What is the main objective of the "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulation?

The main objective of the "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulation is to verify client identities and prevent financial crimes. KYC is a critical component of anti-money laundering policies and is designed to ensure that financial institutions have sufficient information about their clients to assess the risks associated with them. This process helps combat illegal activities such as money laundering, fraud, and financing of terrorism by ensuring that institutions can accurately monitor and report suspicious transactions.

KYC procedures typically require customers to provide identification and documentation that establishes who they are, where they live, and their financial history. This diligence not only protects the institution from being used for illicit activities but also promotes a safer and more transparent financial system.

In contrast, while customer satisfaction, assessing financial needs, and streamlining the investment process are important aspects of customer relationship management and business operations, they do not align with the foundational intent of the KYC regulation, which is fundamentally about identity verification and risk prevention.