> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.eq-earth.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.eq-earth.com/registry/your-account/account-review-and-approval.md).

# Account Review and Approval

After you submit your registration, Equitable Earth reviews your application. You can only use your account once it has been approved.

## What every account holder goes through

1. **Accept the Equitable Earth Registry Terms and Conditions.** You do this during registration.
2. **Pass a KYC check** (Know Your Customer), carried out under the [Equitable Earth Anti-Fraud Policy](https://docs.eq-earth.com/anti-fraud-policy.pdf). It covers anti-corruption, conflicts of interest, and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF).

The type of KYC check depends on your role:

| You are                                 | KYC check                                                                                     | When                                     |
| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| A buyer, broker or other account holder | Third-Party Screening, followed by a full Due Diligence only if the screening raises concerns | Before your Registry account is approved |
| A project developer                     | Full Developer Due Diligence                                                                  | During the project feasibility phase     |

## Buyers and other account holders: Third-Party Screening

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Screening

Equitable Earth checks your organization's reputation and basic credentials, using an online reputation review and database checks such as WorldCheck and regional registries. It relies on the organization details and contacts you provided when registering.

{% hint style="info" %}
Make sure the legal name, address and legal identifier you enter match your organization's official records. This avoids delays in the review.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Outcome

The screening is rated **Clear** or **Flagged**.

* **Clear:** your account review can be completed.
* **Flagged:** discrepancies or concerns were found, and Equitable Earth carries out a full Due Diligence before going further (see below).
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Full Due Diligence (only if flagged)

You are asked to complete a questionnaire covering:

* **Identity:** your legal identity and status.
* **Track record:** relevant experience, records and references.
* **Financial and legal compliance:** documents proving your financial standing and debt status, and confirmation that you aren't involved in legal disputes.
* **Ethics:** a Declaration of Interest and an Anti-Fraud Inquiry on bribery and AML/CTF risks.

Equitable Earth cross-checks your answers against WorldCheck and national and regional registries, and prepares a Due Diligence Report.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Equitable Earth notifies you by email of the outcome of your account review.

## Project developers: Developer Due Diligence

If you are a project developer seeking certification, Equitable Earth carries out a full Due Diligence at the start of the project feasibility phase, as part of the certification process. It assesses your capacity to implement a project, your compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements of your jurisdiction, and your financial, legal and moral standing.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Complete the due diligence form

Fill in the due diligence form provided by Equitable Earth.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Screening

Equitable Earth screens the information you provided and prepares a Due Diligence Report. Sources include, among others, Refinitiv, Dun & Bradstreet, local and national judiciary databases, corporate and civil registries, and satellite imagery.

If there are non-conformities or more information is needed, Equitable Earth issues **Corrective Action Requests (CARs)** and/or **Clarification Requests (CLs)**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Respond to CARs and CLs

Address every issue and provide every clarification requested. Certification may be put on hold until all CARs and CLs are addressed.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Report published

Once all concerns are resolved, Equitable Earth completes the Due Diligence Report and publishes it on the Equitable Earth Registry. Certification then resumes.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Equitable Earth may terminate the certification process if:

* CARs and/or CLs are still not addressed after three rounds of submission and feedback;
* the developer fails the overall screening;
* the developer doesn't respond or provide new information for six months or more during the feasibility or design phase.
  {% endhint %}

For the full certification process, see section 2.1 of the [Equitable Earth Programme Manual](https://docs.eq-earth.com/programme-manual-v1.3.1.pdf).

## After approval

* **Updates:** Due Diligence is renewed every four years. Equitable Earth may also update a screening or Due Diligence earlier, for example after a significant change in your organization's ownership or management, or if reputational concerns arise.
* **Your data:** information collected for KYC is stored securely and only accessible to authorized Equitable Earth staff. Personal data is kept for three years, after which Equitable Earth asks you to renew your authorization. See the [Privacy Policy](https://www.eq-earth.com/privacy-policy).

Once your account is approved, you can:

* [Invite your colleagues](/registry/your-account/invite-a-user.md) to the account.
* [Create a beneficial owner](/registry/retirements/create-a-beneficial-owner.md), so you're ready to retire ECUs.
* Receive ECUs from the Secretariat or from other account holders.


---

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