Foreign-listed companies and their wholly owned subsidiaries
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FICA) requires all banks to verify client information, including trading information and operating addresses.

Information to be obtained
The following information must be obtained:

• the registered name (in country of incorporation);
• the registration number (in country of incorporation);
• the registered head office address (in country of incorporation);
• trading name (in country of incorporation)
• trading address (in country of incorporation);
• trading name in South Africa;
• address of the company office seeking the business relationship; and
• contact particulars;

Individuals associated with foreign companies
The following persons associated with a foreign company have to be identified:

• each individual who purports to be authorised to establish the relationship;
• each individual authorised to transact on behalf of the company.

The following information is required relating to the abovementioned individuals:

• surname;
• full name(s);
• date of birth;
• residential address;
• contact particulars;
• identity number (SA citizens/residents); or
• passport number and nationality (non-SA residents).

An original or certified copy of the following documents is required:

• a green bar-coded identity document (SA citizens/residents); or should it be lost or stolen, a sworn affidavit or police statement, accompanied by proof of reapplication for an ID from Home Affairs, and:
  • a valid passport, or
  • a valid card-type driver's licence. OR
• a valid passport (non-SA residents).

The following proof of authority is required for an individual purporting to act on behalf of the company:

• an original resolution; or
• a certified extract of the minutes proving authority; or
• an original letter signed by the company secretary on the official company letterhead.

Verification of identification details - foreign-listed companies
American Express Foreign Exchange must obtain confirmation that the company is listed on a FICA-approved stock exchange.

The registered name, registration number and registered head office address of the company must be verified by looking at one of the following:

• a copy of the approved stock exchange handbook; or
• the approved stock exchange website.

Where the listing cannot be proved the company is to be treated as a non-listed company and the terms and conditions stated in this manual are to apply. Refer to Non-listed foreign companies.

Verification of wholly owned subsidiaries of listed foreign companies
In addition to the proof of the parent company's listing, proof is required that the company American Express Foreign Exchange is dealing with is indeed a wholly owned subsidiary of the listed company. This is achieved through verification against one of the following:

• the annual financial statements of the company; or
• the official website of the approved stock exchange; or

where the required information cannot be obtained from the above sources, the information must be verified by:

• obtaining an official document, or certified copy thereof, issued by an authority for recording the incorporation in the foreign country, witnessing its incorporation and bearing its name and number of incorporation and its address where it is situated for the purposes of its incorporation.

Non-listed companies - foreign
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FICA) requires all banks to verify client information, including trading information and operating addresses.

Information to be obtained
American Express Foreign Exchange must obtain the following information from a foreign company not listed on a FICA-approved stock exchange:

• name under which incorporated;
• number under which incorporated;
• registered address where it is situated for purposes of incorporation;
• name under which it conducts business in the country of incorporation;
• name under which it conducts business in South Africa;
• address from which it operates in the country of incorporation. If multiple addresses, the address of its head office;
• address from which it operates in South Africa. If it operates from multiple addresses, the address of the office seeking to establish the relationship;
• nature of business activity; and
• contact particulars.

Individuals associated with non-listed foreign companies
The following persons associated with a foreign company have to be identified:

• the manager in respect of its affairs in South Africa;
• each individual who purports to be authorised to establish the relationship with American Express Foreign Exchange;
• each individual authorised to transact on behalf of the company;
• each individual holding 25% or more of the voting rights in the company.

The following particulars are required relating to the abovementioned individuals:

• surname;
• full name(s);
• date of birth;
• residential address;
• contact particulars;
• identity number (SA citizens/residents); or
• passport number and nationality (non-SA residents).

An original or certified copy of the following documents is required:

• a green bar-coded identity document (SA citizens/residents); or should it be lost or stolen, a sworn affidavit or police statement, accompanied by proof of reapplication for an ID from Home Affairs, and:
  • a valid passport, or
  • a valid card-type driver's licence. OR
• a valid passport (non-SA residents).

