Does POCA 2007 require notarisation of a customer information form completed for a realtor in Jamaica?
No, POCA 2007 (The Proceeds of Crime Act, Jamaica) does not specifically require notarisation of a customer information form for real estate transactions in Jamaica.
Here’s what POCA 2007 does require:
POCA and its accompanying regulations (especially the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering Prevention) Regulations) require that real estate professionals:
Know Your Customer (KYC): Collect identification and verify clients’ identity.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Assess risk, including politically exposed persons (PEPs).
Recordkeeping: Keep copies of ID, proof of address, and transaction details.
Reporting: Submit suspicious transaction reports (STRs) where needed.
So why is notarisation mentioned?
In practice, notarisation is not a POCA requirement for regular customers. However, notarisation is often required when:
A third party (like an agent or representative) is completing the form on the customer’s behalf
The customer is overseas
There’s a Power of Attorney involved
There is need to confirm authenticity of the documents submitted remotely
This aligns with the internal compliance policies of brokers and boards like the Real Estate Board of Jamaica (which regulates the industry).
What the form requires (based on your image):
At the end of the form, it says:
“NB: The following documents are required for processing of your transaction:
Power of Attorney or a letter duly notarised (where application submitted by an agent).”
So, notarisation is only required in specific cases — not universally for every client.
Summary
No, POCA 2007 does not require notarisation of the customer information form for all clients.
Yes, notarisation may be required by broker policy, especially if:
Someone else is acting on the client’s behalf
The client is overseas
A power of attorney is being used
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please note: Jamaica Homes is not authorized to offer financial advice. The information provided is not financial advice and should not be relied upon for financial decisions. Consult a regulated mortgage adviser for guidance.