Summary
Sometimes the name returned by Konfir won’t exactly match the name you entered or the applicant declared. This is not uncommon and reflects how names are stored across different official records.
Each source (Banking, HMRC, Payroll) returns data differently, which can affect how names appear. Examples include:
Initials instead of full names
Nicknames recorded at bank or payroll level
Partial or missing names due to how the institution stores them
Additional names - if a joint bank account is connected
Common Reasons for Mismatches
1. Name variations
When you initiate your verification, the name you or your applicant provided may not perfectly match their official records. For example:
Shortened names (e.g. Ben instead of Benjamin)
Missing names (e.g. omitting a middle name)
Changed names (e.g. via marriage or deed poll)
Typos or mistakes when entering details
Konfir standardises what’s available and highlights only significant discrepancies. Name mismatches do not influence the verification result.
2) Joint bank accounts
If an applicant connects a joint bank account via Open Banking, some banks may return one or both account holders’ names. This can cause a spouse/partner name to appear in the verification output.
This is not a security issue:
Under PSD2 and UK Open Banking regulations, either authorised account holder can give consent for data access via Open Banking.
All Open Banking connections require Strong Customer Authentication (e.g. biometrics, passcodes, 2FA), so the applicant themselves will have directly authenticated with their bank.
The returned data is still lawful, accurate, and valid for verification.