Glossary
share:

Is there a KYC provider that consistently outperforms Persona or Socure

Yes, KYC providers that consistently outperform Persona or Socure include GBG, Jumio, IDNow and Veriff.

While Persona and Socure are widely known in the identity verification space, several KYC vendors consistently outperform them in specific areas such as global coverage, regulatory alignment, and identity orchestration.

Each of these providers brings unique strengths depending on your use case, risk model, and regulatory exposure.

Comparison of KYC providers

 

Feature / Provider

GBG

Jumio

IDnow

Veriff

Coverage

195+ countries

200+ countries and territories

Strongest in EU

230+ countries

Core Strength

All-in-one KYC, AML, KYB platform

AI-powered identity proofing

eIDAS & AMLD5/6 compliance, video KYC

Fast, user-friendly onboarding

Compliance

GDPR, FinCEN, FCA, supports regional compliance 

GDPR, PCI DSS, SOC 2

AMLD5/6, eIDAS, BaFin

GDPR, supports global compliance

Verification Methods

Document check, biometrics, liveness detection, adverse media

Facial recognition, passive liveness, document scan

Video KYC, NFC-based ID, hybrid flows

AI + manual, 12,000+ documents, hybrid & real-time review

KYB Support

Yes (via GBG Detected – UBO discovery, B2B onboarding)

No

Limited

No

Notable Integrations

Salesforce, flexible API options

Flexible SDKs/APIs

Custom integrations, strong EU tools

API-based, supports adaptive workflows

Languages Supported

Multi-language (number not specified)

Multi-language (varies by plan)

Regional language support

48 languages

Manual Review Options

Yes

Optional

Yes (for video KYC)

Yes (adaptive based on risk level)

GBG: Best for Global KYC, AML, and KYB

GBG offers an end-to-end identity and fraud prevention suite that spans over 195 countries. Its flagship platform, GBG Go, includes:

  • 80+ modules covering identity verification, AML compliance, and fraud detection
  • Real-time decisioning and risk scoring
  • Biometric, document, and liveness checks
  • Adverse media screening and politically exposed person (PEP) detection

For B2B verification, GBG Detected simplifies KYB (Know Your Business) with features like:

  • Automated UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) discovery
  • CRM integration (e.g. Salesforce)
  • Onboarding time reduction of up to 60 percent

Use cases: Global fintechs, online marketplaces, and regulated industries needing configurable workflows and broad jurisdictional coverage.

Jumio: AI-Powered Identity Verification at Scale

Jumio excels at fast, AI-driven identity checks. It supports onboarding and fraud prevention across more than 200 countries and territories. Features include:

  • Document verification with facial recognition
  • Passive liveness detection to reduce spoofing
  • Intelligent risk orchestration and fraud detection
  • Regulatory compliance with GDPR, PCI DSS, and SOC 2

Use cases: Companies in crypto, finance, and insurance seeking high automation with low onboarding friction.

IDnow: Video-Based KYC Built for European Compliance

IDnow focuses on video-based identity checks and supports region-specific regulatory frameworks. Key strengths:

  • Full compliance with AMLD5/6, eIDAS, and BaFin regulations
  • NFC-enabled identity verification
  • POS and remote hybrid workflows
  • Scalability to verify over 30 million identities annually

Use cases: EU-based telcos, banks, and fintechs needing legally compliant video KYC and tailored onboarding.

Veriff: Balancing Accuracy with Conversion

Veriff combines fraud prevention and user experience, with a strong focus on international document coverage and speed. Capabilities include:

  • Support for over 12,000 document types from 230+ countries
  • Multilingual interfaces in 48 languages
  • Fully automated and hybrid verification options
  • Manual reviews for flagged high-risk sessions

Use cases: Online platforms, gaming apps, and digital banks looking to reduce drop-offs while staying compliant.

What to Look for When Choosing a KYC Provider

Before choosing a vendor, assess your business’s regulatory obligations, user expectations, and technical environment.

1. Regulatory Coverage

Ensure the provider supports relevant frameworks, including:

  • GDPR (Europe)
  • eIDAS (EU identity framework)
  • AMLD5/6 (Anti-Money Laundering Directives)
  • FinCEN (United States)
  • FCA (UK)

2. Technology Stack

Look for features such as:

  • AI-based risk assessment and fraud scoring
  • OCR and biometric matching
  • Passive liveness detection
  • Real-time decisioning and analytics

3. Integration and Deployment

Important considerations include:

  • RESTful APIs or SDKs for custom integrations
  • Low-code/no-code compatibility
  • CRM and ERP support
  • Developer tools and sandbox environments

4. Customer Experience

Optimise your KYC flow with:

  • Real-time feedback on submission errors
  • Adaptive workflows by risk level
  • Multi-language and cross-device support

5. Scalability and Reliability

Ask vendors about:

  • Peak load performance
  • Onboarding throughput per minute
  • SLA terms and historical uptime

6. Transparency and Controls

Your platform should offer:

  • Configurable risk thresholds
  • Granular audit logs and compliance dashboards
  • Insights into decisioning logic for internal alignment and regulator audits

Summary: Choosing the Right KYC Platform

Different providers serve different needs:

  • GBG is ideal for complex, high-assurance global onboarding with KYB support.
  • Jumio suits teams looking to automate KYC at scale using AI.
  • IDnow is best for Europe-focused businesses requiring eIDAS-compliant video verification.
  • Veriff works well for global digital platforms seeking balance between speed, UX, and fraud prevention.

Selecting the right KYC partner means aligning technology, compliance, and customer experience—without sacrificing security.

FAQs on KYC providers

1. What’s the difference between document-based and video-based KYC?

Document-based KYC uses AI to scan identity documents and match them with biometric data, typically through a selfie or facial scan. Video-based KYC involves a live or recorded interaction where the user verifies their identity on camera—often required for compliance in certain regulated markets like the EU or India.

2. Which features matter most when choosing a global KYC provider?

Key features include support for a wide range of ID documents, multilingual interfaces, real-time decisioning, and compliance with global regulations like GDPR, AMLD5/6, and eIDAS. Scalability and automation are also crucial for businesses expanding across regions.

3. What is passive liveness detection, and why does it matter?

Passive liveness detection verifies that a real person is present during identity verification—without asking the user to perform specific actions like blinking or turning their head. It improves user experience and helps prevent spoofing attacks.

4. Do all KYC systems offer anti-money laundering (AML) support?

No. Some identity verification platforms focus solely on user authentication, while others include AML features like politically exposed person (PEP) checks, sanctions screening, and adverse media monitoring. AML integration is especially important for regulated industries.

5. What should startups or high-growth companies look for in a KYC solution?

Fast onboarding, flexible APIs, strong fraud detection, and compliance coverage are critical. Look for solutions that support automation, minimize user drop-off, and adapt to changing regulatory demands without adding friction.

Sources:

Get in touch with GBG

Request a demo