What Is KAST Business KYB?
KYB stands for Know Your Business.
Every business needs to complete KYB verification to open a KAST Business account.
KAST verifies:
- Business details
- Business documents
- Ownership information
- Identity of required Business persons
The requirements depend on your business type, industry, jurisdiction, and ownership structure.
Getting Started
Who Should Open a KAST Business Account?
The recommended applicant is a director of the business.
If a director cannot apply, an authorized representative can apply on behalf of the company.
Do I Need an Authorization Letter If I Am Not a Director?
Yes. If you are applying as an authorized representative, you should provide an authorization letter signed by a director of the business.
You can download the official KAST Authorization Letter template from the KAST Business KYB Checklist.
Complete the template, have it signed by a director, and upload it with your KAST Business application.
How Long Does KAST Business Verification Take?
Most KAST Business accounts go live within 24 hours of submission.
Complex ownership structures, missing documents, or requests for additional information can extend the verification time.
Business Details
What Business Details Do I Need to Provide?
You should provide:
- Legal business name as registered
- Registration number or local equivalent
- Tax ID, EIN, or local equivalent
- Registered address
- Operating address, if different
- Date of incorporation
- Website or active social profile
- Industry
What If My Operating Address Is Different From My Registered Address?
Provide both addresses.
Enter your official registered address and your separate operating address during KAST Business onboarding.
Do I Need a Business Website?
You should provide a website or active social profile.
An active business profile can include:
- Marketplace listing
Business Documents
What Documents Do I Need for KAST Business KYB?
Three core business documents are required:
- Proof of business address
- Ownership or shareholder evidence
- Incorporation or registration document
All three are required.
Some industries and ownership structures require additional documents.
What Format Should My Business Documents Be In?
Your business documents should:
- Be provided in PDF format
- Be signed and dated where applicable
Photos and editable documents are not accepted.
Upload the required document in PDF format instead.
Proof of Business Address
What Can I Use as Proof of Business Address?
You should provide one of the following:
- Bank statement addressed to the business
- Government letter or tax notice
- Registered agent's service agreement or confirmation letter
The document should:
- Have been issued within the last 6 months
- Show your business name
- Show your business address
- Be uploaded in PDF format
Your business address can be a registered agent or virtual office address.
Can I Use a Registered Agent or Virtual Office Address?
Yes. Your proof of business address can show a registered agent or virtual office address.
You should provide an accepted proof of business address document showing that address.
Can I Use a Business Bank Statement as Proof of Address?
Yes. A bank statement addressed to the business is accepted as proof of business address.
Can I Use a Government Letter or Tax Notice as Proof of Address?
Yes. A government letter or tax notice is accepted as proof of business address.
Can I Use a Registered Agent Agreement as Proof of Address?
Yes. A registered agent's service agreement or confirmation letter is accepted as proof of business address.
Can I Upload a Screenshot, Photo, Handwritten Letter, or Mail Envelope as Proof of Business Address?
No. Screenshots, photos, handwritten letters, and mail envelopes are not accepted.
Instead, upload one of the accepted proof of business address documents in PDF format:
- Business bank statement
- Government letter or tax notice
- Registered agent's service agreement or confirmation letter
Ownership Documents
What Can I Use as Ownership or Shareholder Evidence?
You should provide one official document showing:
- Who owns the business
- The ownership split
Accepted examples include:
- Shareholder registry
- Cap table
- Operating agreement
- Bylaws or articles, if ownership is clearly listed
- Shareholder structure chart
- Articles of Organization or state filing extract for US businesses
- Contrato Social or Estatuto Social for Brazilian businesses
- Trade License or Memorandum of Association for UAE businesses
The document should be uploaded in PDF format.
What If My Company Has Only One Owner?
For a single-owner business, provide an official document confirming sole ownership, where the jurisdiction allows.
The document should clearly identify the owner and be uploaded in PDF format.
What If My Company Has Multiple Owners?
Provide an official ownership document showing:
- Who owns the business
- Each owner's ownership percentage
Every UBO at or above the applicable ownership threshold is required to complete individual identity verification.
Complex Business Structures
What Should I Provide If My Business Has a Complex Ownership Structure?
You should provide a one-page shareholder structure chart that clearly shows the complete ownership chain, including:
- All intermediate shareholding companies
- All Ultimate Beneficial Owners
- Each owner's shareholding percentage
- ID details
- The Controlling Person
- Required ownership declaration
You can add or remove beneficial owner boxes and shareholding company layers to reflect your actual ownership structure.
The chart should be signed by the director and include the director's:
- Name
- Signature
- Date
What Declaration Should Be Included on the Shareholder Structure Chart?
The declaration should confirm that:
- No other individuals or entities directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of the shares, voting rights, or ultimate control over the company's management
- The Controlling Person, such as the MD or CEO, is identified
- Valid photo IDs are provided for all Business persons
Incorporation Documents
What Incorporation Document Should I Provide?
You should provide either:
- Certificate of incorporation, or
- Business registration certificate
The document should be uploaded in PDF format.
Country-specific incorporation documents also apply where required.
Can a Brand-New Company Apply for KAST Business?
Yes. A newly established company can apply as long as the business:
- Is officially registered
- Has a registration number
- Can provide an incorporation document
Additional Documents
Can KAST Ask Me for Additional Business Documents?
