Updated
GL-A-03
Glossary · Due Diligence and compliance
Adverse media - an old article that can hold up an application
Negative mentions of a person in the media and open sources. They are checked during Due Diligence and account opening: an old article about a court case or scandal can delay an application.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- Negative mentions of a person in the media and open sources
- Where it applies
- Due diligence, opening accounts, checking partners
- What it risks
- An old article about a court case or scandal can delay an application
- What decides it
- An explanation with documents prepared in advance
- Can you prepare
- Yes: find mentions of yourself first and close them
02 / In plain words
What Adverse media means
Adverse media means any unflattering material about a person in open sources: articles about court disputes, investigations, scandals, bankruptcies, links with dubious individuals. In due diligence and when opening an account, it is the first thing searched for.
The reviewer runs you through news databases and specialised services such as World-Check, which collect negative mentions and connections. It is important to understand that even an old or unfair article is a reason for questions. A mention in itself does not mean refusal, but it requires an explanation, otherwise the check stalls.
The key is not to hide but to explain. If there is contentious material about you, it is far more reliable to find it first and prepare documents that put everything in its place: a court decision in your favour, a retraction, context. Then adverse media will not become a reason for refusal.
A case from practice
During due diligence an old article comes up about an applicant’s tax dispute, long since resolved in their favour. Without an explanation, the reviewer puts the application on hold. With the court decision and an explanation attached in advance, the episode turns out to be passable, and the check proceeds without delay.
Where adverse media comes up
- Due diligence for citizenship and residence
- Opening a bank account
- Enhanced PEP due diligence
- Checking business partners
- Compliance at funds and brokers
- Large transactions
03 / What it covers
What counts as negative mentions
Publications
- Articles about court cases
- Investigations
- Scandals
Business
- Bankruptcies
- Corporate disputes
- Regulatory claims
Connections
- Sanctioned persons
- Dubious partners
- Political connections
Where it is searched for
- News databases
- World-Check
- Open sources
04 / How it works
How adverse media is handled
Searching for mentions of you
We search for mentions of you in media and databases.
Assessing the risk and context
What matters to the bank and what does not.
Preparing explanations
A note and documents for each episode.
Due diligence check
We file together with the explanations.
Matter closed
The question is closed before it is asked.
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01What it is
Unflattering publications
Articles about lawsuits, investigations, scandals, bankruptcies, links to dubious people.
02Where they look
News databases and World-Check
The reviewer searches for mentions during due diligence and account opening.
03The risk
Questions and delay
A mention alone does not mean refusal, but without an explanation the check stalls.
04What resolves it
Documents
A court ruling in your favour, a retraction, context.
Common mistakes
Not knowing what is written about you
Find the mentions before the reviewer does.
Hiding a disputed episode
Disclose it with an explanation: the check will find it anyway.
Not preparing documents in advance
Gather court rulings and retractions before submission.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Find mentions of yourself first — using the same databases as the reviewer — and prepare in advance documents that put the contentious material in context: a court decision, a retraction, an explanation. Then, when adverse media comes up in the check, your answer is ready and the application does not stall.
What we do for you. BRIDGES GLOBAL finds in advance what the check will latch on to in open sources and prepares explanations with documents. That way a negative mention — even an old or unfair one — does not turn into a reason for refusal.
Dmitry NagyTax consultant, international taxation and compliance (ex-Big4)
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
It may delay it if it is not explained. A mention in itself does not mean refusal, but the reviewer will ask questions — it is better to have a ready answer with documents.
It also needs to be explained. A retraction, a court decision or context that puts the material in its place is attached. It cannot be ignored — the check will find it anyway.
In news databases and specialised services such as World-Check, which collect negative material and connections. Open sources on the internet are checked too.
Not always and not quickly. Explanation is more reliable than removal: preparing documents that settle the question works better than attempts to hide.
Yes, for PEPs and public figures adverse media is checked especially thoroughly as part of enhanced due diligence (EDD).
Find mentions of yourself in advance and gather an explanation with documents for each. Then the question is closed at once during the check.
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