Know Your Customer (KYC)

KYC is a Legal Requirement.

You may have heard the phrases 'Know Your Customer' or 'KYC requirements', as they are often called, and wondered about their significance. While it may be burdensome at times to submit documentation (e.g. proof of address and a valid ID) to help us meet these KYC requirements, please be assured that it is in your best interest to do so.

As instances of fraud and other crimes facilitated through the financial systems have become more prevalent, financial institutions worldwide have had to adopt more stringent requirements to detect illegal activity. As a customer, it may be comforting for you to know that this information helps us to protect your accounts and it also reduces risks for the Bank. Also, knowing more about you helps us to serve you better.

Additionally, all commercial banks in Jamaica are now required to conform to guidelines set by our regulators.

What Is KYC?

'Know Your Customer' refers to the process financial institutions must use to collect and verify important information about their personal and business customers. When you first open an account we collect information about what you do, how you plan to use the account and request your signature and identification cards. This information will give us an understanding of your financial circumstances, as well as allows the Bank to satisfy the rules set out by regulators. Any activity which is unusual will be noticed quickly, minimizing your exposure and protecting your assets. We also update the information from time to time, (e.g. expiration of ID on file) and encourage you to advise us of any changes in the information you have supplied.

What Can KYC Help You Do?

The relationship between the customer and his Bank is one in which your needs can be met by providing appropriate deposit and lending facilities. Once our customers satisfy the KYC requirements, they will experience little or no delays in conducting their banking transactions.

How KYC Protects You?

At JDFCCU we are serious about taking steps to protect you, our customers in the dynamic economic environment in which you operate. This is why we are so careful when we collect information to open your personal accounts. For our business customers the needs are more stringent because several persons may have access to the account and a business involves more people such as its suppliers and others such as payees of cheques. Audited financial statements are one significant source of information that financial institutions accept to satisfy ourselves as to the nature of the business for which it operates accounts, and what activities are likely to take place on the accounts.

There are many implications when an account is being operated outside of the normal activity, based on the nature of information given by the personal or business customer, including the possibility of fraud. Once the Bank has reason to become concerned about levels and types of activity on an account that it maintains and where these concerns cannot be satisfactorily addressed, the financial institution must determine the risk faced by continuing to operate that account. This protects both the Bank and you.

Help Us Know You Better

  1. Find out what documents you will need to complete transactions, apply for a loan or open an account before you come in to our office. We encourage you to view the requirements on 'Quick Links', speak with your JDFCCU representative or call us at 1-876-926-3870.
  2. On your next visit to our office, please ask the representative to check if your contact information is correct.
  3. If you will be conducting a transaction which may be considered unusual, please let us know in advance. We are aware that your circumstances may change and may be able to offer you valuable advice.
  4. By using all the points of contact available, you are better able to keep track of your accounts. JDFCCU Debit Cards, internet banking portals offer convenient, 24-hour access to banking information and services.
  5. While we monitor our customers' accounts for suspicious activity, you also have a duty to ensure that we are advised of any material change in your financial circumstances.

Important: Financial institutions in Jamaica are licensed to operate within certain regulatory guidelines set out by the Bank of Jamaica and/or the Financial Services.

Know Your Customer (KYC)