Yes. Some industries and ownership structures require additional information.
Additional documents can include:
- Business licenses or permits
- Contracts with key suppliers or customers
- Proof of source of funds
If additional information is required, KAST will tell you what is needed and why.
Ownership and ID Verification
Who Needs to Complete Verification for KAST Business?
KAST Business verification requires two types of Business persons:
- Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
- A Controlling Person
Every UBO at or above the applicable ownership threshold is required to complete verification.
At least one Controlling Person, such as an MD, CEO, or equivalent, is required.
What Is a UBO?
UBO stands for Ultimate Beneficial Owner.
A UBO is an individual who owns the business at or above the applicable ownership threshold.
The ownership threshold is:
- 25% for most industries
- 10% for regulated industries
Every UBO at or above the applicable threshold completes individual identity verification.
What Is a Controlling Person?
A Controlling Person is an individual responsible for managing or directing the business.
This is typically:
- Managing Director (MD)
- CEO
- Equivalent role
At least one Controlling Person is required.
How Many UBOs and Controlling Persons Do I Need?
Every KAST Business verification requires at least:
- 1 UBO
- 1 Controlling Person
All additional UBOs at or above the applicable ownership threshold are also required to complete verification.
Can the UBO and Controlling Person Be the Same Person?
Yes. The same individual can be both the UBO and Controlling Person if they meet the requirements for both roles.
What Information Does KAST Collect From Business Persons?
For each required Business person, KAST collects:
- First name
- Last name
- Business email
- Ownership type
- Government ID
- Selfie or liveness check
- Residential address
KAST Personal Verification
How Do Business Persons Complete Identity Verification?
Required Business persons complete individual identity verification through the KAST Personal app.
Owners who already have a verified KAST Personal account are verified instantly for the KAST Business verification process.
If an owner does not have a KAST Personal account, they should create one and complete their identity verification.
How Do I Add an Owner to My KAST Business Application?
You can add an owner using their:
- KAST Tag
- Phone number
- Email address
Can the Business Applicant See an Owner's Personal KAST Information?
No. KAST only shares the owner's identity verification status with the business applicant.
Other KAST Personal information is not disclosed.
Country-Specific Requirements
Are There Different KYB Requirements for Different Countries?
Yes. Some countries have local regulatory requirements in addition to the standard KAST Business KYB checklist.
What Do I Need for a US Business?
For a business registered in the United States, the country-specific requirements include:
- Tax ID: EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Registration: State formation number
- Incorporation document: Articles of Organization or state filing extract
These requirements are in addition to the standard KAST Business KYB requirements.
What Do I Need for a Brazilian Business?
For a business registered in Brazil, the country-specific requirements include:
- Tax ID: CNPJ
- Incorporation document: Contrato Social or Estatuto Social (Articles of Association)
These requirements are in addition to the standard KAST Business KYB requirements.
What Do I Need for a UAE Business?
For a business registered in the United Arab Emirates, the country-specific requirements include:
- Incorporation document: Trade License
- Ownership evidence: Memorandum of Association (MOA)
These requirements are in addition to the standard KAST Business KYB requirements.
Documents in Other Languages
Can I Submit Business Documents That Are Not in English?
Yes. If your business document is not in English, you should submit:
- The original document
- A certified translation
Submit the certified translation alongside the original document.
Verification Status and Next Steps
What Happens After I Submit My KAST Business Application?
KAST reviews your business documents and verifies the required Business persons through the KAST Personal app.
If additional information or documents are required, KAST will contact you by email.
You will be notified when your KAST Business account is active.
Why Is My KAST Business Verification Taking Longer Than 24 Hours?
Verification can take longer if:
- Documents are missing
- The ownership structure is complex
- Additional information or documents are required
If KAST requires additional information, you will be contacted.
What Should I Do If KAST Requests Another Document?
Provide the specific document or information requested.
The request will explain what is needed and why.
Make sure the document is complete, readable, and provided in the requested format.
Security and Privacy
Is My Business Information Safe With KAST?
Yes. KAST only collects the information needed to verify your business.
Your information is handled securely under KAST's privacy and compliance standards.
What Personal Information Is Shared With the Business Applicant?
Only the identity verification status of the Business person is shared with the applicant.
Other KAST Personal information is not disclosed.
Quick KYB Checklist
What Should I Prepare Before Starting KAST Business KYB?
Before starting, you should prepare:
Business Details
- Legal business name
- Registration number
- Tax ID or EIN
- Registered address
- Operating address, if different
- Date of incorporation
- Website or active social profile
- Industry
Business Documents
- Proof of business address issued within the last 6 months
- Ownership or shareholder evidence
- Certificate of incorporation or business registration certificate
Business documents should be provided in PDF format and signed and dated where applicable.
Ownership Information
- Information for every UBO at or above the applicable ownership threshold
- Controlling Person information
- Shareholder structure chart for complex ownership structures
Business Person Verification
Each required Business person should be ready to complete verification through the KAST Personal app using:
- Government ID
- Selfie or liveness check
- Residential address
If an owner does not have a KAST Personal account, they should create one before completing verification.
If you are applying as an authorized representative instead of a director, you should also prepare an authorization letter signed by a director.
You can download the official KAST Authorization Letter template from the KAST Business KYB Checklist.
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