A lot of banks and other financial institutes now require a lot more identification then before. I remember opening accounts with just my driver's license number or SSN, but now they ask for my photo and so on. Maybe KYC regulations are putting some pressure on them or something. I usually just drop the account if I see too many hurdles - I am fine with having to work to earn my money, but having to work to give my money to somebody is a bit too much for me.
Yes, there are KYC regulations - but they have been around for a while. And still banks didn't do it in an intrusive manner that some of the newer companies do it.
