Gb Group Regulatory News (GBG)

GB Group Announces Strategic relationship with TransUnion to Offer UK Businesses Instant Identity Verification for Canadian Citizens

~ Offering increased security for Global businesses to extend their reach to the Canadian market ~

LONDON - 08 June 2011 - GB Group, a global leading provider of Identity Management solutions, and TransUnion, a global leading credit and information management business, have announced a strategic relationship to offer an unrivalled ID verification capability for the Canadian market. GB Group's international ID verification service, ID3 Check, will leverage TransUnion's Bureau Verification Service, offering instant ID verification for UK businesses wanted to expand their customer base with Canadian citizens. Key differentiators of these combined services include the ability to verify against current and previous addresses and telephone numbers, and the ability to quickly obtain a more comprehensive detailed breakdown of verified information.

Based on GB Group's unique ID3® technology, ID3 Check's data matching capabilities help businesses meet global compliance and regulation as well as protect themselves from the growing problems of ID fraud, money laundering and financial crime.

Using a risk-based approach to ID verification, ID3® technology combined with TransUnion's service enables clients to decide instantly if they should accept a new Canadian-based customer into their business. This is based on a series of validations, which include: name, address and age as well as tokens of identity such as Canadian passports or Social Insurance Numbers (SIN). This information is then cross-referenced against Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) and Sanction lists, helping to pinpoint the physical location of the individual who is registering. The service is easily customisable, allowing each client to select which checks and ID verification features are relevant, based on individual risk and business requirements.

Sonja Schindeler, Vice President of Fraud Solutions at TransUnion commented, "The anonymity of the Internet demands a very specific approach to ID verification. Our joint effort will afford the UK market access to one of the most robust international ID verification solutions available, providing businesses with the opportunity to take on new Canadian customers securely. The unique approach that GB Group has adopted to protect personal data was a key reason for TransUnion's involvement. We believe their vision of bringing together the capabilities of market-leading services and experts into its global ID hub is essential, given the ongoing growth of international consumer trade across borders"

Richard Law CEO at GB Group commented, "As cross border trade grows, the ability to authenticate global customers is essential in enabling online business to take place and give consumers access to the full diversity of goods and services available on the web. In many cases without proof of ID businesses can't trade with overseas customers for reasons of fraud, security and legislation. By working with TransUnion we are now able to offer the highest possible standard of ID verification for every organisation that wishes to engage with Canadian customers, without impeding the customer experience. We're looking forward to developing our relationship with TransUnion further."

GB Group's ID3 Check offers consumer ID verification for over 800 million citizens world-wide from over 23 countries. Full Level ID3 Check, which performs to a standard which conforms to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) or age verification requirements for regulated markets, is now available for Germany, USA, Norway, Sweden and Canada. GB Group offers the most comprehensive ID verification tool on the market with the widest global reach, creating the environment of trust organisations need to connect, communicate and transact with customers safely, responsibly and profitably.

About GB Group plc

GB Group is the UK's leading Identity Management business. It helps organisations recognise and verify all elements of an individual's identity at every interaction. Through the application of our proprietary technology, we enable organisations to connect, communicate and transact with people safely, responsibly and profitably. In doing so, we help businesses like O2, Laura Ashley, HMRC, BBC TV Licensing, Ordnance Survey, HBoS, LloydsTSB, Virgin Games, PartyGaming, Betfair and Ladbrokes understand their customers better to create more meaningful customer interactions - and reduce costs across the business.

GB Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (GBG). For more information, please visit GB Group's website: www.gb.co.uk.

GB Group - because identity matters™

For further information about GB's global Identity Management applications, please contact:

Maxine Morgan, GB Group

Email: marketing@gb.co.uk 

Number: 01244 657333

Adrie Wessels, Bite Communications

Email: adrie.wessels@bitecommunications.com 

Number: 07907 979945 / 020 8834 3474

About TransUnion

As a global leader in credit and information management, TransUnion creates advantages for millions of people around the world by gathering, analyzing and delivering information. For businesses, TransUnion helps improve efficiency, manage risk, reduce costs and increase revenue by delivering comprehensive data and advanced analytics and decisioning. For consumers, TransUnion provides the tools, resources and education to help manage their credit health and achieve their financial goals. Through these and other efforts, TransUnion is working to build stronger economies worldwide. Based in Toronto, with global headquarters located in Chicago, Illinois, TransUnion provides service and support throughout Canada. Visit www.transunion.ca to learn more.