Request for Cooperation in Client Identification Procedures
At Matsuda＆Partner, we are required to request our clients’ cooperation in confirming certain identification information (“Client Identification”) when accepting requests falling under items (1) through (3) below.
This procedure is conducted to prevent the misuse of legal services for illicit activities such as money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in accordance with the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, as well as the rules and regulations of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations concerning client identification.
(1) Asset Management and Related Activities
Managing a client’s bank account in connection with legal services
Receiving or managing cash, securities, or other assets from a client in an amount of JPY 2,000,000 or more
(2) Preparation for or Execution of the Following Transactions or Activities
-Purchase or sale of real estate
-Establishment of companies or organizations, capital contributions, or other funding activities
-Organizational changes, mergers, company splits, share exchanges, share transfers, or changes to purposes stipulated in articles of incorporation
-Appointment of persons who execute or represent the business of a company or organization
-Creation, consolidation, or division of trusts, or changes to trust purposes or trustees
-Acquisition or sale of companies
-Transactions or activities where assets involved are suspected to be proceeds of crime
-Transactions or activities conducted in a manner significantly different from typical transactions of the same kind
(3) Deposits of Funds or Assets Outside the Scope of Legal Services
Information to Be Confirmed
○Individual Clients
-Identification details (name, address, and date of birth)
-Purpose of the engagement
-Occupation
○Corporate Clients
-Identification details (company name and location of the head office or principal place of business)
-Purpose of the engagement
-Nature of business
-Identification details of the individual(s) who are the beneficial owner(s) of the corporation
When confirming the identification details of individual clients, we request the presentation of official identification documents such as a driver’s license or My Number Card, and we will make copies of such documents.
In addition, where the client and the person making the request are different (for example, where a family member acts on behalf of an elderly client, or where an employee acts on behalf of a corporate client), we may verify the authority of such person to act on behalf of the client by confirming a power of attorney or contacting the head office or principal office of the company by telephone or other means.
Please note that we may be unable to accept an engagement if we are unable to obtain the necessary cooperation in these identification procedures.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
* For further information, please also refer to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations’ guidance on anti-money laundering measures in legal practice (client identification procedures).
(Link: https://www.nichibenren.or.jp/activity/improvement/mimoto_kakunin.html )