5 Best Client Verification Tools Every Law Firm Should Know [2025]

Verifying a client’s identity isn’t just good practice anymore, it’s a legal obligation. Whether you’re onboarding a new client or conducting due diligence, law firms are expected to follow strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. But without the right systems in place, this process can quickly become time-consuming, inconsistent, and risky.

That’s where dedicated client verification tools for law firms come in. These platforms are built to handle identity checks, documentation reviews, and regulatory screening, so your team spends less time chasing paperwork and more time practicing law.

In this guide, we’ve shortlisted seven trusted solutions that help legal teams stay compliant, improve onboarding speed, and reduce manual errors.

We will guide you through:

What to Look for in a Client Verification Tool for Legal Use

For law firms, verifying a client’s identity isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about protecting the integrity of your practice, meeting your regulatory obligations, and minimising legal exposure especially in sensitive areas like real estate, immigration, and criminal defence.

Unlike other industries, legal work often involves high-value transactions, confidential data, and cases that fall under tight KYC and AML scrutiny. That means the client verification tools for law firms you choose must offer more than just document scanning.

Here’s what truly matters when evaluating platforms in 2025:

1. Comprehensive Identity Verification

Your chosen platform should support multi-factor identity checks. That includes validating government-issued documents like passports and driver’s licences, facial recognition comparisons (selfie to ID), and proof of address verification through trusted data sources like credit bureaus or utility records.

This level of digital identity verification for lawyers reduces the risk of impersonation, especially in cases involving remote clients or power of attorney.

2. Integrated KYC and AML Screening

Every legal practice — whether a solo conveyancer or a multi-office firm, must adhere to the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The best KYC solutions for legal practices automate background screening against PEPs, sanctions lists, and adverse media.

Look for tools that update their databases in real time and allow ongoing monitoring. This is critical if your firm is onboarding clients in high-risk sectors or jurisdictions.

3. Audit-Ready Documentation and Reporting

Good recordkeeping is your legal defence if questions ever arise during an audit. Choose AML compliance tools for law firms that automatically log each check, include time-stamps, and let you export compliance reports in one click.

Being able to clearly show who was verified, when, and how is essential — especially if you’re regulated by the SRA or dealing with HM Land Registry requisitions.

4. Data Privacy and Access Controls

Client identity data is highly sensitive, and in the legal field, data breaches carry more than just reputational risk. Look for tools with ISO 27001 certification, GDPR compliance, and access permissions based on user roles.

You should be able to control who within your team can view, approve, or export verification data.

5. Customisable Workflows for Legal Client Onboarding

Every firm has a slightly different process. The most effective legal client onboarding software allows you to tailor workflows depending on the matter type — e.g. whether you’re onboarding a company director, a litigant, or a property buyer.

Conditional logic, branding options, and automated client reminders can save hours in admin and help reduce onboarding delays.

1. Finexer

Finexer is a UK-based Open Banking provider offering an all-in-one platform for verifying client identity and understanding financial position — two essential steps in any legal onboarding process. Whether you’re handling conveyancing, dispute resolution, or high-value transactions, Finexer gives you the clarity and confidence you need before accepting or advising on funds.

Unlike tools that only check documents or only show transactions, Finexer combines both: biometric identity checks with real-time bank data, all within one secure, FCA-authorised flow.

Best For

• Law firms needing to verify identity and source of funds in one place
• Teams handling AML-sensitive matters like property, litigation, or immigration
• Legal professionals seeking audit-ready reports without back-and-forth emails

Features That Matter to Law Firms

✅ KYC (Identity Verification)

• Clients upload ID documents (e.g. passport, licence) and take a live selfie
• Finexer matches the face with the ID and checks the name against their bank account
• The platform generates a similarity score and a downloadable KYC report

✅ Source of Funds Verification

• Clients connect their bank accounts via Open Banking — no passwords shared
• Finexer aggregates balances, income, large transactions, and categorises spend types (e.g. salary, gambling, gifts)
• The law firm receives a clear, timestamped report showing financial activity, income & spent, and affordability summaries

✅ Built for Legal Workflows

• Branded, white-label experience with no app needed
• Exportable reports for internal audits, SRA compliance, or case files
• Real-time updates, consent management, and webhook support for practice automation

Why Legal Firms Use It

With Finexer, legal teams don’t need to chase PDFs, interpret spreadsheets, or rely on clients to send “one more document.” You send a secure link, the client completes the process remotely and you get everything needed to make an informed decision.

