ASK MAT Q: I'm worried that my AML solution is not adequate for my client base, which is primarily from Sub-Saharan and West African jurisdictions.

ASK MAT Q: I'm worried that my AML solution is not adequate for my client base, which is primarily from Sub-Saharan and West African jurisdictions.

Thank you for your question. Since you didn't specify which tools you're using or the gaps you've identified, I can still provide practical guidance based on my experience supporting firms with similar high-risk client portfolios.

Why a purely GLOBAL AML solution is often insufficient

Global screening engines are excellent for broad international coverage, but they often fall short on African risk data. For example,

Firms I've worked with that serve Sub-Saharan and West African clients typically layer a dedicated African enrichment solution on top of their global tools.

This is essential because:

• Global databases often miss local PEP tiers, informal influence networks, and politically exposed persons at sub-national or traditional levels.
• Regional enforcement and intelligence lists (e.g. Nigeria's EFCC and NFIU, WAEMU bodies, etc.) are inconsistently captured.
• Adverse media in French, Portuguese, or local languages is heavily under-indexed in standard global platforms.

For example [extract table -full table is below}

• [see full table below]

Recommended Defensible CDD Approach

• For firms with material exposure to West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, the most effective and regulator-friendly model is:
• Primary Global Screening, such as
• KYC6 (Acuris)
• ComplyAdvantage
• World-Check (Refinitiv)
• PLUS, an African Enrichment Layer
• African Enrichment Providers (examples):

• Also see the full source data table below
• Result:
• Full-spectrum risk coverage that satisfies regulators while giving you genuine visibility into African-specific risks.

This layered approach is now considered best practice for institutions with significant African exposure and has proven highly effective in examinations and audits.

If you'd like, I can introduce you to the iTrack AML team. They specialise in building integrated, cost-effective African enrichment solutions for clients worldwide, including many who were in the same position as you.

Please reply with more details about your current setup or any specific concerns, and I'll provide more tailored recommendations.

Happy to help!

Best wishes Mathew

African KYC/CDD Data Enrichment Layer (Review Table)

Global providers

1) KYC6 (Acuris / ION Analytics) - Official product page KYC6 – Acuris Risk Intelligence (ION Analytics)

What it provides

• Global AML database (PEPs, sanctions, enforcement lists, adverse media)  
• Coverage of millions of individuals and entities with continuous updates  
• Data delivery via platform, API, and feeds  
• Built on legacy Acuris Risk Intelligence datasets  

 2) ComplyAdvantage - Official website ComplyAdvantage – AML & fraud risk platform - Sanctions & Watchlist Screening (ComplyAdvantage)

What it provides

• Real-time screening against sanctions, PEPs, watchlists, and adverse media
• Data sourced from global jurisdictions (OFAC, EU, HMT, etc.) with real-time updates

 3) World-Check (LSEG / Refinitiv) - Official product page World‑Check – KYC Screening (LSEG)

What it provides

• Structured risk intelligence on:
• Sanctions
• PEPs
• Adverse media
• Enforcement actions  
• Used globally for KYC, AML, CTF and third‑party due diligence
• Data curated by global analysts from government lists, watchlists, and media sources [
• API-enabled (World‑Check On Demand) for real-time screening  

Quick comparator review