---
title: Support for the Identity Verification Code of Practice 2026
description: ivcop 2026 Identity Verification Code of Practice
---
[Skip to content](https://support.connectworks.com/ivcop-2026#main-content)
[](https://www.connectworks.com/)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
How can we help you?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Help Center](https://support.connectworks.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [AML Compliance](https://support.connectworks.com/aml-compliance?hsLang=en)
3. [CLIENT DUE DILIGENCE](https://support.connectworks.com/aml-compliance?hsLang=en#client-due-diligence)
# Support for the Identity Verification Code of Practice 2026
Last updated: October 2026
**1. Purpose**This document describes how Connectworks supports reporting entities, such as accounting and legal practices, to verify the identity of customers, beneficial owners and persons acting on behalf of customers in line with the Identity Verification Code of Practice 2026 (IVCOP 2026), issued under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 and in force from 1 July 2026 (with paragraphs 1.4.3 to 1.4.5 in force from 1 July 2027).
**2. Summary**Connectworks provides identity verification tools that align with the electronic identity verification and documentary pathways under IVCOP 2026. These are the same verification methods available under the Amended Identity Verification Code of Practice 2013.
The Department of Internal Affairs has stated that reporting entities who continue to use the documents and electronic sources relied on under the 2013 Code will comply with IVCOP 2026, other than the certified copy requirements in paragraphs 1.4.3 to 1.4.5 that apply from 1 July 2027. Using Connectworks does not in itself mean a firm complies with the Code (see section 5).
**3. Verification pathways supported**IVCOP 2026 has four pathways: face-to-face verification using physical documents, the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework (DISTF), other electronic identity verification, and certified copies.
(a) Electronic identity verification
Firms can run the following checks directly from an individual’s profile in Connectworks:
- Centrix SmartID: verifies name, date of birth and address against reliable and independent electronic sources, including NZ driver licence and NZ passport data.
- BioVerify real-time biometric verification: checks the individual’s identity document and uses face-matching and a liveness test to link the individual to that document.
- BioVerify + SmartID full identity verification (NZ identities): combines biometric linking with Centrix SmartID data matching.
The Code requires an approved electronic source for information assurance and, for most sources, a separate linking mechanism for binding assurance (clauses 1.3.4 to 1.3.6). All electronic checks include PEP and sanctions screening, which is additional to the Code and supports other CDD obligations. A standalone PEP and sanctions check is also available.
(b) Face-to-face and documentary verification
Firms can record identity documents sighted in person, and upload supporting evidence, against each individual in Connectworks. Firms remain responsible for making sure the documents meet clauses 1.1.1 to 1.1.3 and for visually comparing the photograph to the person (clause 1.1.4).
(c) Digital Identity Services Trust Framework
Connectworks does not currently provide or integrate with a DISTF-accredited service. Firms that verify identity this way outside Connectworks can record the outcome and supporting evidence against the individual.
(d) Certified copies
Firms can upload and store certified copies of identity documents. Firms should make sure certified copies meet the Code’s requirements for trusted referees, certification wording, the 12-month certification window and a clearly visible photograph (paragraphs 1.4.6 to 1.4.11, in force from 1 July 2026).
From 1 July 2027, the Code also covers how certified copies may be received, including electronically, and requires enhanced assurance procedures where there is reason to doubt a copy (paragraphs 1.4.3 to 1.4.5).
**4. Records**Identity information, evidence and electronic check results are stored against the individual’s profile in Connectworks. The firm records its identity determination through the AML-CFT workflow, giving a record of how and when each individual was verified. The Code itself does not contain record-keeping requirements, so firms should continue to meet their record-keeping obligations under the Act.
**5. Responsibilities of the reporting entity**IVCOP 2026 is voluntary and provides a safe harbour for reporting entities that fully comply with it. It is not a certification of software. Your firm remains responsible for:
- choosing the verification pathway appropriate to each customer’s risk rating under your AML/CFT Programme;
- reviewing check results, including any partial matches or PEP and sanctions alerts, and obtaining further evidence where needed;
- confirming identity within the Connectworks AML-CFT workflow;
- documenting in your AML/CFT Programme the procedures, policies and controls you use to comply with the Code, including any reduced verification steps for eligible beneficial owners and persons acting on behalf of customers, and your exception handling procedures;
- checking that no other person has presented the same identity information (paragraph 3.1);
- meeting all other customer due diligence and record-keeping obligations under the Act.
**6. Third-party providers**Electronic identity verification is provided through [Centrix](https://www.centrix.co.nz/) and [BioVerify](https://www.bioverify.me/). Their services are provided under their own terms.
