## Summary

This article explains how to initiate a PEPs (Politically Exposed Persons), Sanctions, and Adverse Media check on a staff member or client.

## When to Use This

Use this process when you are onboarding a new staff member or client and need to verify their background against politically exposed persons lists, sanctions lists, and adverse media reports.

## Step-by-Step Instructions


1. Locate the individual you want to check (either a staff member or a client) in the Compliance Centre.
2. Under the verification section, check the box next to "PEPs, sanctions and Adverse media".
3. Click the **Order** button located on the right side of the row.
4. In the pop-up window, confirm the details of the person you are searching.
5. Click **Confirm** to proceed.
6. The status will change to **IN PROGRESS** while the system performs the search.

## Common Questions

* **Who can I run a PEPs check on?** You can run this check on either a staff member or a client.
* **What happens after I confirm the order?** The system will process the search, and the status will update to show whether any profile matches were found.
* **What is a PEP check?** A PEP check identifies whether a customer holds (or has held) a prominent public position or is closely related to someone who has. 
* **What** **is a Sanction check?** A Sanctions check verifies whether a person or business appears on official government or international sanctions lists (for example - UN or DFAT)
* **What is a Adverse Media check?** An Adverse Media check looks for negative news or public information about a person or business.

## Troubleshooting Tips

* **Incorrect details in the confirmation window:** If the mobile number or other details are incorrect, update them in the pop-up before clicking confirm.
* **Search taking a long time:** The search may take a few moments to return results. Wait for the status to change from "IN PROGRESS" to see the outcome.




Conducting PEPs, Sanctions, and Adverse Media Checks

How to add your AUSTRAC enrolment number

Setting up the AML/CTF Compliance Centre

Navigating the Transactions tab

Governing Body access in the Compliance Centre

Senior Manager or Client-Facing staff access in the Compliance Centre

Understanding the Transactions list

User roles and Viewing permissions

Navigating the Compliance Centre

Uploading your own Firm risk assessment

Completing the Firm Risk Assessment

Uploading an external Policy document

Generate a Policy and Process document

Managing policy and process documents

Policy and Process overview

Due Diligence requirements for Compliance Officers

Performing the Bankruptcy Register search

Performing the Criminal History check

Onboarding a Compliance Officer

Onboarding Governing Body, Senior Manager and Client-facing roles

Managing Staff Onboarding

How to Review Profile Matches from a Screening Check

Understanding Screening Check Statuses

Tracking completed Training Modules

How to check Training Status and access your Training Completion Certificate

How to access and complete Training modules

Managing Staff Training

AUSTRAC Reports

Viewing and filtering existing Reliance Agreements

Creating a New Reliance Agreement

Managing Reliance Agreements in the Compliance Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started with the Compliance Centre

 Configuring Verification and Compliance Checks for individuals

Sending Onboarding Requests and Accessing the AML Summary for individuals

Completing the individual Risk Assessment and Finalising Onboarding

How to Onboard an Individual

Performing a Verification of Funds Check

How to Escalate a Client to a Compliance Officer

Enhanced Due Diligence and Escalations

How to Finalise Trust Onboardings

How to Complete the AML Risk Assessment for Trusts

How to Onboard a Trust

How to Complete the AML Risk Assessment for Companies

How to Finalise Company Onboardings

How to Onboard a Company

Conducting an Initial Risk Review for Escalations

Resolving or Investigating Escalations Further

Reviewing Escalations as a Compliance Officer

AML Customer Due Diligence

Editing staff details to resolve Staff Onboarding validation errors

Duplicate Users - Practice Management Software Integration

Old Users Appearing in Staff Onboarding

Troubleshooting

Guide

Help Center - Live

Conducting PEPs, Sanctions, and Adverse Media Checks

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How to Review Profile Matches from a Screening Check

Understanding Screening Check Statuses

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Conducting PEPs, Sanctions, and Adverse Media Checks

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How to Review Profile Matches from a Screening Check

Understanding Screening Check Statuses

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