Business verification (KYB)
Updated 30 August 20263 min read
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Moving real money is regulated. Before Ledgerline issues live API keys, we verify the business behind the organization. This is called Know Your Business, or KYB. The sandbox needs no verification, so you can build while the review runs.
What you need
Prepare the following before you start. Incomplete submissions are the most common reason for delay.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal entity | Registered name, registration number, country and date of incorporation. |
| Proof of registration | Certificate of incorporation or an official registry extract. |
| Business address | Operating address, with a utility bill or bank statement dated within 90 days if it differs from the registered one. |
| Beneficial owners | Every individual who owns 25% or more of the business. |
| Control person | One individual with significant control, such as a CEO or CFO. They may also be an owner. |
| Authorized signer | The person who accepts the Ledgerline agreement. |
| Business description | What you do, expected monthly volume and the countries you pay. |
Each owner and the control person provide their full name, date of birth, residential address and a government-issued photo ID. The dashboard walks them through a short identity check on their phone.
Submitting
Open Settings > Verification in the dashboard at https://dashboard.ledgerline.dev and complete the steps. The API equivalent is POST /v1/organization/kyb/documents for each document, followed by POST /v1/organization/kyb/submit.
Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
not_started |
Nothing has been submitted. |
pending |
Submitted and queued. |
in_review |
A compliance analyst is reviewing. |
needs_info |
We need something more from you. The request names exactly what. |
approved |
You can create live keys and move real money. |
rejected |
We cannot onboard the business. The decision includes a reason category. |
Every change emits a kyb.status_changed event, so you can unlock features in your own product automatically. Read the current state with GET /v1/organization/kyb.
How long it takes
Most reviews finish in 1 to 2 business days. Businesses that need enhanced due diligence take up to 5 business days. Enhanced due diligence applies to higher-risk profiles, such as complex ownership structures, certain industries and high expected volume, and it may include a call with an analyst.
A needs_info status stops the clock. The review resumes when you respond, so answer promptly.
What is blocked until approval
Until the status is approved:
- Live API keys cannot be created. Calls that need them return
kyb_requiredwith HTTP403. - You can use the sandbox without limits.
- You can configure ledgers, accounts, webhooks and team members in the live environment, but you cannot post funds or create payouts.
See Going live for the full checklist.
Rejections and appeals
If a submission is rejected, the notice lists a category such as unable_to_verify_identity, unsupported_business_type or unsupported_jurisdiction. You can resubmit corrected information once. Decisions based on sanctions or fraud risk cannot be appealed.
Sandbox behavior
The sandbox approves verification automatically so you can test your integration with kyb.status_changed events. Two magic values let you test the other paths: a business name containing REVIEW ends in needs_info, and one containing REJECT ends in rejected. See Sandbox.
Data handling
Verification documents are encrypted and stored in your organization's data region. They are kept for 7 years after the account is closed to meet record-keeping obligations. See Data residency and retention.
Ongoing obligations
Verification is not a one-off. Tell us when ownership changes, and expect periodic reviews. Material changes that you do not report can lead to payouts being held. The checks that apply to the people you pay are described in Counterparties and screening.