- [Getting started](https://support.connectworks.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [GETTING STARTED FOR PROFESSIONAL FIRMS](https://support.connectworks.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#getting-started-for-professional-firms)
- [LOADING CLIENT PROFILES](https://support.connectworks.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#loading-client-profiles)
- [SUBSCRIPTIONS & PRICING](https://support.connectworks.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#subscriptions-pricing)
- [Firm administration](https://support.connectworks.com/firm-administration?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [STAFF MANAGEMENT](https://support.connectworks.com/firm-administration?hsLang=en#staff-management)
- [GENERAL ADMINISTRATION](https://support.connectworks.com/firm-administration?hsLang=en#general-administration)
- [DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT ADD-ON](https://support.connectworks.com/firm-administration?hsLang=en#document-management-add-on)
- [PRACTICE MANAGER ADD-ONS](https://support.connectworks.com/firm-administration?hsLang=en#practice-manager-add-ons)
- [NZ COMPANIES OFFICE INTEGRATION](https://support.connectworks.com/firm-administration?hsLang=en#nz-companies-office-integration)
- [SECURITY](https://support.connectworks.com/firm-administration?hsLang=en#security)
- [AML Compliance](https://support.connectworks.com/aml-compliance?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [AML WORKFLOW](https://support.connectworks.com/aml-compliance?hsLang=en#aml-workflow)
- [CLIENT DUE DILIGENCE](https://support.connectworks.com/aml-compliance?hsLang=en#client-due-diligence)
- [ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION](https://support.connectworks.com/aml-compliance?hsLang=en#electronic-verification)
- [AML RESOURCES](https://support.connectworks.com/aml-compliance?hsLang=en#aml-resources)
- [Company Management (Getting Started and Annual Returns)](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-getting-started-and-annual-returns?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [GETTING STARTED WITH COMPANIES](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-getting-started-and-annual-returns?hsLang=en#getting-started-with-companies)
- [MANAGING COMPANY ROLES & ASSOCIATIONS](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-getting-started-and-annual-returns?hsLang=en#managing-company-roles-associations)
- [COMPANY MANAGEMENT (OTHER)](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-getting-started-and-annual-returns?hsLang=en#company-management-other)
- [THE ANNUAL RETURN WORKFLOW](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-getting-started-and-annual-returns?hsLang=en#the-annual-return-workflow)
- [ANNUAL RETURNS (OTHER)](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-getting-started-and-annual-returns?hsLang=en#annual-returns-other)
- [Company Management (Share Management)](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-share-management?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [SHARE REGISTER](https://support.connectworks.com/company-management-share-management?hsLang=en#share-register)
- [Trust Management](https://support.connectworks.com/trust-management?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [GETTING STARTED WITH TRUSTS](https://support.connectworks.com/trust-management?hsLang=en#getting-started-with-trusts)
- [ASSOCIATED PARTIES (TRUSTS)](https://support.connectworks.com/trust-management?hsLang=en#associated-parties-trusts)
- [ASSETS & LIABILITIES](https://support.connectworks.com/trust-management?hsLang=en#assets-liabilities)
- [Entity Types](https://support.connectworks.com/entity-types?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [INDIVIDUALS](https://support.connectworks.com/entity-types?hsLang=en#individuals)
- [ESTATES](https://support.connectworks.com/entity-types?hsLang=en#estates)
- [PARTNERSHIPS](https://support.connectworks.com/entity-types?hsLang=en#partnerships)
- [LPs](https://support.connectworks.com/entity-types?hsLang=en#lps)
- [Document Management & Client Engagement](https://support.connectworks.com/document-management-client-engagement?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [CLIENT ENGAGEMENT](https://support.connectworks.com/document-management-client-engagement?hsLang=en#client-engagement)
- [DOCUMENT GENERATION FROM PRECEDENTS](https://support.connectworks.com/document-management-client-engagement?hsLang=en#document-generation-from-precedents)
- [DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT](https://support.connectworks.com/document-management-client-engagement?hsLang=en#document-management)
- [DOCUMENT SHARING & SIGNING](https://support.connectworks.com/document-management-client-engagement?hsLang=en#document-sharing-signing)
- [DOCUMENT PACKS](https://support.connectworks.com/document-management-client-engagement?hsLang=en#document-packs)
- [Non-professional user guide](https://support.connectworks.com/non-professional-user-guide?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [GETTING STARTED FOR NON-PROFESSIONAL USERS](https://support.connectworks.com/non-professional-user-guide?hsLang=en#getting-started-for-non-professional-users)
- [DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT FOR NON-PROFESSIONAL USERS](https://support.connectworks.com/non-professional-user-guide?hsLang=en#document-management-for-non-professional-users)
- Home
- Products
- Pricing
- Blog
- Company
[](http://connectworks.com)
[mailto:support@connectworks.com](mailto:support@connectworks.com)
Copyright © 2025, connectworks.com