How Connells use Credas’ Anti-Money Laundering Checks

The Challenge

Prior to the use of Credas’ electronic verification of identity solution, we were reliant on third parties
certifying customer ID in the instances where we were unable to meet the customer (i.e. they lived overseas or were not within a convenient distance to a Connells Group branch).

The reliance on third party certification is less than ideal as it can be difficult to verify that the certifying party is authorised to do so (particularly when dealing with notary publics or solicitors abroad).

Our intention with Credas was to reduce the frequency with which we had to rely on third party certification.

Will Cross – Compliance Analyst

How Credas Helped

By moving to Credas we have been able to reduce the frequency of relying on third party certification. With a simple download of the free app, our customers have been able to verify their identity in a matter of minutes, saving all parties time, and in most cases saving the customer money.

Additionally, with the robust solution offered by Credas we were also keen to ensure that fraudulent identity documentation was not accepted which can, of course, be difficult to determine when handling a document. We have found the accuracy of the product to be impeccable.

Results

During the pilot we used Credas via the web portal, however now looking towards a permanent
roll-out, our IT department have already been tasked with looking into integrating it into our default
systems and using the API method.

The web portal has been super easy to use, all very self-explanatory, and without confusion. The
average time between registration and submission by the customer has been about 3.5 minutes so less
time than making a cuppa (and certainly less time than heading to a solicitor to have the ID certified).

Connells Group is one of the largest and most successful estate agency and property services
providers in the UK. Founded in 1936 and with a network of nearly 600 branches nationwide, the Group combines residential sales and lettings expertise with a range of consumer and corporate services including new homes, mortgage services, conveyancing, EPC provision, surveying, corporate lettings, asset management, land & planning, LPA receivers and auctions.