Although AML and KYC are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. KYC is a component of AML, not a substitute for it.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to the entire framework of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures designed to detect and prevent financial crime. It includes customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, PEP screening, suspicious activity reporting, internal controls, and employee training. AML is the overarching compliance system within an organisation.
KYC/KYB, by contrast, focuses specifically on verifying a customer’s identity and assessing their risk level. It is the process that allows a business to know who it is dealing with. Without effective KYC/KYB procedures, an AML programme cannot function properly because the organisation would not have a reliable understanding of its customers.
In simple terms, AML is the full compliance structure, while KYC/KYB is one of its most important building blocks. KYC/KYB supports AML, but AML goes far beyond identity verification.