It saves hours on admin, strengthens your compliance process, and gives you verified data you can act on, fast.

Success Story: Finexer Open Banking Integration for Verification

VirtualSignature-ID (VSID) is a UK-accredited digital identity and eSignature platform trusted by law firms working in conveyancing, claims, and commercial legal services. It helps streamline client onboarding by combining electronic signatures, identity verification, and AML checks, all within a single, secure flow. For firms dealing with high-value transactions, VSID reduces delays and manual admin while maintaining full compliance with regulatory standards.

To support this, VSID integrated Finexer’s Open Banking API to enable real-time identity and source of funds verification. Through Finexer, VSID can validate a client’s identity against their bank records, analyse cash flow to assess affordability, and confirm proof of funds — all essential steps in high-value property transactions and AML compliance. Finexer also facilitates payment initiation to designated client accounts, making it easier for legal teams to complete secure financial operations within the same journey.

“Finexer is easy to work with and flexible in their approach, providing the bespoke services we required alongside a viable commercial package. Finexer has proven to be more than a provider, they’re a trusted partner who understands our vision and helps us achieve it.”
— David Kern, CEO, VirtualSignature-ID

📚 Learn about Open Banking Pricing

2. Thirdfort

Thirdfort is one of the most widely used client verification tools for law firms in the UK, particularly in property, private client, and dispute resolution work. Designed with legal workflows in mind, Thirdfort helps firms meet AML, KYC, and source of funds requirements without slowing down onboarding.

It’s SRA-compliant, mobile-first, and integrates with many legal case management systems, making it a practical choice for teams looking to digitise verification without adding complexity.

Best For

• Law firms handling conveyancing, wills, trusts, and litigation matters
• Legal practices that need biometric ID checks, address verification, and PEPs/sanctions screening
• Firms seeking fast, mobile-friendly onboarding that clients can complete independently

Key Features

• Biometric ID verification via document scan + live selfie
• Source of funds checks via Open Banking and scanned statements
• PEPs, sanctions, and adverse media screening
• Address verification and document upload
• White-label client journeys with legal branding
• Integrations with platforms like LEAP, Clio, and Actionstep

Pros

• Trusted by hundreds of UK law firms (SRA-compliant)
• All-in-one verification (ID + AML + source of funds)
• Easy for clients to complete on their phone
• Reduces manual checks and admin time

Cons

• Limited dashboard flexibility for advanced reviewers
• Not ideal for firms requiring ongoing monitoring or live transaction feeds

Pricing

Thirdfort offers pricing based on verification volume or firm-wide access. Plans typically starts at Starting at £167/month include bundled ID checks, AML screening, and source of funds tools.

Why It Made the List

Thirdfort stands out as one of the few identity verification software platforms for law firms built from the ground up for legal use. Its ease of use, legal compliance, and source of funds capability make it a smart fit for firms who need to stay audit-ready without relying on legacy processes.

3. Verify 365

Verify 365 is a UK-based client onboarding and AML compliance platform tailored specifically for law firms. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline client verification processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Best For

• Law firms seeking an all-in-one solution for AML and KYC compliance.
• Practices requiring seamless integration with case management systems.
• Firms aiming to enhance client onboarding efficiency.

Key Features

• Biometric ID Verification: Utilises NFC technology for swift and secure identity checks.
• PEPs and Sanctions Screening: Ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Source of Funds Analysis: Access to clients’ bank statements through Open Banking, complemented by AI-driven analytics.
• eSignatures and ePayments: Facilitates digital document signing and payments within the platform.
• Integration Capabilities: Compatible with systems like Clio and Actionstep, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Pros

• Designed with legal professionals in mind, ensuring relevance and compliance.
• Offers a unified platform for various verification needs.
• Provides customisable workflows to suit different firm requirements.

Cons

• May be more feature-rich than necessary for very small firms.
• Some users might require training to utilise all features effectively.

Pricing

Verify 365 offers tiered pricing plans to accommodate firms of different sizes:

• Express: For firms conducting fewer than 10 checks per month.
• Premium: Suitable for firms performing 10–100 checks monthly.
• Enterprise: Designed for firms with over 100 checks per month.

Each plan includes features like full client onboarding journeys, UK-based support, and unlimited users. Additional benefits, such as platform training and dedicated account management, are available in higher-tier plans. For detailed pricing information, interested firms are encouraged to contact Verify 365 directly.

