Overcoming Challenges in eKYC Implementation: Tips for a Successful Deployment
Overcoming Challenges in eKYC Implementation

Identity verification is mission-critical in today’s digital economy, but implementing a seamless eKYC solution comes with considerable challenges. With eKYC market revenues expected to reach $12.8 billion by 2027, the rewards of getting it right are too big to ignore. Yet high failure rates, bottlenecks, and compliance risks often hamper implementation efforts.
In fact, according to Juniper Research, the average verification failure rate sits around 20%, costing companies millions in lost conversions. However, with the right strategy and identity verification partner, businesses can overcome eKYC hurdles to deploy a streamlined system.
This article will explore the most common eKYC implementation challenges, from poor document quality to lack of fraud detection. You’ll discover actionable tips to tackle each issue based on best practices learned from successful case studies. Follow our guide to plan and execute an eKYC rollout that meets your business goals while delivering seamless experiences for customers. Read on to start your journey towards eKYC success.
Common Challenges in eKYC Implementation
Deploying an effective best eKYC solution comes with unique hurdles. Understanding the most frequent pain points enables businesses to prepare strategies to overcome them.
Poor Quality Identity Documents
Low-quality photos or scans of ID documents lead to high identity verification failure rates. This frustrates customers and hurts conversion. Ensuring clear, legible document submission is essential.
Integration With Backend Systems
Connecting the eKYC platform with internal systems like AML screening can be complex. Thorough API testing and documentation accelerate secure integration.
Evolving Regulations
KYC rules frequently change across jurisdictions. Constant monitoring and dynamic workflows that can adapt on the fly are vital for ongoing compliance.
Volume Spikes
As user bases scale rapidly, identity verification bottlenecks can occur. Automating where possible and load balancing requests help handle unexpected spikes smoothly.
Sophisticated Fraud
Advanced fraud rings require robust detection combining AI checks and human review. Failing to catch fake identities leads to financial and regulatory risk.
User Drop-Off
Overly complex eKYC experiences cause high abandonment rates. Streamlining UX and adding guidance during verification is key for completion rates.
With foresight into each of these challenges, companies can deploy proven solutions to ensure eKYC success. The effort pays dividends in the long run.
Tips for a Successful eKYC Implementation
Careful planning and execution enables overcoming common eKYC challenges. Follow these proven tips for smooth, effective deployment.
Select the Right eKYC Partner
Choosing an identity verification provider with advanced authentication technologies, customizable workflows, reliability at scale, and a track record of enabling compliance removes major hurdles upfront. Conduct thorough due diligence to find the ideal fit. For example, Onfido offers AI-powered identity verification used by companies like Revolut and ZipRecruiter.
Optimize User Experience
Streamlining identity document submission, adding real-time guidance during verification, offering omnichannel support, and providing progress trackers minimizes drop-off rates. UX optimization is crucial for completion rates. HubSpot increased conversion rates by 25% by improving their verification experience.
Architect Systems for Scale
To handle large, unpredictable user volumes, build auto-scaling capabilities, implement load balancing, monitor capacity, and optimize performance from the start. Right-size infrastructure and expand as needed. Uber built auto-scaling into their driver onboarding system to handle volume spikes.
Establish Comprehensive Fraud Capabilities
Combining AI-powered checks with experienced fraud analyst reviews creates a robust defense against fake identities. Fraud capabilities should evolve continuously as new patterns emerge. JP Morgan strengthened fraud detection with a strategy combining AI monitoring and specialist forensic analysts.
Conduct Extensive Testing Pre-Launch
Thoroughly replicating workflows and simulating peak traffic volumes in a staging environment reduces bugs and issues before going live. Testing saves significant time and costs. BBVA Bank rigorously tested for 6 months before launching its new onboarding system.
Maintain Regulatory Compliance
Regularly reviewing global regulatory changes around KYC and proactively adjusting identity verification workflows ensures ongoing compliance as regulations shift. Document processes thoroughly. Banks like HSBC employ dedicated compliance teams to stay on top of evolving regulations.
Following these tips paves the way for an eKYC implementation that meets core business goals and sets up future success.
Case Studies of Successful eKYC Implementations
Real-world examples of effective eKYC deployments provide valuable insights. Here are two case studies highlighting the results leading companies achieved:
Major Global Ridesharing Company
This ridesharing firm needed to verify millions of prospective drivers annually while minimizing drop-off rates. By partnering with an identity verification provider, they implemented AI-powered document and facial recognition checks. This reduced driver onboarding time from days to minutes, accelerating onboarding by 45%. It also lowered rollout costs by 40% compared to their legacy system.
Top International Consumer Bank
This bank sought to improve customer onboarding conversion rates and reduce fraud. They deployed an advanced eKYC system with automated identity documents, liveness, and biometrics checks supplemented by manual review. This decreased signup abandonment by 22% while cutting false acceptance rates from 4.5% to 0.3%. Their CCO described it as a “major win for risk management.”
Leading US Digital Bank
This neobank sought to disrupt traditional banking with an easy, all-digital account opening process. They implemented a mobile-first eKYC system using machine learning to analyze identity documents and facial biometrics for verification. This reduced their average signup time from over 20 minutes to under 3 minutes. It also decreased identity fraud rates by 75% compared to manual review alone.
Major European Cryptocurrency Exchange
This exchange needed to rapidly verify users in a secure, compliant way. They built a modular eKYC platform that integrates identity document checks, sanctions screening, biometrics, and fraud analysis APIs. The system enabled the exchange to scale from 5,000 to over 2 million users in under a year while maintaining robust AML protections. Signup conversion increased 35%.
Conclusion
Implementing seamless, secure eKYC is crucial for online businesses today. While not without challenges, proper preparation and execution can overcome hurdles to successful deployment. By optimizing user experience, leveraging emerging technologies like AI, finding the right partner, testing rigorously, and planning for scale, companies can realize reduced fraud, faster onboarding, and delighted customers.
Compliance and risk management also reach new levels. With digital identity verification capabilities in place, companies can confidently grow, innovate, and provide smooth user journeys. Although demanding expertise, eKYC implementation represents a high-ROI opportunity. Follow the tips outlined to guide your organization over the obstacles towards deployment success.