KYC obligation

DVDW Advocaten requires all its attorneys to verify their clients’ identity before taking on their case.

The following methods can be used to verify a client’s identity:

• Legal entities: an extract from the Chamber of Commerce's Commercial Register and a valid identity document (i.e. a passport, driving licence or ID card) of the legal entity’s representative
• Natural persons: a valid identity document (i.e. a passport, driving licence or ID card).

Why is this necessary?

Under the Dutch Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act (“Wwft”, which replaced the Dutch Identification (Provision of Services) Act, “or WID”), DVDW Advocaten is required to establish the identities of clients for particular services and representatives of those clients, based on the individual’s passport or driving licence, an extract from the official commercial registers or another approved document.

Furthermore, the Regulation of the Dutch Bar Association on Administration and Financial Integrity (“Vafi”), which entered force on 1 July 2009, requires attorneys to verify the identity all of their clients. This duty applies to all cases and to all attorneys.

Photocopies of identity documents are stored centrally. DVDW Advocaten uses these personal data are to ensure its compliance with its legal obligations and to carry out the services requested.