The following proof of authority is required for an individual purporting to act on behalf of the company:

• an original resolution; or
• a certified extract of the minutes proving authority; or
• an original letter signed by the company secretary on the official company letterhead.

Verification of registered information - foreign company
Verifying registration name and address

Verification of business name and address - country of incorporation - foreign company
Business name and address of country of incorporation

Verification of legal entities holding 25% or more shares in a non-listed foreign company
SA company
Registered name and address
Trade name and business address

Close corporations
Registered name and address

Foreign company
Registered name and address where the foreign company is incorporated.
Trade name and business address for both the foreign and South African operations.

Close corporations
Registered name and address

Other legal entities
The name, address and legal form must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the constitution or other founding documents.

Partnership
The name and address of the associated partnership must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the partnership agreement.

Trust
The name, registration number and address must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the trust deed or other founding documents.

Inter vivos trusts (excludes testamentary trusts)
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FICA) requires all banks to verify client information, including trading information and operating addresses.

Information to be obtained
American Express Foreign Exchange must obtain the following:

• the identifying name and number of the trust;
• the address of the Master of the High Court where the trust is registered - (for SA trusts); and
• the nature of trust activity.

Individuals associated with the trust
Information is to be obtained for each of the following identified, associated individuals:

• each trustee of the trust;
• each individual who purports to be authorised to establish a relationship with American Express Foreign Exchange;
• each individual authorised to transact on behalf of the trust;
• each beneficiary; and
• the founder(s) of the trust.

The following particulars are required:

• full names;
• date of birth;
• identity number (SA citizens/residents); or
• passport number and nationality (non-SA residents);
• residential address;
• contact particulars.

An original or certified copy of the following documents is required:

• a green bar-coded identity document (SA citizens/residents); or should it be lost or stolen, a sworn affidavit or police statement, accompanied by proof of reapplication for an ID from Home Affairs, and:
  • a valid passport, or
  • a valid card-type driver's licence. OR
• a valid passport (non-SA residents).

The following proof of authority is required for an individual purporting to act on behalf of the trust:

• a resolution to establish the relationship or an extract of the minutes of that meeting; or
• an original letter of authority signed by the trustees stating the decision was taken to establish a business relationship with American Express Foreign Exchange; and
• if not a trustee: the capacity and authority of the person authorised to establish the relationship must be obtained.

Note: If the trust founder is deceased or deregistered, a copy of the death certificate or the certificate of de-registration must to be obtained.

Verification of information concerning trusts
American Express Foreign Exchange must verify the name and number of the trust by inspecting the original trust deed or other founding documents or certified copies thereof in terms of which the trust is created and:

• for a trust created in South Africa, the authorisation given by the Master of the High Court in terms of section 7 of the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1998 to each trustee of the trust to act in that capacity; or
• for a trust created outside South Africa, an official document which reflects these particulars, issued by an authority in the country where the trust is created which administers or oversees laws relating to trusts in that country.

American Express Foreign Exchange must verify the details of the address of the Master of the High Court where the trust is registered by comparing the address provided with the authorisation given by the Master of the High Court in terms of section 7 of the Trust Property Control Act, Act 57 of 1998, to each trustee of the trust to act in that capacity.

Verification of legal entities associated with the trust
SA company
Registered name and address
Trade name and business address

Close corporations
Registered name and address

Foreign company
Registered name and address where the foreign company is incorporated.
Trade name and business address for both the foreign and South African operations.

Close corporations
Registered name and address

Other legal entities
The name, address and legal form must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the constitution or other founding documents.

Partnership
The name and address of the associated partnership must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the partnership agreement.

Trust
The name, registration number and address must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the trust deed or other founding documents.

• the identifying name and number of the trust;
• the address of the Master of the High Court where the trust is registered - (for SA trusts); and
• the nature of trust activity.

Individuals associated with the trust
Information is to be obtained for each of the following identified, associated individuals:

• each trustee of the trust;
• each individual who purports to be authorised to establish a relationship with American Express Foreign Exchange;
• each individual authorised to transact on behalf of the trust;
• each beneficiary; and
• the founder(s) of the trust.

