> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sigma-docs.pastelhq.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Know Your Customer (KYC) helps you verify individual and business identities using BVN, NIN, and CAC lookups.

### What is KYC?

Know Your Customer (KYC) is the process of verifying the identity of individuals and businesses before establishing a relationship or completing a transaction. It is a fundamental requirement under AML/CFT regulations and is enforced by regulators including the CBN, NDIC, and SEC.

Sigma KYC provides real-time identity lookups against Nigerian government databases, allowing you to verify customers using their Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), or Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration details.

### Why it Matters

Regulators require financial institutions and fintechs to verify customer identity at onboarding and throughout the relationship. Failing to implement effective KYC can result in:

* Regulatory fines and licence revocation
* Facilitating fraud or financial crime
* Reputational damage and loss of business partnerships
* Failed audits and compliance reviews

KYC is not optional. It is the first line of defence against identity fraud and financial crime.

### Available Lookups

| Lookup         | What it verifies                                            | Use case                                                             |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **BVN Search** | Individual identity via Bank Verification Number            | Verify bank customers, confirm personal details and photo            |
| **NIN Search** | Individual identity via National Identification Number      | Verify individuals using NIMC records, including next-of-kin details |
| **CAC Search** | Business identity via Corporate Affairs Commission registry | Verify business registration status, directors, and shareholders     |

### Core KYC Capabilities

* **Identity Verification:** Retrieve verified personal and business information directly from government databases.
* **Real-time Lookups:** Get results instantly via a simple API call with no batch processing or delays.
* **Comprehensive Data:** Access biographical details, contact information, photos, and associated records.
* **Business Verification:** Look up CAC-registered businesses including directors, shareholders, and registration status.

<img className="" src="https://mintcdn.com/pastelafrica/MhKZ6j7mW3E_SvBN/images/kyc/flow.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=MhKZ6j7mW3E_SvBN&q=85&s=c8fc2ec4228c5fd55250ff4c7f7a1079" style={{ borderRadius: "0.5rem" }} width="4832" height="2656" data-path="images/kyc/flow.png" />

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Getting Started" icon="rocket" href="/products/kyc/getting-started">
    Set up your credentials and make your first KYC lookup.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Case" icon="sparkles" href="/products/kyc/use-case">
    See how KYC supports customer onboarding and identity verification.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>