In SRA Update 148 (March 2026), the Solicitors Regulation Authority highlighted important developments in the use of digital identity (Digital ID) verification for anti‑money laundering (AML) checks, following the publication of new UK government guidance on this topic. Read the full SRA Update here.
New Government Guidance on Digital ID
The SRA’s update draws attention to new official government guidance on the use of digital identity verification. This guidance is intended to:
- Build trust in reliable digital verification services
- Support organisations in streamlining due diligence collection
- Provide clarity on compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations when using digital ID solutions
Crucially, the guidance is confirmed as official government guidance for the purposes of AML compliance, giving firms confidence when relying on it as part of their AML frameworks.
The Role of the Digital Verification Services Register
A key element of the new guidance is the introduction of the Digital Verification Services (DVS) Register.
According to the SRA:
- Firms can check the reliability of digital ID providers by verifying whether they are listed on the DVS Register
- Registration helps firms assess whether a provider is operating in line with the UK’s digital identity trust framework
This provides a practical mechanism for regulated firms to evaluate digital ID services before incorporating them into onboarding or due diligence processes.
What the Guidance Covers
The SRA explains that the government guidance is designed to help organisations regulated under the Money Laundering Regulations understand:
- What a digital identity is and how it can be used
- What the digital identity trust framework is, and what it means for services to be certified against it
- How certified and registered digital verification services can support due diligence
- What responsibilities remain with regulated firms, even when digital ID services are used
The emphasis on retained responsibility is particularly important: using a digital provider does not remove a firm’s regulatory accountability for AML compliance.
Digital ID and Existing Firm Practices
The SRA notes that some firms already use digital onboarding journeys for clients. Against this backdrop, firms are encouraged to:
- Consider whether digital ID services would be beneficial for their firm and clients
- Take into account regulation 19(4)(c) of the Money Laundering Regulations when adopting new technologies and ways of working
This reinforces the principle that technology adoption must be accompanied by appropriate risk assessment and control measures.
What This Means for Regulated Firms
SRA Update 148 underlines a clear message: digital ID can support AML compliance, but only when used thoughtfully and within the regulatory framework.
Key takeaways for firms include:
- Digital ID is permitted and supported by official guidance
- Firms should assess digital providers via the DVS Register
- Responsibility for AML compliance always remains with the firm
- Adoption of digital ID should align with existing risk‑based AML obligations