The following particulars are required:

• full names;
• date of birth;
• identity number (SA citizens/residents); or
• passport number and nationality (non-SA residents);
• residential address;
• contact particulars.

An original or certified copy of the following documents is required:

• a green bar-coded identity document (SA citizens/residents); or should it be lost or stolen, a sworn affidavit or police statement, accompanied by proof of reapplication for an ID from Home Affairs, and:
  • a valid passport, or
  • a valid card-type driver's licence. OR
• a valid passport (non-SA residents).

The following proof of authority is required for an individual purporting to act on behalf of the trust:

• a resolution to establish the relationship or an extract of the minutes of that meeting; or
• an original letter of authority signed by the trustees stating the decision was taken to establish a business relationship with American Express Foreign Exchange; and
• if not a trustee: the capacity and authority of the person authorised to establish the relationship must be obtained.

Note: If the trust founder is deceased or deregistered, a copy of the death certificate or the certificate of de-registration must to be obtained.

Verification of information concerning trusts
American Express Foreign Exchange must verify the name and number of the trust by inspecting the original trust deed or other founding documents or certified copies thereof in terms of which the trust is created and:

• for a trust created in South Africa, the authorisation given by the Master of the High Court in terms of section 7 of the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1998 to each trustee of the trust to act in that capacity; or
• for a trust created outside South Africa, an official document which reflects these particulars, issued by an authority in the country where the trust is created which administers or oversees laws relating to trusts in that country.

American Express Foreign Exchange must verify the details of the address of the Master of the High Court where the trust is registered by comparing the address provided with the authorisation given by the Master of the High Court in terms of section 7 of the Trust Property Control Act, Act 57 of 1998, to each trustee of the trust to act in that capacity.

Verification of legal entities associated with the trust
SA company
Registered name and address
Trade name and business address

Close corporations
Registered name and address

Foreign company
Registered name and address where the foreign company is incorporated.
Trade name and business address for both the foreign and South African operations.

Close corporations
Registered name and address

Other legal entities
The name, address and legal form must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the constitution or other founding documents.

Partnership
The name and address of the associated partnership must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the partnership agreement.

Trust
The name, registration number and address must be verified by submitting the original or certified copy of the trust deed or other founding documents.

FICA-required documentation to verify physical address
For us to verify your residential address you have to provide us with an approved document containing your name and physical address (PO Box numbers will not suffice), or stand number and suburb (for South African addresses). A list of approved documents is furnished below:

• a utility bill (less than three months old); or
• a bank statement (less than three months old), from an institution other than American Express Foreign Exchange; or
• a lease or rental agreement (less than twelve months old); or
• a municipal rates and taxes invoice (less than three months old); or
• a mortgage statement (less than six months old), from an institution other than American Express Foreign Exchange; or
• a Telkom or any other fixed-line provider account (less than three months old); or
• a SARS tax return/or any other official document issued by SARS on their letterhead (less than twelve months old); or
• an IRP5 certificate (less than 12 months old) as supplied by your employer; or
• correspondence from a body corporate or share block association (less than twelve months old); or
• a valid television licence; or
• motor vehicle licence documentation (less than twelve months old); or
• a payslip or salary advice (less than three months old); or
• an insurance policy document (less than twelve months old); or
• the Home Affairs notification of registered residential address, which accompanies the green bar-coded identity document; or
• tenant's documentation:
  • a declaration from the property owner/landlord; or
  • a permit to occupy the premises; or
  • a site rental certificate; or
  • a letter from the employer where the client is housed in/on employer premises.

Any two of the following documents (one of which should be less than three months old), addressed to the client at the client's physical address:

• a national, provincial or local government document; and/or
• any court order; and/or
• retail credit accounts (including cellular accounts); and/or
• UIF or pension payments; and/or
• any other official third party document from a credible source, e.g.
  • doctor's accounts;
  • medical aid statements;
  • university documentation; etc.

