The Brief

Russell & Co is a long-established legal business based in Northern Ireland, providing a broad range of legal services including conveyancing, litigation, wills and probate, and commercial work. The team prides itself on combining modern practices with traditional client care- ensuring trust and efficiency remain at the heart of everything they do. As part of its commitment to regulatory excellence and smooth client onboarding, Russell & Co sought a more streamlined and reliable anti-money laundering (AML) solution. With tightening AML regulations and client expectations for a seamless experience, Russell & Co recognised that relying on manual checks could no longer meet their high standards for accuracy, consistency, or speed.

The Challenge

Before adopting SmartSearch, Russell & Co’s AML processes were largely manual and fragmented.

Morrison recalls:

“It was on a very ad hoc basis — just based on obtaining documentation and information directly from the client.”

This approach led to several challenges:

Manual burden: Onboarding a client could take up to an hour, particularly when collecting proof of ID or address.

Human error: There was a risk of incomplete or inconsistent checks due to reliance on manual data collection.

Client communication difficulties: Explaining to clients why AML checks were needed often caused friction. As Morrison explained, “It could be difficult sometimes to explain to the client why it was required.”

The business needed a solution that was not only compliant but intuitive and efficient- one that could handle the regulatory complexity while supporting their clients.

After hearing about SmartSearch through a recommendation from another firm of solicitors, Russell & Co decided to explore the platform for themselves.

The Solution

SmartSearch provided Russell & Co with an intelligent AML verification platform that addressed each of their challenges head-on.

As a leading provider of anti-money laundering software, SmartSearch delivers a single, fully automated solution for individual and business verification, covering both UK and international markets. This includes:

• Automated worldwide Sanction, PEP, UBO and adverse media screening, with ongoing monitoring

• Triple-bureau data verification through Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, providing unrivalled accuracy

• Integration with both Dow Jones Watchlist and LSEG’s World-Check One to enhance global watchlist screening

• Rapid, two-second identity checks with a 97% pass rate, ensuring efficient onboarding

For Russell & Co, this meant moving away from inconsistent manual processes to a robust digital system capable of producing immediate, reliable results.

SmartSearch’s collaborative approach meant the system was quickly embedded into Russell & Co’s workflows, allowing the team to focus on client service rather than compliance administration. 

“It’s very easy to use. The speed of the results and the ability to have notification of any future changes- all of those are very useful indeed.” 

“SmartSearch has made our AML process faster, more consistent, and easier for both our team and our clients.” 

Matthew Morrison

Russell & Co

The Results

•  Onboarding Time Halved  
   Morrison estimates that AML checks now take “at least half the amount of time that we had to spend on it before.” What once took up to an hour can now be completed in a matter of minutes. 
•  Consistency & Accuracy Improved 
   Automated verification has reduced human error and ensured that every client is screened against the latest sanctions, PEP and UBO data.  
  
•  Client Experience Enhanced 
   By streamlining the AML process, the firm can explain compliance requirements more clearly and complete checks faster - improving trust and professionalism. 
•  Future-Proof Compliance 
  

  With the recent activation of SmartSearch’s Source of Funds feature, Russell & Co is excited to take compliance one step further:

  “We’ve just had that activated and I’m really looking forward to see how that changes our systems again. I think it will provide another great benefit to both our time and the accuracy of the AML report.”

For Russell & Co, SmartSearch has transformed AML from a manual, time-consuming obligation into a seamless, efficient process that enhances both compliance and client service.

By leveraging SmartSearch’s advanced data coverage, triple-bureau verification, and world-class watchlist integrations, the business has achieved what every modern legal practice aims for - trust through efficiency.

 “Our partnership with SmartSearch so far has been very fruitful for the business and we’re looking forward to continuing for many years to come.”

Matthew Morrison

Russell & Co