Welcome > ADMA > Your Enquiry > Client Identification & Verification > Verifying the identity of an individual client – dual process method
The following are resources that may be helpful in answering your enquiry. Please familiarize yourself with them before moving on.
In brief: The dual process method is a method for verifying an individual’s identity based on information that you obtain from two different reliable sources. The individual client’s presence is not required. A reliable source of information is one that is well known and considered reputable, such as the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels of government, Crown corporations, financial institutions, and utility providers. The source should be the originator or issuer of the information and one that you trust. The source cannot be you, your agent or the individual whose identity you are verifying. Documents relied on must be valid, authentic and current and information must be valid and current.
Rules - Verification using reliable sources of information about an individual: Law Society Rule 3-102(1) and (2)(a)(iii).
Practice Resource - Learn more about the dual process method: Client ID & Verification - FAQs.
Rules - Law Society Rule 3-109.
Code - Dishonesty, fraud by client: BC Code rule 3.2-7.
Practice Resource - Red Flags Quick Reference Guide
Practice Resource - Client Identification, Verification and Source of Money Checklist, current to September 1, 2023; includes Sample Agreement with Agent for Verification. (Note the changes to Law Society Rules 3-102 and 3-104 made on March 8, 2024 that affect parts of this checklist.)
Practice Resource - Anti-Money Laundering Webinar: See in particular 1:13:00.
Rules - Definitions of “financial transaction” and “money”: Law Society Rule 3-98.
Rules - Exemptions to verification requirements: Law Society Rules 3-99 and 3-101.
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