Applying for a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) with SAPI requires key documents for a smooth process. This guide outlines the required paperwork, KYC/KYB verification steps, and fraud prevention measures. Preparing these in advance helps streamline your application and ensures compliance.
Minimum Documentation Requirements
To assess your application efficiently, we require specific business and personal information. These documents help us verify your identity, assess your business’s financial health, and comply with regulatory requirements.
1. Business Information
Legal Business Name and Company Registration Number (CRN)
Registered Office Address and Principal Office Address (if different)
Legal Entity Type (e.g., Limited Company, LLPs)
Business Registration Date
Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (for private or unlisted companies)
Ownership and Organisational Structure (including shareholders, directors, and persons with significant control)
2. Applicant Identification
Full Name, Date of Birth, and Citizenship
Position within the Company
Valid Government-Issued ID (passport, biometric ID, or residence card)
Proof of Address (utility bill, bank statement, mortgage statement – dated within the last 3 months)
Phone Number and Email Address
3. Financial and Banking Information
Latest 12-month Business Bank Statements (via Open Banking or PDF)
Statements of Any Outstanding Loans
Direct Debit Mandate Details, including:
Account Holder’s Full Name
Bank Account Number & Sort Code
Name & Address of Bank
Preferred Contact Number
Electronic Signature
4. Proof of Residency (if required)
If electronic verification (EID) is unsuccessful, we may request alternative proof, such as:
UK/EU Driving Licence (full or provisional)
HMRC Tax Notification Letter
Recent Council Tax Bill
Mortgage Statement
Utility Bill (Gas, Electric, Water, or Landline Phone – not mobile or broadband)
KYC and KYB Compliance Standards
At SAPI, we follow strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) protocols to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This process helps us verify the identity of applicants and assess financial risks.
Electronic Identification (EID): We verify your identity using credit searches, voters’ roll checks, and government records.
Business Verification: We confirm company registration, ownership structure, and financial status.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Identification: We ensure transparency by identifying all individuals with significant control in the business.
Failure to provide accurate or complete information may delay your application.
Fraud Prevention Measures
To protect businesses and maintain the integrity of our funding process, SAPI employs advanced fraud detection measures:
Identity Fraud Checks: We cross-check applicant details against multiple data sources to detect inconsistencies.
Revenue & Financial Fraud Prevention: Business bank statements and transaction histories are reviewed for anomalies.
Manual Case Reviews: High-risk applications undergo additional scrutiny, and fraudulent cases are rejected.
Partner Compliance Monitoring: Frequent fraudulent applications from a specific partner may result in a review or termination of their agreement with SAPI.
Final Checks & Certification
In most cases, documents do not require certification. However, in certain jurisdictions or special circumstances, notarised or certified copies may be required. Certified documents must include:
Confirmation that the document is a true copy of the original
Date of certification and certifier’s details
The certifier’s confirmation that the photograph matches the applicant (if applicable)
Customer Due Diligence documents can be certified by individuals who work for the following type of entities:
Entity Type | Verifiable By | Comments |
FCA-regulated company, e.g., a Broker | FCA Register | Dependent upon the size of the firm, the individual may not be named on the register. Comfort may be taken that they are regulated. |
Regulated Solicitor | Law Society/SRA | The solicitor must be named on the Law Society register and hold a current practising certificate. |
Accountant | ICAEW, ACCA (or an alternative as detailed in the lending policy/standards) | The accountant must be subject to AML regulations and be verifiable on the relevant regulatory bodies' websites. The accountant must be registered with the relevant body. |
Get Started with Your Application
Prepare the required documents and submit them correctly to ensure a seamless application process. Take the first step toward securing the funding you need to fuel your growth!