# Identity verification (KYC)

## Why verification is required

South African financial regulations require all investment providers to verify the identity of their clients. This is known as Know Your Customer (KYC) and is part of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).

- **Legal compliance**: Fynbos must verify your identity before processing any investments
- **Fraud prevention**: Verification protects you and your money from identity theft
- **Anti-money laundering**: KYC helps prevent financial crimes

Until your identity is verified, you can explore the app but cannot add money or make investments. Verification is a once-off process that typically takes just a few minutes.

## What documents you need

Before starting verification, have one of the following identity documents ready:

| Document type | Requirements |
| --- | --- |
| **South African ID card** | Green barcoded ID card or new smart ID card |
| **South African ID book** | Green ID book with barcode page |
| **Passport** | Valid South African or foreign passport |
| **Driver's licence** | Valid South African driver's licence card |

> **Important**: The name on your identity document must match the name you entered during signup. If there's a mismatch, verification may fail.

For child accounts, parents need to provide the child's birth certificate instead of an ID document.

## How to verify your identity

When you try to add money to your account, Fynbos prompts you to complete verification first. You can verify directly in the app or wait for a WhatsApp message with a verification link.

1. Tap the notification banner on your home screen, or navigate to **Verify now** from the prompt
2. Review the document requirements shown on screen
3. Tap **Verify now** to open the verification flow
4. Select your document type when prompted
5. Take a clear photo of the front of your document
6. Take a photo of the back if requested
7. Complete a selfie to confirm your identity

Once you've submitted your documents, you'll see a confirmation message and be returned to the home screen.

## How long verification takes

Most verifications are processed automatically within minutes. Here's what to expect:

| Status | What it means | Typical timeframe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **In review** | Your documents are being checked | 1-5 minutes for automatic approval |
| **Approved** | You're verified and can start investing | Immediate after approval |
| **Documents required** | We need clearer photos or additional information | Varies based on your response |
| **Rejected** | Verification was unsuccessful | You'll receive guidance on next steps |

You'll receive a WhatsApp notification when your verification status changes. If approved, you can immediately start adding money to your account.

> **Note**: If you transfer money via EFT before completing verification, the funds will sit in your Cash account until you're verified. If you've set up a debit order, it won't run until verification is complete.

## Troubleshooting common issues

### My verification is taking longer than expected

Automatic verification usually completes within minutes. If your verification is still pending after 24 hours, our team may be reviewing your documents manually. You'll receive a notification once the review is complete.

### My photo was rejected

If your document photo was rejected, try these tips:

- Use good lighting without glare or shadows
- Ensure all four corners of the document are visible
- Hold your camera steady to avoid blur
- Remove the document from any plastic sleeve

### The name on my ID doesn't match my profile

Your profile name must match your identity document exactly. If you made a typo during signup, contact support to update your details before attempting verification again.

### I don't have a South African ID

Foreign nationals can verify using a valid passport. If you hold a South African residence permit, you may also use that along with your passport.

### Verification failed and I don't know why

If verification was rejected without clear guidance, contact Fynbos support through the app. Our team can review your case and advise on next steps.