PEP Screening API for Politically Exposed Person Checks
PEP context needs a different review path.
PEP status is preventive risk context, not wrongdoing or a sanctions designation. Verifex screens configured PEP sources alongside sanctions, watchlist and debarment sources, so your team can apply the review process that fits its obligations.
Screening truth is per result. A no-hit alone is not a clearance. Treat a result as clear only when Standard Screening is clearance-eligible, source coverage is complete, the candidate set is complete, and the result has zero matches. Otherwise the result remains unresolved and needs your policy or review.
Why PEP screening failures are costly
A risk category, not a finding
PEP status describes a prominent public function or close association. It is not an accusation, a finding of wrongdoing or a sanctions designation. It supports risk-based review where applicable.
Applicable duties depend on your role
FATF and EU AML frameworks set risk-based enhanced-due-diligence expectations for obliged entities. The obligation that applies to your organisation depends on its jurisdiction, role and policy.
Review needs evidence
A PEP candidate should be assessed with identity and source context. Keep the source, candidate and resulting decision available for a reviewer instead of treating a name similarity as a conclusion.
What a PEP match means and what it does not
- PEP status is not wrongdoing. It records that a person holds, or is closely associated with someone who holds, a prominent public function. It is not an allegation, a finding, or evidence of any offence.
- A PEP match is not a sanctions designation. Sanctions are a legal restriction imposed by an authority. PEP status is a risk-management category. Verifex reports them separately and never merges the two.
- It is not an automatic block. Under FATF Recommendation 12 a PEP relationship triggers risk-based enhanced due diligence: senior approval, source-of-wealth checks and ongoing monitoring proportionate to the risk. The decision to onboard remains yours.
This is a summary of the preventive standard, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your jurisdiction and regulator. See the FATF PEP guidance and EU AML Directive, Article 20.
Apply the right due diligence to the right people. Every time.
PEP source inclusion
Plan scope
Country coverage
RCA records
What makes Verifex PEP screening different
PEP + Sanctions in one call
Screen against configured PEP and sanctions sources in one integration, with coverage depending on plan and environment.
Risk tiers, not just flags
PEP-only hits are clearly distinguished from sanctions hits. Apply proportionate due diligence, and do not treat every PEP like a sanctioned entity.
Documented for your regulator
Every PEP screen is logged with full audit evidence. Show your regulator exactly what you checked, when, and what you decided.
Screen for PEP status in one request.
curl -X POST https://api.verifex.dev/v1/screen \
-H "Authorization: Bearer vfx_your_api_key" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"name": "Maria González Fernández",
"type": "person",
"country": "ES",
"date_of_birth": "1965-03-15"
}'{
"verdict": "possible_match",
"risk_level": "medium",
"total_matches": 1,
"matches": [
{
"source": "PEP_CONFIG",
"source_type": "pep",
"source_severity": "pep",
"confidence": 78,
"match_type": "FUZZY",
"pep_category": "Cabinet Minister"
}
],
"screened_at": "2026-06-15T14:30:00.000Z"
}Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)?
A PEP is an individual who holds or has held a prominent public function, such as a head of state, cabinet minister, senior military official or senior executive of a state-owned enterprise. Applicable AML frameworks can require risk-based enhanced due diligence for PEP relationships. PEP status is preventive context, not an allegation of wrongdoing.
Does a PEP match mean the person is sanctioned?
No. A PEP candidate indicates politically exposed context, not a sanctions designation or an automatic block. Verifex keeps PEP source context distinct from sanctions results.
How does Verifex handle PEP false positives?
Verifex retains source and candidate context for reviewer assessment. Provide date of birth, country and other lawful identifiers where available. A retrieved candidate is not a confirmed identity, and conflicting identity evidence cannot silently confirm it.
What PEP categories does Verifex cover?
Verifex screens configured PEP sources. The categories available in a result depend on the enabled source, plan and source data. No PEP dataset is exhaustive for any country, so source and coverage context remain part of the result.
Does PEP screening cover relatives and close associates (RCA)?
Some applicable AML frameworks address family members and close associates. Verifex screens configured PEP sources, which may include those records depending on source coverage and plan. No PEP dataset is exhaustive.
How should false positives be handled in PEP screening?
Review the candidate, its source context and available identity evidence rather than accepting or rejecting a name alone. Provide date of birth and country where lawful and available to support that assessment.