Shufti Launches Human-Assisted Video KYC to Strengthen Regulatory-Ready Digital Onboarding Across Germany, Austria, and Europe

Shufti, a global provider of identity verification and compliance technology, has announced the launch of its Human-Assisted Video KYC solution, designed to support regulated businesses seeking high-assurance remote onboarding aligned with evolving European anti-money laundering (AML) and supervisory standards.

The introduction of the solution comes at a time of heightened regulatory scrutiny across Europe regarding the reliability and integrity of remote customer identification processes. Supervisory authorities in jurisdictions such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have issued detailed frameworks governing video-based identity verification, emphasizing real-time interaction, trained personnel, secure technical environments, explicit consent capture, and comprehensive audit documentation.

In Germany, video identification (VideoIdent) procedures are governed by the Geldwäschegesetz (GwG) and supervisory guidance outlined in BaFin Circular 3/2017 (GW). These requirements mandate live video sessions conducted by qualified agents, strict technical safeguards, and the retention of audiovisual records to ensure auditability and compliance.

Austria permits remote biometric and video identification under its Financial Markets Anti-Money Laundering Act (FM-GwG) and the Financial Market Authority’s Online Identification Regulation (Online-IDV). The regulatory framework requires live verification procedures, strong data protection controls, and clearly defined procedural safeguards to ensure reliability and consumer protection.

In Switzerland, financial intermediaries operate under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), which requires robust customer due diligence and reliable identity verification. FINMA Circular 2016/7 on “Video and Online Identification” recognizes video-based onboarding as equivalent to in-person identification when specific live-interaction and technical standards are met. FINMA is also consulting on updates to align with Switzerland’s forthcoming digital identity (E-ID) framework, expected to further formalize remote onboarding standards.

Against this regulatory backdrop, Shufti’s Human-Assisted Video KYC solution integrates real-time human oversight with structured evidence collection to support compliance readiness. The solution is designed to enable regulated organizations to verify customer identities and documents in real time, capture verifiable consent, and maintain fully traceable, audit-ready records throughout the onboarding lifecycle.

“Automated KYC remains valuable, but it may not be sufficient for higher-risk onboarding or enhanced due diligence scenarios,” said Shahid Hanif, Chief Executive Officer of Shufti. “Across Europe, regulators are placing increasing emphasis on accountability, traceability, and human judgment in remote identification. Our Human-Assisted Video KYC enables regulated businesses to demonstrate enhanced identity assurance, capture verifiable consent, and maintain an evidence-based audit trail, while delivering a seamless remote customer experience.”

The solution offers live, uninterrupted video identification conducted by trained KYC professionals to support high-assurance identity checks. During the session, government-issued identity documents are inspected on camera, with supporting evidence captured for compliance records. The process includes facial comparison and liveness confirmation to verify physical presence and mitigate emerging threats such as deepfakes and replay attacks.

To further strengthen compliance, the solution incorporates recorded customer consent, session logs, and timestamped audit documentation. It can also be integrated into risk-based AML workflows, including sanctions screening, politically exposed person (PEP) checks, watchlist monitoring, and enhanced due diligence procedures.

Shufti states that the system is built on an end-to-end encrypted architecture with controlled data retention policies aligned with GDPR requirements and transparent consent mechanisms. The platform can be configured to address jurisdiction-specific regulatory obligations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and broader EU markets, enabling organizations to tailor workflows to local supervisory expectations.

By combining human judgment with advanced technical safeguards, the Human-Assisted Video KYC solution is intended to address supervisory concerns often associated with fully automated onboarding models, particularly in higher-risk or tightly regulated environments. The approach seeks to balance operational efficiency with regulatory robustness, supporting institutions preparing for supervisory reviews, licensing processes, or ongoing compliance assessments.

The Human-Assisted Video KYC offering is available globally and can be adapted to support jurisdiction-specific requirements, subject to customer implementation choices and independent legal validation. It is now accessible to regulated entities operating in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and across European markets.

Shufti is a global identity verification and compliance technology provider supporting businesses in securely onboarding customers while meeting regulatory obligations. Its in-house solution combines human-assisted and AI-driven verification, document authentication, biometric matching, and AML screening to deliver high-assurance, audit-ready outcomes. The company serves regulated sectors including financial services, payments, cryptocurrency, and insurance, helping organizations manage risk, prevent fraud, and maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions.