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Compliance & AML
Adverse media screening that separates real risk from noise
We search, review and assess negative news about customers, businesses and connected parties, and record clear conclusions on whether it changes their risk.
At a glance
Structured search methodology
Multi-language searches
Identity matching
Severity assessment
Supporting fintechs in the UK, EU, US and Canada
Overview
The context screening lists cannot give you
Many financial crime risks never appear on a sanctions list. Fraud allegations, regulatory actions, organised crime links and corruption cases often surface first in the media. Regulators expect fintechs to look for them, especially for higher-risk customers.
Hilix analysts use structured search strings across reputable sources and languages, confirm whether articles relate to your customer, judge the seriousness and recency of the allegations and document a clear outcome. Relevant findings feed directly into risk ratings and EDD decisions.
What’s included
Everything included in Adverse Media Screening
Who this is for
- Fintechs with high-risk or high-value customers
- KYB teams onboarding merchants and corporates
- Businesses with automated adverse media alerts to clear
- Compliance teams preparing for audit
What you receive
- Documented adverse media searches and outcomes
- Risk rating updates linked to findings
- Escalations for material negative news
- Search methodology and procedure
- Volume and outcome reporting
How we work
How we take over or build your compliance function
Diagnose
We review your policies, risk assessment, case files, queues and systems to see what works, what is missing and what is exposed.
Design
We agree scope, service levels, escalation rules and the decisions that stay with your MLRO, then document them.
Operate
Our analysts work inside your tools, clear queues to agreed SLAs and record every decision with evidence.
Report and improve
Weekly and monthly MI, quality checks and trend analysis feed continuous improvement and board reporting.
FAQ
Adverse Media Screening: common questions
Is adverse media screening mandatory?
It is expected as part of a risk-based approach, especially for EDD, business customers and higher-risk relationships, and many banking partners require it.
How far back do you search?
We follow your policy, commonly focusing on recent years while still recording serious historic allegations that remain relevant.
What if the media is only an allegation?
We assess credibility, outcome and seriousness, record the reasoning and recommend whether the relationship needs enhanced measures, monitoring or exit.
Keep exploring
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Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
Deep reviews of high-risk customers, PEPs and complex relationships, with source of wealth evidence and approval packs.
KYB Verification (Know Your Business)
Business customer onboarding with company, ownership, UBO and director checks done thoroughly and documented clearly.
All Compliance & AML services
KYC, KYB, screening, transaction monitoring, SARs, policies, audits and MLRO support run by experienced fintech compliance practitioners.