confirm:
- the certifier has sighted the original,
- the copy is a true copy, and
- for photo ID, the image is a true likeness of the holder.
For detailed individual requirements, see our Certified Documents for KYC and AML (Individuals) guide.
Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
If any partner or controller is identified as a Politically Exposed Person (PEP), firms must apply enhanced due diligence.
This may include:
- additional source-of-funds information,
- further declarations, and
- senior compliance approval.
PEP status does not prevent a transaction, but it does increase documentation requirements.
Additional Due Diligence on Related Parties
In some cases, firms may request CDD on related parties, such as:
- remitters of funds into the partnership,
- controllers who are not formally listed as partners, or
- connected entities within the wider structure.
This is particularly common in investment transactions and cross-border matters.
Certified Copies vs Digital AML Checks for Partnerships
Although digital AML systems are increasingly used, they rarely replace the need for certified documents for KYC and AML partnerships.
In practice, certified copies are still required where:
- the partnership is overseas,
- documents are not publicly searchable, or
- the transaction is high-value or complex.
Common Reasons Partnership CDD Is Rejected
Partnership CDD is most often rejected because:
- the Partnership Agreement is not properly certified,
- not all partners are disclosed,
- certification wording is incomplete or incorrect, or
- address documents are outdated.
Preparing documents correctly at the outset avoids repeat requests and delays.
Practical Tips for Partnership CDD Preparation
Before submitting documents:
- Confirm which partners must provide ID
- Check certification wording carefully
- Ensure documents are current and consistent
- Expect follow-up questions for complex structures
As a result, onboarding is faster and smoother.
How Ginkgo Advisory Can Help
Ginkgo Advisory helps clients prepare certified documents for KYC and AML partnerships that meet UK compliance standards.
We assist with:
- partnership-level CDD preparation,
- solicitor-verified certification, and
- AML-ready documentation accepted by UK solicitors, banks, and regulated firms.
Our focus is accuracy, compliance, and acceptance — not volume processing.
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