Bogdan Ursu from DAZN Bet: "The Future of KYC Is Optimization, Not Increment"

In the context of evolving EU regulations, Bogdan Ursu, head of KYC at DAZN Bet, argues that the future is not about adding more Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, but about making better use of the existing controls. As the EU AML package comes into effect, gaming operators face the challenge of balancing compliance with customer experience.

Continuous Identity Verification

According to Ursu, identity verification should not be a constant burden for the player once their identity has initially been established. The focus must be on the continuous monitoring of the player's risk profile, observing indicators such as changes in player information, sanctions, or PEP (Politically Exposed Person) status. "The goal is to maintain trust in the relationship with the player and act when there is a genuine reason to do so," says Ursu.

The Impact of the EU AML Package

Ursu maintains that the new anti-money laundering (AML) package does not completely transform how mature companies operate in the iGaming sector. "We already have key controls in place, such as identity verification and transaction monitoring," he claims. The true transformation, according to Ursu, is a more uniform European framework that will allow for a more consistent approach to implementing these controls.

The Role of Automation

Automating KYC and AML processes is key for DAZN Bet. "Automation reduces the need for unnecessary manual processing," explains Ursu. However, he emphasizes that human judgment will always be required in the face of ambiguities, such as potential sanctions matches or identity discrepancies.

Security and Customer Experience

Ursu refutes the idea that KYC is a barrier to customer conversion. "The issue lies in a poorly designed verification flow," he states. With a risk-based automated approach, most genuine players pass quickly, while additional verifications focus only on those who truly need them.

Adapting to Multiple Markets

To meet varied regulatory requirements, Ursu suggests a common approach with local adjustments. "The key is to have a strong common framework and then add specific local requirements," he explains. This ensures consistency and compliance across the different jurisdictions where DAZN Bet operates.

The Future of Onboarding

With the introduction of the European Digital Identity, Ursu envisions a smoother and more digital onboarding process for low-risk players. The opportunity lies in better integrating identity, AML controls, and transactional activities to base the risk on the actual player.

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