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Understanding Due Diligence at CICSA Co-operative Credit Union | KYC

Understanding Due Diligence at CICSA Co-operative Credit Union

 
Welcome to Our Due Diligence Information Page

At the Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Co-operative Credit Union (CICSA), we prioritize the safety and compliance of our financial services. This page is dedicated to explaining Know your customer or “KYC” due diligence documentation, why it’s necessary, and what information we require from our members.

What is Due Diligence?

Due diligence refers to the comprehensive process of investigating and verifying information to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. For financial institutions, this includes gathering relevant information about members to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

Why Do We Conduct Due Diligence?
  1. Regulatory Compliance:
    We are obligated to follow laws and regulations that govern financial institutions. This includes conducting regular reviews of member accounts to maintain the integrity of our services.

  1. Risk Management:
    By understanding our members and their financial activities, we can identify and mitigate potential risks that could affect the Credit Union and its members.

  1. Protecting Our Community:
    Ensuring that our financial services are not misused helps safeguard the interests of all members and the broader community.

What Information Do We Need?

To comply with due diligence requirements, we ask our members to submit specific documents, including:

  • Identification: Certified copies of a valid passport and driver’s license  or other Government issued photo ID.

  • Source of Funds: Documentation to support the origin of funds in your account. This could include job letters, business licenses, financial statements or proof of pension.

  • Source of Wealth: Proof of source of wealth is similar to the above and it explains or subtantiates how wealth/net worth has been generated over time. This may be required if different from source of funds.

  • Physical Address Confirmation: Utility bills, employment letters, or rental agreements to confirm your current address.

  • Completed Forms: Necessary forms such as the Member Update Form, Self Certification Form and Beneficiary Form, which can be found in our Member Updates Package.

Member Updates Package

To ensure compliance with regulatory standards and protect your assets, it is essential to have certain documents certified. Below are the key documents that require certification, along with explanations of the necessary wording and suitable certifiers.

Required Documents for Certification

Beneficiary Form

This form is crucial for confirming that your assignment of assets held at the Credit Union is current and it must be a true and original copy. To certify this form, you must sign it in the presence of two (2) witnesses from the following list:

  • Notary Public

  • Justice of the Peace

  • Credit Union Staff member

Self-Certification Form

This form helps us comply with the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Law, the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), and Common Reporting Standards (CRS) Regulations. 

Suitable Certifiers

A “suitable certifier” is an individual such as a lawyer, accountant, director, or manager of a regulated entity/Financial Services Provider, a notary public, a member of the judiciary or a senior civil servants who can validate your documents.

These certifiers must attest that the copies of your documents are “true copies of original” and provide a signature and date on the copies. For any Photo ID the certifier must state I hereby certify “that the photograph bears a true likeness to the individual”

Assistance with Certification

If you need support in certifying these documents, please contact us at complianceupdates@creditunion.ky. Our staff can assist you in scheduling an appointment for certification.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

It’s essential to submit the requested information by the specified deadline. If we do not receive your documents by the due date, you may incur:

  • A non-compliance fee of $75.00 per month.

  • Possible restrictions on your account until the required documents are submitted.

  • In extreme cases, the termination of services if compliance is not met.

Questions or Assistance

We understand that navigating due diligence can be complex. If you have any questions or need assistance with the document submission process, please do not hesitate to contact us at complianceupdates@creditunion.ky

Your understanding and cooperation in this process help us maintain a secure and compliant environment for all members. We appreciate your support in helping us meet our regulatory obligations.

FAQs

What happens if I don’t have all the required documents?
If you are unable to provide certain documents, please reach out to us for assistance. We may offer alternative solutions.

Why do I need to provide information about my source of funds and wealth?
Providing information about your source of funds and wealth helps us comply with legal requirements aimed at preventing money laundering and fraud. It also allows us to better understand your financial profile and ensure the integrity of our services.

How often does the Credit Union conduct due diligence reviews?

Due diligence reviews are conducted periodically as required by regulatory standards. The frequency may vary based on factors such as accounting activity and risk assessment.

What should I do if I have difficulty obtaining certified copies of my documents?

If you have trouble obtaining certified copies, please reach out to us. We can help guide you through the certification process or assist in finding suitable certifiers. You can also set up an appointment with our staff for support.

What documents may I need to provide if I'm self-employed?

You will need to provide a self declaration letter indicating your income which is derived from your business activities, and supporting documentation to verify  this declaration. For more information on self-employed required documents please click HERE.

Why do I have to have any ID?

The Credit Union is legally required to know its customers and verify their identity in accordance with the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations and CIMA Guidance Notes. Collecting your identification documents is a part of this process.

Why must I complete a Source of Funds form for a cheque from a local bank?

The Credit Union is legally required to know its customers, including identifying and verifying the source of funds of its members. This includes when cheques/drafts drawn on another financial institution are being deposited by a member. Although the relevant financial institution has the equivalent obligation to know its customers, the Credit Union is not able to rely on the due diligence measures of that institution and is legally required to conduct its own due diligence checks.