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KYB Overview

Know Your Business verification for business entities.

What is KYB?​

KYB = Know Your Business

Additional verification required when an IA operates through a business entity rather than as an individual.

When is KYB Required?​

  • Individual (sole proprietor) — No (KYC only)
  • Corporation — Yes
  • LLC — Yes
  • Partnership — Yes
  • Trust — Yes

Why KYB is Required​

  • Regulatory compliance — Business verification laws
  • Fraud prevention — Verify legitimate entities
  • Tax compliance — Proper reporting
  • Accountability — Identify controlling persons

KYB vs KYC​

  • KYC — For individuals, personal identity verification
  • KYB — For business entities, entity + beneficial owner verification

What KYB Covers​

Entity Verification​

  • Legal existence
  • Registration status
  • Tax ID (EIN)
  • Authorized activities

Beneficial Ownership​

  • Who controls the entity
  • Ownership percentages
  • Controlling persons' identities

Entity Types Supported​

  • Corporation — Articles of Incorporation required
  • LLC — Operating Agreement required
  • Partnership — Partnership Agreement required
  • Trust — Trust documents required

See KYB Documents Required for full list.

KYB Process​

Processing Time​

  • Document submission — Immediate
  • Review — 3-5 business days
  • Additional requests — If needed
  • Approval — After complete review