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Compliance Elite tier 2 min read

KYC (Know Your Customer)

Identity verification required before funding or payout.

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What is KYC (Know Your Customer)?

KYC (Know Your Customer) is the identity verification process required by financial regulators and increasingly by prop firms. KYC typically involves submitting a government-issued ID and proof of address. Traders should complete KYC immediately after passing the evaluation to avoid delays at payout.html">first payout. As of 2026, KYC requirements have tightened across the industry due to regulatory pressure, with most firms now requiring full verification before the first withdrawal regardless of account size.

Key takeaways

Identity verification required before funding or payout.
KYC typically involves submitting a government-issued ID and proof of address.
As of 2026, KYC requirements have tightened across the industry due to regulatory pressure, with most firms now requiring full verification before the first withdrawal regardless of account size.

KYC (Know Your Customer) vs. AML (Anti-Money Laundering)

Two terms that frequently get conflated. Here's how they actually differ.

KYC (Know Your Customer)Compliance · ELITE
AML (Anti-Money Laundering)Compliance · ELITE
Identity verification required before funding or payout.
Regulations preventing the use of trading for money laundering.

Frequently asked questions

What is KYC (Know Your Customer)?
KYC (Know Your Customer) is the identity verification process required by financial regulators and increasingly by prop firms. KYC typically involves submitting a government-issued ID and proof of address. Traders should complete KYC immediately after passing the evaluation to avoid delays at first payout.
Why does KYC (Know Your Customer) matter for prop firm traders?
KYC (Know Your Customer) matters because the prop firm industry is moving rapidly into formal regulation in 2026. Understanding KYC (Know Your Customer) helps you separate firms operating cleanly from those likely to face restrictions or forced closure in the coming year.
How is KYC (Know Your Customer) different from AML (Anti-Money Laundering)?
KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) are commonly confused. KYC (Know Your Customer): Identity verification required before funding or payout. AML (Anti-Money Laundering), by contrast: Regulations preventing the use of trading for money laundering.
What should traders watch out for with KYC (Know Your Customer)?
Regulatory status changes quickly. A firm operating legally today may face restrictions next quarter — check Trustpilot trends and recent regulatory announcements before committing.

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