GBG will be removing the standard PEP and sanctions service provided as part of our core data set on:

• TEST - 26 April 27 September 2023

• PROD - 24 May 1 November 2023

Since the standard service was launched in 2016, AML regulations and customer service expectations have changed.  The standard PEP and sanctions service only searches a limited number of watchlists and only provides a basic yes/no match response, therefore we no longer feel this services meets the needs of our customers.  

FAQ's

Why is GBG discontinuing the standard PEP and sanctions service? 

After reviewing the service GBG has decided that it no longer meets the needs of customers looking to uphold a high standard of AML compliance.   

What alternatives do I have for PEP and sanction checks? 

GBG offers a fully featured watchlist screening service featuring industry recognised global data curated by Dow Jones.  As well as comprehensive data, the service provides extensive detail about matched individuals and tools to record investigated match decisions (e.g. true match, false positive).  GBG is offering a discount on the Watchlist Screening Dow Jones service, until 12 April 2023, talk to your account manager to find out more. 

How will the standard service be discontinued? 

GBG will remove the service from greenID TEST accounts on 26 April 27 September 20223, and from PROD accounts on 24 May 2023.  Customers can choose to upgrade to our Dow Jones Watchlist service at a discounted rate before the 12 April 2023, or can request to terminate the service early.   1 November 2023.  

Will this change have a technical impact? 

The results for standard watchlist data will no longer be received.  Depending on how your business has configured the service or how it is using the results will determine whether you will need to make technical changes, process changes, or no change.  We  We highly recommend you test the change to identify any impacts to your system. 

What will happen to the API results when the Standard Watchlist is disabled?

Below are 2 XML samples - one with Standard Watchlists Results and one without.

What alternatives do I have for PEP and sanction checks? 

GBG offers a fully featured watchlist screening service featuring industry recognised global data curated by Dow Jones.  As well as comprehensive data, the service provides extensive detail about matched individuals and tools to record investigated match decisions (e.g. true match, false positive). 

What are the benefits of the Watchlist Screening service using Dow Jones data? 

The Watchlist Screening service uses Dow Jones and Compliance database to search against 1000’s of global data sources to identify politically exposed or high-risk individuals to meet your AML and KYC obligations.  

If the identity is matched, the service will provide comprehensive information about the individual to help you assess the risk of doing business with them. 

The Dow Jones Risk and Compliance database includes the following types of profiles:  

• Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) — individuals holding prominent public positions.  

• Relatives or Close Associates of PEPs. 

• Sanctions Lists — persons associated with terrorism, terrorist financing, narcotics trafficking, war crimes

• Special Interest Persons — individuals implicated in specific types of criminal activity, such as terrorism, organised crime, financial crime, or corruption. 

If you upgrade to Watchlist Screening by the 12 April 2023, GBG will provide a discount on the registration fee, talk to your account manager to find out more.  

Note: the standard service only provides a Yes/No response limiting your ability to investigate the individual thoroughly.

Will there be any operational impact if I upgrade to Watchlist Screening service?  

If you upgrade to the Dow Jones service, you may find the comprehensive data returns a higher number of matches than the standard service.  We recommend that customers review matches to ensure that false positives and true matches are identified. 

What if I don’t want to upgrade to the Watchlist Screening service? 

GBG recommends that you review your compliance obligations and AML risk program.  Some standard watchlist users may not have a requirement to do PEP & sanctions screening, or it may be duplication of other business processes.  For customers that do have a compliance requirement to do PEP and Sanctions screening, the Dow Jones service is fit for purpose and easy to add to your greenID configuration. 

Why do I have to pay for a service that I was previously getting for free? 

Dow Jones is an industry recognised provider of PEP and sanctions data and therefore has higher data supply costs.  GBG recognises this will have a commercial impact to customers and is helping by heavily discounting the transactions fees.