Frequently Asked Questions

If you are having trouble understanding how to perform searches then we recommend reading the two pdfs here:

We have created a pdf document which contains all the details you have enquired about, including links to sample reports and a walk through.

The document is available to view here: https://www.amlsearch.co.uk/samples/aml_introduction.pdf

A result of 'Failed' always means the search didn't complete and we will not return a report in these circumstances. 

The only valid results normally are 'Passed' or 'Referred'.

We never charge for 'Failed' results.
 

A 'Passed' result means that the system has found at least the number of ID's and Addresses you specified in your risk profile by searching appropriate databases for information. It will still be at your discretion as to whether you have enough information to satisfy the JMLSG guidelines, and that will also be dependent on the risk profile you selected.

A 'referred' result means that the total amount of successful ID and addresses returned by the system is less than required to pass the AML Search. The number of positive checks required is based on the risk profile you select.

It has been referred back to yourselves so your MLRO or nominated officer can look at the case in more detail and decide if there are any issues that need to be followed up, and if you still wish to engage with this client.

An AML Search result will not ever be updated automatically, as it is solely based on the data you entered and the results found at that moment in time. If someone has been referred there may be a number of factors that you can use to influence the likelihood of a Pass result. Firstly, you can obtain additional documentary evidence from the client and indicate on the search that you have seen them (include references for Passport and Driving Licences to get additional checks), or even upload them electronically. Also, you can try to interview people face-to-face rather than by letter or on the phone as the latter increases the requirements for the number of electeonic results.

No.

The additional documentary evidence is used in addition to the other electronic checks performed but are still valid ID checks (i.e. you have verified a passport/driving licence/utility bill visually).  AML Search is designed around the prescriptive requirements for a electronic verification system as detailed in the Joint Money Laundering Steering Groups (JMLSG) Guidance Notes. The use of electronic verification on a risk based approach is recognised by the FSA, Law Society, and Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales.

You need to apply to join the government run Data Protection scheme which can be done online using this link:
http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/notification/notify.aspx

It is a good idea to spend some time understanding your responsibilities under the Data Protection Act first, as the penalties can be harsh.

Before you can start performing searches, our accounts team will need to set up your direct debit details. Once your account has been approved (they will send you an extra email to confirm this), you will see additional buttons available on the site to perform both Personal and Non-Personal searches.

An International Personal AML Search now contains two Pass, Fail or Refer results, Identity Confirmation and Alerts & Warnings. Clearly Pass and Pass is a Green light. Refer and Pass merely means that positive identity cannot be fully verified and more information should be sought by the firm in support of the electronic search result (i.e. hard copy proof of identity and address).

We are unable to provide matching to an individual using a BFPO address.

Our UK AML data covers UK addresses only, and our (version 2 only) international AML check and ID data only covers a country's own address format.

The following electronic sources are used when performing a Personal AML Search:

The list of acceptable ID that can be used is as follows:

International AML Search allows a UK firm to carry out checks on Non-UK Nationals from over 150 countries. AML regulations, legislation and guidelines stipulate that searches should contain both positive and negative checking procedures. Positive Identity confirmation is clearly much more difficult to achieve in some countries (like India or Afghanistan for instance) therefore in the details section of the search the information that can be verified is returned - for clarity AML Search International breaks out the two components into Positive Identity and Alerts & Warnings Lists in line with the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group guidelines.

ICO stands for the Information Commissioner’s Office.  It is the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.

All public and private organisations are legally obliged to protect any personal information they hold, and may be required to notify with the ICO. Public authorities are also obliged to provide public access to official information.

The Data Protection Act 1998 requires every data controller who is processing personal information to register with the ICO, unless they are exempt.

Once registered you will be assigned an ICO Number which is unique to your organisation.

Further information is available here: http://www.ico.gov.uk/.

International Personal AML Search match rates vary from country to country and can range from over 90% right down to less than 2%. An electronic match is reliant upon the data being made available within a country for public scrutiny in a format that can be interrogated electronically and many countries have very limited data due to wide ranging social and political factors. A result of 'No Match' can often be the outcome for countries who have little data available.