Screening guide
What is a sanctions check?
By Streak Technologies LTD · Updated
A sanctions check compares identifying information about a person or organization with sanctions data to surface potential matches for investigation. The result is a starting point for review, rather than a decision based on a name alone.
Start with usable identity information
A full name is more useful than an initial or a common surname. Gather known aliases and the identifying information appropriate to the subject, such as a date of birth, nationality, registration number or vessel identifier. Preserve the original information you received so a reviewer can see the basis of the search.
In Sancticheck, Screening Search accepts names, aliases and identifying information. Search results show the classification, matching sources and a relevance rating. Open the profile to inspect the underlying details.
Read the classification before interpreting the result
A sanctions listing and a PEP record answer different questions. A provider may also supply other risk-related classifications. Do not treat every returned profile as a sanctions finding. Identify the source and the specific classification, then review the supporting information.
OFAC explains that screening tools may search several different lists, whose restrictions and responsible authorities differ. Its guidance recommends using an organization’s procedures to investigate potential matches. Read OFAC’s match-assessment guidance.
Use a repeatable review sequence
- Record the subject and search terms used.
- Confirm which source and classification produced the result.
- Compare aliases, dates, identifiers and geographic details.
- Investigate missing or conflicting information rather than assuming a match or a clearance.
- Check source dates and the current source publication where needed.
- Record the decision and the evidence required by your organization’s policy.
Understand what a search cannot settle
No result means the query returned no matching profiles in the searched data. It does not prove that all legal restrictions have been considered. Incomplete identifiers, unavailable sources, ownership relationships or restrictions outside a list-based check can require other work.
The Sancticheck application shows the contributing sources and their synchronization dates. Check coverage before relying on a search, and ask the team about any portfolio scheduling or notification requirements. Explore supported sources.
See the application workflow
Use the product walkthrough to see the search results, source-linked profile and company portfolio screens. Developed by Streak Technologies LTD in Mauritius.
See Sancticheck in your compliance workflow
Talk to Streak Technologies, the company that develops Sancticheck, about screening data, team access and integration requirements.