Cross border payments and international merchant onboarding often require verification of individuals who control or operate a foreign company. When a foreign business wants to use an India regulated payment service, the authorised signatory must undergo identity verification under Indian standards.
For many platforms, this includes Video KYC. Although Video KYC became more common for Indian users under domestic regulations, it is increasingly used for foreign entities as well, especially when the platform must confirm control, identity and compliance for cross border transactions.
This blog explains how Video KYC works for an overseas company’s authorised signatory, what documents are required and how to avoid common errors that delay merchant activation.
Why Video KYC Is Needed for Overseas Signatories
Payment Aggregators, banks and inward remittance platforms must verify that the representative of a foreign company:
• is a real individual
• has the authority to act for the company
• is not involved in prohibited or high risk activities
• meets anti money laundering requirements
• can provide valid identification issued in their home country
Since the individual is outside India, Video KYC becomes the most efficient way to complete face to face verification without physical presence.
Documents Required Before Starting Video KYC
The overseas authorised signatory must prepare the following documents:
• Passport as primary photo ID
• Secondary ID proof if the country uses a national ID system
• Proof of address such as utility bill or bank statement
• Board resolution or authorization letter naming the individual as an authorised signatory
• Company incorporation certificate
• Proof of ownership or shareholding pattern if required by the platform
These documents must be uploaded during onboarding before the Video KYC session begins.
Steps Involved in Completing Video KYC
Although platforms may differ slightly, the essential steps remain consistent.
Step 1: Schedule the Video KYC session
The signatory receives a link or appointment window. Time zone differences are accounted for, but the session typically takes place during India’s business hours.
Step 2: Join the session with a stable internet connection
The signatory must use a device with a working camera and microphone. A neutral background and proper lighting help reduce verification delays.
Step 3: Present the original ID document
The KYC officer asks the signatory to display their passport or ID clearly. The officer may ask for close up frames or different angles to match holograms and security features.
Step 4: Record a short verification statement
The signatory may be asked to read an on screen statement or confirm details such as:
• full name
• date of birth
• passport number
• company name
• role or authority within the company
This proves that the signatory is physically present and aware of the verification.
Step 5: Perform liveness checks
The KYC officer may ask the signatory to:
• turn their head
• blink
• smile
• hold the ID next to their face
• repeat random numbers
These ensure that the session cannot be spoofed.
Step 6: Confirm company level details
The officer may verify:
• company registration number
• incorporation date
• jurisdiction of operation
• confirmation that the signatory is authorized to enter agreements
If required, the signatory may need to re upload or email supporting documents.
Step 7: Session completion and backend approval
Once the video is recorded, the platform performs additional checks:
• ID validation
• sanction list screening
• fraud database checks
• verification of company documents
Approval may take a few hours to a couple of days depending on the platform.
Common Issues That Delay Video KYC
Many Video KYC failures occur due to preventable issues.
Frequent causes include:
• blurry or expired passport
• incorrect or missing authorization letter
• poor lighting or unstable internet
• mismatch between company name on documents and application
• incorrect formatting of foreign address documents
• no liveness match due to camera lag
Preparing the correct documents and following instructions carefully avoids these setbacks.
Why Video KYC Is Important for Cross Border Merchant Compliance
Video KYC helps India regulated platforms verify foreign entities without relying solely on scanned documents. It strengthens compliance by ensuring that:
• the signatory is a real individual
• they are authorized to set up the account
• the identity matches sanction screening databases
• the platform can satisfy RBI’s enhanced due diligence norms
This process allows India based aggregators or inward remittance platforms to onboard foreign clients safely, while still meeting regulatory requirements.
How India Focused Platforms Handle Video KYC Efficiently
Platforms built around Indian regulations structure their Video KYC sessions to match RBI requirements exactly. This reduces back and forth communication and creates a predictable onboarding flow for overseas businesses.
The steps are standardized, company documents are reviewed in advance and signatories know what to expect during the session.
Why BRISKPE Fits This Verification Framework
BRISKPE primarily supports Indian exporters receiving funds from overseas clients, but when it deals with foreign signatories or cross border onboarding dependencies, its verification structure follows RBI norms directly.
Video KYC, if required, is conducted using a clear checklist, ensuring that identity, authorization and company level details align with inward remittance regulations. This helps exporters receive payments without delays linked to compliance gaps.
Conclusion
Video KYC for overseas authorised signatories is an essential step in ensuring that cross border payment platforms meet India’s strict verification requirements. With the right documents and a clear understanding of the process, most signatories can complete the session smoothly. Platforms built around India’s compliance framework simplify this process further, giving exporters and international businesses predictable onboarding and secure access to India linked payment services.
