AML resources · sanctions screening
Sanctions screening: a practical guide
What to screen, how to review a possible match and how to keep the record current
Sanctions screening compares a person or entity with current sanctions-list data. A useful check does more than return a name: it shows which list produced the possible match, helps the reviewer compare identity details, and preserves the result for the compliance file.
A possible match is a review point, not an identity conclusion. FIRMCY keeps name matching broad for recall, then shows the available identity signals. A mismatch stays visible for review and never hides the hit or lowers the risk band.
The five core sanctions lists
These are the same five source lists tracked in the FIRMCY daily sanctions changelog:
See daily sanctions-list changes
How to review a sanctions result
- Search the complete name. Name matching stays broad enough to surface spelling, alias and transliteration variants.
- Compare identity details. Use the available date of birth, nationality, gender and place of birth to assess whether the result concerns your subject.
- Review the source list. Record which list produced the result, the programme or measure shown, and why you treated the identity as corroborated, partial, mismatched or unverified.
- Keep the evidence. Preserve the result and the reasons for the decision in the compliance file.
- Re-screen when needed. Repeat the check at onboarding, on a trigger event and periodically in line with the client risk band.
Sanctions, PEP and adverse-media checks answer different questions
Sanctions
Is the person or entity a possible match to a designation or restriction on a sanctions list?
PEP
Is the person an office-holder, family member or known close associate covered by the PEP rules?
Adverse media
Do public sources contain relevant risk information that needs assessment and verification?
A clear result in one category does not answer the other two. FIRMCY presents the checks separately and explains how each result contributes to the assessment.
What the audit record should show
- the subject and identity information used for the check;
- which lists and sources were checked and their recorded freshness;
- every possible match and the identity signals considered;
- the reviewer’s disposition and reasons; and
- when the next review or monitoring step is due.
FIRMCY returns the full result with its source list, identity-plausibility analysis and a downloadable audit-ready report.
New organisations receive 100 free screening credits, with no card required.Start screening freeHow the free check worksFrequently asked questions
Which sanctions lists does FIRMCY screen?
FIRMCY screens the UN Security Council Consolidated List, the EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions List, the OFAC SDN List, the OFAC Consolidated non-SDN List and the UK Sanctions List.
Is a name match proof that the person is sanctioned?
No. Matching is deliberately broad for recall. Review the available date of birth, nationality, gender and place of birth before deciding whether the listed person or entity is your subject.
Is one sanctions check enough?
No. Sanctions lists change. Screen at onboarding, when new information or another trigger arises, and periodically in line with the risk band.
Does screening replace compliance judgement?
No. FIRMCY records the lists checked, possible matches and supporting evidence. The obliged entity remains responsible for reviewing the result and deciding what action its legal obligations require.
Related FIRMCY resources
