Which of the following is a key goal of an effective KYC policy?

A key goal of an effective Know Your Customer (KYC) policy is to minimize the firm's susceptibility to illegal activities. KYC processes are designed to verify the identity of customers and assess their potential risks in relation to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities. By gathering detailed information about clients, such as their financial status, the nature of their activities, and their source of funds, a firm can identify suspicious behavior and mitigate risks associated with accepting and processing transactions. This proactive approach is essential for regulatory compliance and helps maintain the integrity of financial systems, ensuring that companies are not inadvertently facilitating criminal enterprises.

In contrast, while customer loyalty, maximizing investment returns, and improving service speed are important for business success, they are not primary objectives of KYC policies. KYC is fundamentally about risk management and compliance, focusing on safeguarding the firm and the broader financial system from illegal activities rather than directly enhancing customer relationships or financial performance.