Your First AML Search

Learn how to screen applicants against global sanctions lists, Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) databases, and adverse media sources to meet your Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance obligations.

What You'll Learn

• How to run an AML screening search
• Understanding search results and match scores
• Reviewing PEP, sanctions, and adverse media hits
• Making accept/reject decisions based on risk
• Setting up ongoing AML monitoring

Prerequisites

• Active VeriPlus account
• At least 3 credits available
• An existing applicant (or create one for this tutorial)
• Basic understanding of AML compliance (see AML Compliance Basics)

What is AML Screening?

AML (Anti-Money Laundering) screening checks individuals and businesses against:

• Sanctions Lists: UN, OFAC, EU, UK sanctions
• PEP Databases: Politically Exposed Persons and their associates
• Adverse Media: Negative news coverage related to financial crimes
• Watchlists: Law enforcement and regulatory watchlists

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Navigate to AML Search

1. Log in to your VeriPlus dashboard
2. Click "AML Search" in Quick Actions
3. Or navigate to Dashboard → AML → Search

Step 2: Select Applicant to Screen

You have two options:

Option A: Search Existing Applicant

1. Click "Select applicant"
2. Search by name or email
3. Select the applicant from results
4. Applicant details auto-populate the form

Option B: One-Time Search (No Applicant)

1. Leave applicant field empty
2. Manually enter screening details:

   Full Name: John Michael Smith
   Date of Birth: 1975-03-15
   Country: United Kingdom

Step 3: Configure Search Parameters

Basic Search Fields (Required)

Advanced Search Fields (Optional)

Step 4: Select Search Categories

Choose which lists to search:

☑ Sanctions Lists
☑ PEP (Politically Exposed Persons)
☑ Adverse Media
☐ Disqualified Directors (UK only)

Recommended Settings:

• Standard Risk: Sanctions + PEP
• Enhanced Due Diligence: Sanctions + PEP + Adverse Media
• Comprehensive: All categories

2 Credits Most comprehensive search

Step 5: Set Matching Sensitivity

Control how strict name matching should be:

Recommended: Start with High (90%+) to minimise false positives.

Step 6: Run the Search

1. Review all entered information
2. Click "Run AML Search"
3. Search processes in 5-15 seconds
4. Results appear on the search results page

Step 7: Review Search Results

Results show potential matches across all searched categories.

No Matches Found (Clear Result)

✅ No matches found

Search completed against:
- 45 sanctions lists
- 20 PEP databases
- 15 adverse media sources

0 potential matches
Risk Level: Low

Next Steps:

• Mark as "No Match" and approve the applicant
• Optionally enable ongoing monitoring
• Export PDF for compliance records

Matches Found (Requires Review)

⚠️ 3 potential matches found

Match 1: 95% confidence - Sanctions List
Match 2: 87% confidence - PEP Database
Match 3: 72% confidence - Adverse Media

For each match, you'll see:

• Match Score (0-100%): Confidence level
• Category: Sanctions, PEP, Adverse Media, etc.
• Source: Specific list or database
• Details: Why this person is listed
• Date Added: When added to the list

Step 8: Investigate Matches

Click on each match to view detailed information:

Sanctions Match Example

Match Score: 95%
Category: Sanctions
Source: OFAC SDN List (US Treasury)
Reason: Financial fraud, money laundering
Date Added: 2019-06-15
Status: Active

Personal Details:
- Full Name: John Michael Smith
- DOB: 1975-03-14 (1 day difference)
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Also Known As: J.M. Smith, Johnny Smith

Comparing Details

Create a comparison table:

Decision: In this case, it's likely a TRUE POSITIVE (same person) due to:

• Exact name match
• DOB only 1 day different (possible data error)
• Same nationality
• High match score (95%)

PEP Match Example

Match Score: 87%
Category: Politically Exposed Person
Source: Global PEP Database
Position: Former Member of Parliament
Country: United Kingdom
Status: Former PEP (left office 2018)
Risk Level: Medium

Associations:
- Close associate: Jane Smith (Current MP)
- Family member: Robert Smith (Business owner)

PEP Risk Levels:

• High: Current senior politicians, judges, military officers
• Medium: Former PEPs (within 12 months), close associates
• Low: Former PEPs (12+ months), distant relatives

Step 9: Make a Decision

For each match, you must decide:

Option A: TRUE POSITIVE (It's the Same Person)

1. Click "Confirm Match"

2. Document why you believe it's the same person:

   Exact name and DOB match, same nationality.
   Sanctions list entry matches applicant profile.