Why It Made the List

Verify 365 stands out as a comprehensive solution for law firms aiming to enhance their client verification processes. Its robust features, tailored specifically for the legal sector, make it a valuable tool for firms striving for efficiency and compliance.

4. Callsign

Callsign is a UK-based digital identity and authentication platform renowned for its advanced fraud prevention capabilities. Leveraging AI-driven behavioral biometrics and multi-factor authentication, Callsign ensures that clients are accurately identified, enhancing security without compromising user experience.

Best For

• Law firms requiring robust identity verification and fraud prevention mechanisms.
• Legal practices aiming to enhance their AML compliance frameworks.
• Organisations seeking seamless client onboarding with minimal friction.

Key Features

• Behavioral Biometrics: Utilises AI to analyse user behavior, ensuring accurate identity verification.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Offers a range of authentication methods, including biometric and device-based options.
• AML Sanctions Management: Efficiently manages sanction checks, ensuring compliance without disrupting the client experience.
• Orchestration Layer: Seamlessly integrates various identity and verification checks, streamlining the onboarding process.

Pros

• Enhanced Security: Advanced AI-driven tools provide robust protection against fraudulent activities.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed to offer a seamless experience for both clients and legal professionals.
• Comprehensive Compliance: Assists law firms in meeting stringent AML and KYC requirements.

Cons

• Complexity: The advanced features may require a learning curve for some users.
• Cost: Premium features might come at a higher price point compared to basic verification tools.

Pricing

Specific pricing details for Callsign are not publicly disclosed. Interested law firms are encouraged to contact Callsign directly to obtain a tailored quote based on their specific needs and requirements.

Why It Made the List

Callsign stands out as a top-tier solution for law firms aiming to bolster their identity verification processes and AML compliance. Its innovative use of behavioral biometrics and seamless integration capabilities make it a valuable asset for legal practices navigating the complexities of client verification and regulatory adherence.

5. SmartSearch

SmartSearch is a UK-based client verification tool designed to streamline Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes for legal practices. Trusted by numerous law firms, SmartSearch offers a comprehensive platform that combines individual and business verification, ensuring firms meet regulatory requirements efficiently.

Best For

• Law firms seeking a unified solution for AML and KYC compliance.
• Legal practices requiring swift and reliable client onboarding processes.
• Organisations aiming to reduce manual checks and enhance compliance accuracy.

Key Features

• TripleCheck Technology: Integrates identity verification, facial recognition, and digital fraud checks into a single solution.
• PEP and Sanctions Screening: Automatically screens clients against global Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) and sanctions lists.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitors client data to detect any changes in risk status.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the verification process, reducing the need for extensive training.

Pros

• Comprehensive Compliance: Covers all aspects of AML and KYC requirements.
• Efficiency: Reduces the time and resources needed for client verification.
• Scalability: Suitable for firms of various sizes, from small practices to large enterprises.

Cons

• Customisation Limitations: May offer fewer customisation options compared to some competitors.
• Integration: Limited integration capabilities with certain third-party systems.

Pricing

SmartSearch offers tailored pricing based on the specific needs and size of the law firm. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, firms are required to get a personalised quote from smartsearch.

Why It Made the List

SmartSearch stands out as a robust KYC solution for legal practices, combining essential verification features into a single, user-friendly platform. Its focus on compliance, efficiency, and continuous monitoring makes it an invaluable tool for law firms aiming to uphold the highest standards in client verification.

Which Client Verification Tool Is Right for Your Law Firm?

Choosing the right client verification tool depends on your casework, compliance needs, and how much time (and admin) you want to save.

• If you’re handling property, litigation, or high-risk clients, platforms like Finexer, Thirdfort and Verify 365 offer a strong source of funds and AML screening with legal workflows in mind.
• If security and fraud prevention are top priorities, especially in remote onboarding scenarios, Callsign brings advanced behavioural biometrics into the legal space.
• For firms looking to combine KYC checks with real-time bank data in one platform, Finexer stands out, especially for smaller teams or those watching costs. It’s not only fully compliant and FCA-authorised, but also one of the most affordable options on the market with usage-based pricing and no extra charge during setup.
• For teams wanting ongoing risk monitoring and full audit trails, SmartSearch brings enterprise-level compliance features with minimal complexity.

No matter the size of your practice, each of these tools helps law firms reduce verification delays, meet KYC and AML obligations, and protect sensitive legal workflows from risk and inconsistency.