ID Update

Unfortunately the ID that we hold for you is now more than a couple of years old and we are required to update it.  We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause, particularly if you are a very long standing client.

To try to make the process as straightforward as possible, we can offer two options for dealing with updating your ID records.

Uploading new documents – We would be very happy for you to upload an up to date copy of your ID documents.  The copies do not need to be certified since we have acted for you previously.

Using our electronic ID verification system – If access to a scanner is problematic you might prefer to use our electronic ID verification system, ThirdFort.

Anti-Money Laundering

Ashworths have implemented a number of practical steps to reduce the likelihood of the firm and its client account being used to “launder” the proceeds of crime.  We appreciate that some of these steps will on occasions prove to be inconvenient to our clients.  Where there is a good reason to depart from our published guidance, please do speak to your case handler to discuss whether it might still be possible to proceed.
The practical steps that you should be aware of include the following:

• Verification of identity. You are being asked to complete this form so that we can verify your identity.  Please be aware that only very limited steps will be taken on your file until this form is completed and returned.
• Obtaining information regarding source of funds. You should expect to be asked to confirm the source of funds.  Ordinarily we would expect funds to be sent to the firm from a bank account in your own name.  Please discuss with your case handler if you intend to use funds provided by a third party and be prepared to explain why the funds are coming from this source.
• Avoiding unsolicited payments in to our client account. Please do not send funds electronically to our client account without being invited to do so.  Where possible please quote your client number (which will appear on our correspondence and also on our statements).  Please do not pass on our client account details to third parties.
• Returning funds only to the account that they have been sent from.
• Limiting the amount of cash that we will accept. Our case handlers and staff have instructions not to accept any more than £350 in cash.

Politically Exposed Persons

We are required to be aware as to whether any of our clients are likely to be “politically exposed”.  The Financial Action Taskforce has published some guidelines to accompany the definition of who is a Politically Exposed Person (or “PEP”).  Please click here for an explanation of who might be classed as a PEP.

The “ThirdFort” ID process will cross-check your details against a database of persons whom might be deemed to be Politically Exposed, and it is possible that we will need to ask you some additional questions to determine whether you fall within one of the categories mentioned.
It is important to understand that being a PEP does not prevent you from being a client of the firm, but we are required by law to determine whether or not you might fall within that definition.

If you think that you might fall within one of the categories mentioned here, please speak to us before ticking the box below.