3. Determine risk acceptability:

   • Reject: If on active sanctions list
   • Enhanced Due Diligence: If PEP or adverse media
   • Escalate: If uncertain

Option B: FALSE POSITIVE (Different Person)

1. Click "Dismiss Match"

2. Document why it's not the same person:

   DOB differs by 5 years. Match lives in different city.
   Occupation doesn't match. Likely different person.

3. Continue reviewing other matches

Decision Framework

Step 10: Finalise Screening Result

After reviewing all matches:

1. Overall risk assessment is calculated:

   • High Risk: Active sanctions or multiple PEP/adverse hits
   • Medium Risk: Former PEP or single adverse media hit
   • Low Risk: No confirmed matches

2. Take final action:

   • Approve & Clear: No risk identified
   • Approve with Monitoring: Low/medium risk, ongoing monitoring enabled
   • Reject: High risk, unacceptable

3. Add notes for audit trail

Step 11: Enable Ongoing Monitoring (Optional)

For approved applicants who had PEP or adverse media matches:

1. Click "Enable AML Monitoring"

2. Choose monitoring frequency:

   • Daily: High-risk applicants
   • Weekly: Medium-risk applicants
   • Monthly: Low-risk, routine monitoring

3. Configure alert settings:

   • Email notifications: ✅ Enabled
   • Dashboard alerts: ✅ Enabled
   • Webhook notifications: ✅ Enabled (if integrated)

4. Cost: 1 credit per month per monitored applicant

Step 12: Export AML Report

Generate a compliance report:

1. Click "Export PDF Report"

2. Report includes:

   • Search parameters and date
   • All matches found (including dismissed)
   • Your decision and reasoning
   • Risk assessment
   • Sources consulted

3. Cost: 1 credit

4. Store report for audit and regulatory compliance

Understanding AML Data Sources

VeriPlus searches across 100+ global sources:

Sanctions Lists (45 sources)

• OFAC SDN (US Treasury)
• UN Security Council
• EU Consolidated List
• UK HM Treasury
• Country-specific lists

PEP Databases (20 sources)

• Current heads of state
• Government ministers
• Senior judges
• Military officers
• State-owned enterprise executives
• Close associates and family members

Adverse Media (15 sources)

• Financial crime news
• Money laundering allegations
• Fraud investigations
• Corruption cases
• Regulatory enforcement actions

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: Too Many False Positives

Problem: Common names return many irrelevant matches

Solutions:

• Add middle name(s) to search
• Include date of birth
• Add national ID or passport number
• Increase matching threshold to "High" or "Exact"
• Add country or place of birth

Issue: No Matches for Known PEP

Problem: Expected to find PEP match but got no results

Solutions:

• Check spelling of name (use official spelling)
• Try alternate name spellings or transliterations
• Lower matching threshold to "Medium"
• Check if using maiden name vs. married name
• Ensure PEP category is selected

Issue: Uncertain About Match

Problem: Match score is borderline (70-80%)

Solutions:

• Compare all available fields (DOB, nationality, occupation)
• Research the match online for additional information
• Look for unique identifiers (middle names, aliases)
• Contact support for guidance
• Default to "Investigate" rather than immediate reject

Best Practices

1. Always search linked applicants - Better audit trail than one-time searches
2. Include DOB when available - Dramatically reduces false positives
3. Document all decisions - Required for regulatory compliance
4. Review match details thoroughly - Don't rely solely on match score
5. Enable monitoring for PEPs - Regulatory best practice
6. Export reports for high-risk cases - Maintain audit trail
7. Update searches periodically - Lists change frequently

AML Screening Frequency

Next Steps

Credit Usage Summary

This tutorial consumed approximately:

• AML search (Sanctions + PEP + Adverse Media): 3 credits
• Ongoing monitoring setup (per month): 1 credit
• PDF export (if used): 1 credit
• Total: 4-5 credits