Mobile ID verification will be essential to fight fraud in 2026
Guest blog by Barley Laing, the UK Managing Director at Melissa
Smartphones are ubiquitous. Around five billion people out of a global population of just over eight billion have access to a one. It’s why a mobile number is quickly becoming a vital part of the identity verification process in know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and in the battle against fraud.
At the customer onboarding stage matching a name to an address has been and continues to be an integral part of ID verification activity. However, with the proliferation of smartphones it’s clear that mobile ID verification - matching a name to a mobile number - is something that needs to be embraced to support wider anti-fraud efforts. Particularly as an estimated 6.1 billion people are expected to have access to this type of device by 2029, while four billion people worldwide have a recognised postal address.
One of the key benefits of mobile ID verification technology is that it doesn’t depend on traditional methods that rely on semi-static data. Instead, it utilises real-time data from mobile network operators (MNOs) to authenticate an individual's identity with a high degree of accuracy.
Also, SIM registration requires individuals to provide their name, address, date of birth and, in some cases, a government-issued document or national ID. It means mobile numbers are increasingly becoming primary identifiers and digital identities. Today, in regions like India, other parts of Asia and the EU, a valid mobile number is not only required for basic communications, but also for critical activities, including opening a bank account, registering for online services, or renting property.
Sourcing easy to integrate API software that can match the name and mobile number provided to the name and number on the SIM is possible, to help prevent SIM swap fraud.
Undertaking mobile ID verification is not budget busting. It can be more cost effective compared to identity verification performed against regulated data sources, such as credit bureaus and government bodies.
Overall, mobile ID verification offers a reliable and efficient way to authenticate users, prevent fraud, and comply with regulatory requirements.
Cross-check data across various sources
While it is rapidly growing in importance mobile ID verification is just one part of the wider identity verification toolkit. With fraud growing quickly, increasingly powered by the likes of AI, it’s always best practice for KYC and AML compliance and to ensure that prospective customers are who they say they are, to additionally cross-reference a name with a physical address, landline telephone or email, where possible. Therefore, sourcing an electronic ID verification (eIDV) service is a good option, ideally one with access to a global dataset of billions of records containing contact data from trusted country specific reference sources, such as credit agencies, government agencies, utility companies, as well as mobile network operators.
Check the IP address
Don’t forget the importance of the IP address as part of the identity verification process. It’s possible to examine if the IP address of a person looking to make a purchase or, for example, open a bank account, is at or is near the verified physical address they have provided. For instance, if someone is attempting to take out a loan or buy a big ticket item in a different country from their registered address undertaking an additional verification procedure would be wise prior it being approved.
With the proliferation of smartphones globally mobile ID verification technology is going to play an increasingly vital role in the ID verification process in 2026; particularly for those organisations looking to enter and flourish in new markets. However, for best practice identity verification and to prevent fraud other contact data, like a home address, must be cross-referenced to make sure the prospective customer is who they claim to be.
This guest blog was written by Barley Laing, the UK Managing Director at Melissa. To learn more about Melissa please visit their LinkedIn page.
Digital Identity programme activities
Digital identities will provide a gateway for citizens and SMEs into the digital economy. techUK members demonstrate the benefits of digital identity to emerging markets, raise their profile as thought leaders, influence policy outcomes, and strengthen their relationships with potential clients and decision-makers. Visit the programme page here.
New techUK Digital ID Report
Following the UK Government’s announcement on the introduction of mandatory digital ID on 26 September, techUK has published a new report outlining a clear roadmap to support the successful and trusted rollout of digital ID across the country.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK
Laura Foster
Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
Laura advocates for better emerging technology policy in the UK, including quantum, future of compute technologies, semiconductors, digital ID and more. Working alongside techUK members and UK Government she champions long-term, cohesive, and sustainable investment that will ensure the UK can commercialise future science and technology research. Laura leads a high-performing team at techUK, as well as publishing several reports on these topics herself, and being a regular speaker at events.
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer exploring adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University and is a Cambridge Policy Fellow. Outside of work she loves reading, writing and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.
He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.
Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.
Barley Laing established and leads the UK office of US-headquartered global data quality and ID verification business, Melissa.
As Managing Director, with 28 years of technology and data industry experience, his role is focused on meeting the data quality, address and ID/compliance needs for organisations in the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and worldwide.
The team that Barley heads up provides data consultancy, sales and technical support across their wide range of market leading web services, apps, SaaS and on-premise software solutions. These help organisations to deliver efficient multichannel customer engagement; onboarding; build customer loyalty; optimise organisational efficiency; and deliver data management and ID verification to meet Know your Customer (KYC), Know your Business (KYB) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.
Under his leadership Melissa’s UK office has achieved sustained double digit growth over the last six years, including 20% growth in 2022, 25% in 2023, and 25% again in 2024. During this time Barley has significantly grown the UK client base, which includes: ASOS; BBC; Citi; Creditsafe; Family Fund; the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; GCHQ; GSK; Lambeth Council; Mars; P&G and Visa.