Verifying trade name and business address
The trade name and business address of the company must be verified by obtaining the original / certified copy / identifiable copy of one of the following documents that reflect the trade name and the address from which the company operates:

• a utility bill (less than three months old); or
• a bank statement from a non-Nedcor institution (less than three months old); or
• a lease or rental agreement (less than twelve months old); or
• a municipal rates and taxes invoice (less than three months old); or
• a Telkom or any other fixed-line provider account (less than three months old); or
• an official SARS document bearing the SARS letterhead (less than twelve months old).

Verifying registered name and address - South African company
The registered name, registered address and registration number of a South African company:

• the full CIPRO record reflecting the details required;

OR

• the original or certified copy of the most recent Certificate of Incorporation (Form CM1) or (Form CM9) where a company's name has changed, and therefore differs from the CM1;

AND

• the Notice of Registered Office and Postal Address (Form CM22).

These documents must bear the stamp of the Registrar of Companies and must carry the signature of the company secretary of that company.

Verifying registration name and address - close corporation
The registered name, registration number and registered address of a close corporation:

• the full CIPRO record reflecting the details required;

OR

• the original or certified copy of the most recent Founding Statement and Certificate of Incorporation (Form CK1);

OR

• the amended Founding Statement (Form CK2); and
• the amended Founding Statement in respect of Accounting Officer and Addresses (Form CK2A).

These documents must bear the stamp of the Registrar of Close Corporations and the original signatory of an authorised member or employee of the close corporation.

Verifying registration name and address - foreign company
American Express Foreign Exchange must verify the details of the name and number of incorporation, as well as the address where the company is situated for purposes of incorporation by inspecting an official document or certified copy thereof, issued by an authority for recording the incorporation in the foreign country, witnessing its incorporation and bearing its name and number of incorporation and its address where it is situated for the purposes of its incorporation.

Verification of business name and address - country of incorporation - foreign company
The business name and business address of the company must be verified by obtaining the original / certified copy / identifiable copy of one of the following documents that reflect the trade name and the address from which the company operates:

• a utility bill (less than three months old); or
• a bank statement (less than three months old); or
• a lease or rental agreement (less than twelve months old); or
• a rates and taxes invoice (less than three months old); or
• a telecom account (less than three months old).
• a bank report from the company's bankers

The following stock exchanges are approved by FICA:

• American Stock Exchange
• Amsterdam Exchanges NV
• Athens Stock Exchange
• Australian Stock Exchange Ltd
• Barcelona Stock Exchange
• Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires
• Bolsa de Madrid
• Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago
• Bolsa de Valores de Bilbao
• Bolsa de Valores de Lima
• Bolsa de Valores de Lisboa
• Bolsa de Valores do Rio de Janeiro
• Bolsa de Valores do Sao Paulo
• Bolsa Mexicana de Valores
• Bourse de Montréal
• Brussels Exchanges Ltd
• Canadian Venture Exchange
• Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc
• Colombo Stock Exchange
• Copenhagen Stock Exchange
• Deutsche Börse AG
• Helsinki Exchanges Group Ltd Oy
• Irish Stock Exchange
• Istanbul Stock Exchange
• Italian Exchange
• Jakarta Stock Exchange
• JSE Securities Exchange
• Korea Stock Exchange
• Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange
• Ljubljana Stock Exchange, Inc
• London Stock Exchange
• Malta Stock Exchange
• ]National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc
• New York Stock Exchange, Inc
• New Zealand Stock Exchange
• OM Stock Exchange
• Osaka Securities Exchange
• Oslo Bors
• Paris Bourse SBF SA
• Philippine Stock Exchange Inc
• Singapore Exchange
• Société de la Bourse de Luxembourg SA
• Swiss Exchange
• Taiwan Stock Exchange
• Tehran Stock Exchange
• The Bermuda Stock Exchange Ltd
• The Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc
• The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd
• The Stock Exchange of Thailand
• The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd
• The Toronto Stock Exchange
• Tokyo Stock Exchange
• Warsaw Stock Exchange
• Wiener Börse AG