In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, verifying the identity of your client or employee securely and efficiently is paramount. On 6th April 2022, the UK government introduced Identity Service Providers (IDSPs) as part of efforts to streamline and secure the identity verification process for employers. 

An IDSP provider will utilise Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to conduct digital Right to Work (RTW) checks for British and Irish citizens holding valid passports or Irish passport cards. The legislation was updated in October 2022 after the temporary Covid-adjusted right-to-work checks were withdrawn, requiring employers to either perform physical face-to-face verifications or engage a certified IDSP. 

IDSPs are not just for businesses completing right-to-work checks, they provide solutions to other challenges especially businesses operating within the legal sector as solicitors, lawyers and conveyancers can utilise an IDSP to tackle challenges surrounding AML, KYC and compliance.  

With compliance and security at stake, selecting the right IDSP is crucial. This guide explores what law firms should look for when choosing an IDSP provider to ensure compliance, security, and efficiency in their onboarding processes. 

Understanding the Role of an IDSP 

An Identity Service Provider (IDSP) offers ID verification services, often encompassing Right to Work (RTW), Right to Rent (RTR), and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. While using a certified IDSP for RTW checks is not mandatory, the Home Office strongly recommends it to ensure adherence to government standards. However, for DBS checks, employers must engage a certified IDSP. 

However, IDSPs can vary in their service offerings, with some focusing on anti-money laundering (AML) and identity verification for property rentals and transactions which is where innovative legal technology products like Verify 365 come into play. These specialised providers often offer additional solutions designed to enhance and streamline the client onboarding experience. 

Key Considerations When Choosing an IDSP Provider

Certification and Compliance

Law firms should prioritise IDSPs certified by accredited bodies. Certification ensures the provider adheres to the latest government guidance and security standards. For DBS checks, certification is mandatory. Verify the provider’s credentials and certifications to avoid compliance risks.

Data Security and Privacy

Handling sensitive personal information requires robust security measures. Look for IDSPs that employ the most stringent levels of security to ensure your data is not at risk. 

Technology and User Experience

The core of an IDSP’s service is its Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT). Assess the efficiency, accuracy, and user-friendliness of their technology. A smooth user experience not only ensures compliance but also improves the onboarding process, reducing candidate drop-off rates.

Integration Capabilities

A seamless integration with your existing processes can significantly improve workflow efficiency. Choose an IDSP that offers flexible integration options with the goal of simplifying the process for both your team and your clients. 

Range of Services

Some IDSPs offer a comprehensive suite of services beyond just a digital ID solution. Innovative IDSPs will offer other checks, tools and services that will streamline the whole client onboarding process and enable you to create a centralised identity verification process and unified platform. 

Benefits of Utilising a Certified IDSP

Choosing a certified IDSP offers numerous advantages, including: 

– Enhanced Compliance: Certified providers adhere to regulation standards set by bodies including The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reducing legal and compliance risks. 

– Time and Cost Efficiency: Digital verifications are quicker and more cost-effective than manual checks. 

– Data Security: Certified providers implement robust security measures, protecting sensitive data. 

What Verify 365 Can Do for Your Firm

Solicitors and conveyancers need a viable solution to combat the challenges AML and compliance can bring. Verify 365 is just one of those innovative solutions that can transform your client onboarding processes, and we are a UK-government-certified IDSP. 

Verify 365 is the ultimate AML, KYC and compliance onboarding platform enabling you to complete fast, biometric ID checks in a matter of minutes. Using facial recognition, liveness scanning and NFC detection technology, Verify 365 ensures you can validate your client’s identity and take that risk-based approach to protect your business.  

Our technology is built within the regulatory framework of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and we’re an approved supplier of the Law Society of Scotland, meaning every biometric ID check you complete is compliant.   

Being an IDSP means we are providing your business with an innovative digital ID solution that meets the UK government’s digital identity and attributes trust framework (DIATF). This means every ID check you run through our platform is government-certified meeting the rigorous standards in place.  

However, IDSPs offer versatile services that go beyond digital ID verifications and Verify 365 is no exception. Verify 365 helps firms battle AML challenges surrounding source of funds. You can complete comprehensive source of funds checks using our winning combination of open banking, advanced AI analytics and detailed source of funds questionnaire, you can validate financial information for all property transactions. Report any suspicious activity and financial anomalies to protect your business and prevent financial fraud. 

We are trusted by firms and businesses across the UK, and we are providing a solution that isn’t just helping validate client identities, we are helping streamline the client onboarding process, unify platforms, enhance efficiency and create seamless workflows that make the onboarding process simple and easy for your clients.  

It’s Essential You Choose the Right IDSP  

Selecting the right Identity Service Provider is a critical decision that directly impacts compliance, data security, and operational efficiency. By focusing on certification, security, technology, and industry experience, firms can make informed decisions that protect their organisation and enable them to take a risk-based approach when it comes to combating fraud and shutting down criminal networks.  

As the regulatory landscape evolves, partnering with a certified and reputable IDSP ensures that your business is using the most secure and trusted technology. Prioritise utilising a provider that aligns with your firm’s needs and those of your clients.