FAQ: Face IDV vs. Quick IDV – Choosing the Right Verification Method
Learn the key differences between Face IDV (biometric verification) and Quick IDV (non-biometric verification) to determine the best method.
1. What is the difference between Face IDV and Quick IDV?
Realaml offers two identity verification options to give law firms flexibility while ensuring compliance with AUSTRAC’s Safe Harbour requirements.
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Feature
Face IDV (Biometric Verification)
Quick IDV (Non-Biometric, Flexible Completion)
Facial Recognition
✅ Yes, with live selfie matching
❌ No, uses document & data verification
PEP & Sanctions Screening
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Compliance Level
Meets AUSTRAC's Safe Harbour
Meets AUSTRAC's Safe Harbour
Best For
High-risk clients, EDD, fraud prevention
Low-to-medium risk clients, faster processing
Who Conducts the IDV?
Customer completes facial recognition remotely
Law firm can conduct it directly or send it to the client
Verification Speed
Slightly longer (selfie capture)
Faster (instant database verification)
User Experience
Extra step but higher security
Seamless, document-based verification
Risk-Based Usage
Ideal for PEPs, complex cases
Suitable for standard client verifications
Verification Requirements
✅ Must match at least two independent data sources to pass
✅ Must match at least two independent data sources to pass
DVS Document Verification
✅ Mandatory or optional, depending on law firm’s requirements
✅ Mandatory or optional, depending on law firm’s requirements
2. Why Offer Both Face IDV & Quick IDV?
✔ More Control for Law Firms – Quick IDV can be completed in-house by a legal professional or sent to the client for self-completion, offering greater flexibility.
✔ Meets AUSTRAC’s ‘Safe Harbour’ – Both Face IDV and Quick IDV are AUSTRAC-compliant and meet Safe Harbour verification standards.
✔ PEP & Sanctions Screening – Both options automatically screen customers against Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) and sanctions lists.
✔ Ensures Reliable Verification – Both Face IDV and Quick IDV will only pass verification if the customer’s information is successfully verified against at least two separate data sources.
✔ DVS Document Verification Flexibility – Law firms can choose whether verifying a document at DVS is mandatory or optional, depending on their compliance needs.
✔ Enhances Law Firm Adoption – Some firms prefer Quick IDV for speed and ease of use, while others require Face IDV for higher-risk cases.
✔ Risk-Based Compliance – Law firms can decide when biometric IDV is necessary (e.g., for PEPs or high-risk transactions).
3. Which IDV method should law firms use?
🔹 For Low-to-Medium Risk Clients: Quick IDV is faster and easier, allowing firms to conduct verifications directly or send them to clients.
🔹 For High-Risk Clients (PEPs, EDD): Face IDV adds biometric facial recognition for extra security.
🔹 For Law Firms Requiring DVS Checks: Both methods allow DVS verification to be mandatory or optional, based on the law firm’s risk policies.
Both options help law firms meet their AML/CTF obligations while providing a flexible, risk-based approach to identity verification.
📩 Need more details? Contact support@realaml.com or +61 423 321 383.