When you set up your Chest SIPP, we ask you to verify your identity. This is a legal requirement known as KYC - Know Your Customer. Here's what it involves and why we do it.
Why we verify your identity
We're required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to verify the identity of everyone who opens a pension with us. This helps:
Prevent fraud and financial crime
Protect your pension from being accessed by someone else
Ensure we meet our regulatory obligations
Keep the financial system safe and secure
What you'll need
During SIPP setup, you'll be asked to provide:
Photo ID (one of the following):
Valid passport
UK driving licence (full or provisional)
Selfie:
A photo of your face for facial matching against your ID
In some cases, we may also ask for proof of address, such as:
A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water)
A bank or credit card statement
A council tax bill
Documents must be valid, not expired, and clearly readable.
How verification works
You'll be prompted to take a photo of your ID during SIPP setup
Make sure the image is clear, well-lit, and shows all four corners of the document
You'll then take a selfie so we can match your face to your ID
Our system checks your documents automatically
Most verifications complete within minutes and you can continue setting up your SIPP straight away.
Manual review
Occasionally, we may need to review your documents manually. This can happen if:
The image quality isn't clear enough
There's a mismatch between documents
Additional checks are required
Manual reviews typically take 24-48 hours. We'll notify you once the review is complete.
What to do if verification fails
If your verification isn't successful, you'll be prompted to try again. Common reasons for failure include:
Blurry or poorly lit photos
Part of the document cut off or obscured
Expired ID
Information on ID doesn't match what you entered during signup
Retake your photos in good lighting, ensuring the full document is visible and in focus.
Your data is secure
We take your privacy seriously. Your identity documents are processed securely and stored in line with data protection regulations. We only use your information for verification purposes and to meet our regulatory requirements. For more details, see our Privacy Policy in the app under My Account → Documents.
Still need help?
If you're having trouble with identity verification, contact us at hello@joinchest.com and we'll help you get verified.