What Is a Global Watchlist?

A global watchlist is essentially a giant database of red flags. It compiles information on individuals, companies, and even countries that are suspected of involvement in risky activities. This could include anything from terrorism financing and money laundering to fraud and human rights abuses.

They can reveal if an applicant, an individual or entity, poses a threat to your organisation, or if they're under any disciplinary action by law enforcement agencies, both national and international. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of global watchlists, the different types, and how to conduct a thorough search.

What Is a Global Watchlist?

A global watchlist is a comprehensive database, often maintained by government agencies, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies. It contains information about individuals or entities that are under scrutiny for various reasons. These reasons can range from national security concerns to employment background checks.

In certain industries, these watchlists are crucial for maintaining the integrity of operations. They help companies identify potential risks associated with individuals or entities before engaging in business or employment relationships.

A global watchlist is a crucial tool for companies, particularly those operating in high-risk industries or dealing with international products. It's not just about compliance with laws and regulations, but also about safeguarding the company's reputation and ensuring workplace safety.

Companies use these watchlists to screen potential employees, partners, or clients, ensuring they haven't been involved in serious crimes or pose a threat to national security. This is particularly important for industries dealing with sensitive information or those under strict regulatory scrutiny.

A global watchlist can help companies avoid potential legal and financial pitfalls. By identifying high-risk individuals or entities, companies can make informed decisions and mitigate risks. This is why global watchlists are an integral part of the employment screening process and a key component in maintaining a company's integrity and security.

Types of Global Watchlists and Techniques

Global watchlists, maintained by various international government agencies and regulatory bodies, serve as a critical tool in identifying individuals or entities that may pose a threat or have been involved in illegal activities. The techniques used to search these watchlists range from manual searches to automated processes, each with its unique advantages and challenges:

What are the Types of Global Watchlists?

• Sanction Lists: These are lists maintained by international government agencies and regulatory bodies. They include individuals or entities that pose a threat to national security or have been involved in illegal activities.
• Disciplinary Action Lists: These watchlists contain information about individuals who have faced disciplinary action in their professional field. This could be due to unethical conduct, malpractice, or other adverse actions.
• Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) Lists: These watchlists identify individuals who hold a significant public position or have a close association with such individuals. They are often under higher scrutiny due to their potential for being involved in corruption or bribery.

Techniques for Global Watchlist Search

When it comes to conducting a global watchlist search, there are several techniques that can be employed to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Manual Search: This involves manually comparing an individual's information with entries in a global watchlist database. It's a basic functionality but can be time-consuming and prone to human error.
• Automated Search: With the help of specialist tools and APIs, the search process can be automated. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the chances of missing any potential matches.
• Ongoing Monitoring: To ensure that the information is up-to-date and accurate, frequent updates are necessary. This can be achieved through automated solutions that provide ongoing access to accurate statistics and powerful rankings.
• Additional Verification Parameters: Besides the global watchlist screening, other verification parameters such as transaction monitoring, PEP (Politically Exposed Person) screening, and adverse media screening should be included in the search process.

These techniques, when used effectively, can help identify individuals who pose a threat, have been subject to disciplinary action, or are on a sanction list issued by an international government agency or regulatory body. It's crucial to conduct background checks thoroughly to avoid any adverse action based on negative information.

Conducting a Global Watchlist Search

The process of conducting a global watchlist search involves a series of steps that require meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of various watchlist types and techniques. Whether you're considering a do-it-yourself approach or partnering with a professional screening service, understanding the basic functionality of a global watchlist search is crucial. Let's explore the process in more detail:

Steps to Conduct a Global Watchlist Search

• Identify the Individual: Start by gathering basic information about the person you're investigating. This could include their full name, date of birth, and nationality.
• Include Search Parameters: Decide on the scope of your search. Are you looking at specific types of global watchlists, or do you want a comprehensive search across all lists?
• Conduct the Search: Use the information you've gathered to conduct a search. This could be done manually, or by using a background screening service.
• Analyse the Results: Once the search is complete, analyse the results. Look for any negative information or potential red flags that could pose a threat.
• Take Adverse Action if Necessary: If the search reveals that the individual is on a watchlist, you may need to take adverse action. This could include disciplinary action or reporting to an international government agency.

Do-it-Yourself Screens vs Partnering with a Screening Service

When it comes to conducting a global watchlist search, you have two main options: doing it yourself or partnering with a background screening service. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

• Do-it-Yourself Screens: This method involves manually searching through various types of global watchlists. It can be time-consuming and requires a good understanding of the different watchlist types and techniques. The risk of missing crucial information is also higher, as you may not have access to all the necessary databases. However, it does offer a certain level of control and can be cost-effective if you have the resources and expertise to conduct thorough checks.
• Partnering with a Screening Service: This option involves outsourcing the task to a professional service like Sanctions.io. They have advanced research capabilities and access to numerous reliable global databases. They can quickly identify individuals who pose a threat or have been subject to disciplinary action. Sanctions.io offers a comprehensive and accurate search, reducing the risk of adverse action due to missed negative information..

The Importance of Understanding and Using Global Watchlists

Understanding and utilising global watchlists is a critical step for any organisation, particularly those in certain industries that handle sensitive information. These watchlists, maintained by various international government agencies and regulatory bodies, provide a comprehensive picture of individuals or entities that may pose a threat to national security or business operations.

This is an essential part of risk management, helping organisations identify potential risks and ensure their compliance with laws and regulations. 

sanctions.io uses global watchlists as part of our robust sanctions screening process. To learn more about how our sanctions, PEP, and criminal watchlist screening service can support your organisation's compliance program, book a free Discovery Call.