Onfido’s proprietary technology verifies that people are who they claim to be simply by comparing an identity document to a selfie, and is helping convert the previously unbanked for a number of leading FinTechs.

Almost 40% of the world’s adult population is excluded from opening a bank account, most often due to having thin credit files, or being new migrants without the requisite documents needed for in-person verification and legally required Anti-Money Laundering checks. Onfido solves this issue using a combination of a highly sophisticated document check alongside a Facial Similarity Check.

Onfido’s Machine Learning-based solution has the benefit of being able to scan and compute identity documents more easily and more accurately than other technology. Typically requiring complex and expensive hardware to complete accurate image capture (like airport scanners), Onfido’s Machine Learning technology can accurately identify documents that have been uploaded using commodity technology like scanners and lower-res smartphone cameras. This means even those within developing countries or where there is poor infrastructure can gain access to financial services, democratising previously exclusive banking services.

The technology is already being successfully deployed by payments platform Pockit, which uses Onfido to securely and remotely verify users’ identities and run background checks against money laundering and terrorist financing watchlists. Once safely onboarded, customers can use the service to begin to build a robust credit record.

Onfido CEO, Husayn Kassai, said: “Using Machine Learning technology to onboard the unbanked or underbanked represents a huge opportunity. With smarter KYC and AML, banks and financial services can qualify up to 25% more “good” customers, increasing their margins whilst helping to resolve the social and economic inequality currently facing the unbanked. We’re delighted to be working with some of the world’s most innovative FinTechs to make this a reality.”