
Sanctions Search and PEP Screening
Our automated platform uniquely equips you to carry out sanction searches and checks for PEPs and RCAs. If our software finds a match for your client, we’ll filter out false negatives, and alert you once the match has been confirmed.
What are Sanctions and PEPs?
Sanctions are restrictions used to stop individuals and entities who are involved in – or suspected of – illegal activities from engaging in certain industries. Government bodies and financial authorities both issue sanctions lists; these can be used to screen individuals and organisations for financial sanctions.
A PEP, or Politically Exposed Person, is someone who holds a prominent position in public life – for example a senior member of government or law enforcement – making them more vulnerable to bribery and corruption.
Sanctions searches and PEP screenings are a central component of your AML checks, as they confirm that your client doesn’t present a money laundering risk.

We can help you to…
Get the help you need
The SmartSearch system completes Sanction and PEP screening on every AML check you perform, automatically triggering Enhanced Due Diligence on any matches. It then screens all customers every night and alerts you of any changes.
There’s no official source that lists all sanctions, PEPs and RCAs, so manual screening is challenging. What makes SmartSearch screenings so accurate? We use the Dow Jones WatchList – a combination of over 1,100 databases, updated daily.

That’s where we come in
SmartSearch offers a one-stop-shop for all your firm’s AML requirements. The user-friendly system enables staff at any level to successfully run AML checks, and we are constantly updating and improving the platform to ensure it remains the leading AML solution on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are financial sanctions?
- What are sanctions lists?
- Which sanctions are included in the UK sanctions list?
- Which countries are subject to sanctions?
- What are the risks when you fail to screen for sanctions?
Have a question you don’t see here?
Get in touchSee it in action
Let one of our highly-trained sales team demonstrate
the multi-award winning SmartSearch AML product
By submitting your email address, you consent to us sending you emails about news, case studies, resources and updates. To find out more, visit our Privacy Policy.