GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

KYB (Know Your Business)

KYB (Know Your Business) is a structured due-diligence procedure for verifying a business entity's identity, legal form, registration status, and ownership structure.

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Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://complyadvantage.com/knowledgebase/kyb-know-your-business/

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Logistics Concept

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1 min

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Definition & Explanation

KYB (Know Your Business) is a structured due-diligence procedure for verifying a business entity's identity, legal form, registration status, and ownership structure. In freight forwarding and international trade, importers and carriers apply KYB when onboarding new suppliers and partners: the goal is to confirm that an entity genuinely exists, that its company registry entries are current, and that it raises no concerns against customs authorities or sanctions lists. KYB is narrower in scope than a general business partner assessment—it focuses on legally verifiable facts such as company registration, registered address, and ownership rather than commercial creditworthiness or operational capability. It is typically embedded within broader AML (anti-money-laundering) and KYC frameworks and administered by compliance officers or legal teams.