iCapital targets KYC, AML with deal for 'passport' tech provider

iCapital targets KYC, AML with deal for 'passport' tech provider
The alts platform giant plans to help smooth onboarding and compliance for wealth advisors with a new digital identity solution.
JAN 16, 2025

iCapital, the global alts-focused fintech provider, is aiming to ease a major friction point for wealth advisors and fund investors with its latest acquisition agreement.

The alternatives platform giant announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Parallel Markets, a financial identity provider specializing in reusable investor onboarding and compliance verification solutions.

The deal aims to enhance iCapital’s alternative investment platform by simplifying KYC and AML processes for wealth advisors, institutional investors, and fund managers.

“Onboarding and verifying digital investor identity and compliance is a major friction point in private markets investing,” Lawrence Calcano, chairman and CEO of iCapital, said in a statement Thursday morning. “Parallel Markets has pioneered software that supports a reusable investor passport, streamlining these duplicative processes for advisors, investors, and fund managers.”

The iCapital Investor Passport will allow users to create a universal digital identity, eliminating redundant compliance checks across multiple investments. The company stated that this will save time and resources while improving the user experience within the iCapital ecosystem.

Citing a report from Burton Taylor International Consulting, iCapital said  the financial services industry spends an estimated $2.5 billion each year globally on identity verification and compliance processes.

Tony Peccatiello, co-founder and CEO of Parallel Markets, shared his enthusiasm for the acquisition.

“We built an industry-leading onboarding and KYC/AML passport solution for financial institutions who are looking to streamline and scale their business by eliminating redundant processes," he said. "We are thrilled to join iCapital and together provide an innovative, tech-enabled identity management service.”

iCapital's compliance-focused acquisition agreement comes right after Archive Intel, compliance archiving tech provider, announced it has secured $1.5 million in additional capital through a funding round led by Garuda Ventures. Social Leverage, which led the $1 million seed funding round for Archive Intel last May, also participated in the latest financing.

The company said it has gained substantial traction in the market, surpassing 220 clients and 2,000 users in just six months. 

“Archive Intel’s innovative platform and leadership team are well-positioned to shape the future of communication compliance,” said Rishi Taparia, co-founder and general partner of Garuda Ventures.

According to Archive Intel CEO Larry Shumbres, who was among the founding leadership team at the startup's launch in April last year, the funding will be used to expand the company’s integrations and infrastructure, supporting its mission to make compliance processes “seamless, efficient, and future-ready.”

Latest News

Great wealth transfer is not just about money, says Edward Jones' Lewandowski
Great wealth transfer is not just about money, says Edward Jones' Lewandowski

With trillions of dollars in transit, HNW expert sees a bigger picture.

Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech
Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech

Summit Financial unveiled a suite of eight new tools, including AI lead gen and digital marketing software, while MassMutual forges a new partnership with Orion.

SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud
SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud

A new analysis shows the number of actions plummeting over a six-month period, potentially due to changing priorities and staffing reductions at the agency.

MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm
MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm

The strategic merger of equals with the $27 billion RIA firm in Los Angeles marks what could be the largest unification of the summer 2025 M&A season.

Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs
Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs

Report highlights lack of options for those faced with emergency expenses.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.