Leasing equipment and money laundering regulations?

[pete]

We lease random hardware from various people and we needed a new lease for something. One of the leasing companies quotes insists on a recent utility bill and a photocopy of a passport for "money laundering compliance". None of the other leasing companies have asked for this and sounded quite bemused when I quizzed them about it on the phone.

 

I've still to thrash this out with the leasing company, my problem is: they're the best deal but I know my head is likely to tell them to get stuffed wrt his personal details being involved.

 

Admittedly this was the same leasing company that was surprised when the Bursar pointed out we don't make a profit or have management accounts.

 

Anyone else been asked to provide similar for a school leasing agreement?