My client is a lawyer licensed to practise in a Canadian province or territory and the matter I am acting for them on involves a financial transaction. I am not able to meet them in person. Do I have to verify their identity?
Yes. As with any client matter involving the receipt, payment or transfer of funds, you must verify the client’s identity unless a specific exemption applies. There is no exemption from the rules when the client is a lawyer. If you are not meeting the client in person, you may use the credit file method or the dual process method. Alternatively, you may engage an agent to verify the client’s identity.