RCA
Relative and Close Associate (PEP relatives)
RCA (Relative and Close Associate) — the relatives and close associates of politically exposed persons (PEPs), who are also checked with heightened attention.
- What it is
- RCA — the relatives and close associates of a politically exposed person (PEP)
- Who it concerns
- A PEP’s spouses, children, partners and close business associates
- Why it matters
- A PEP’s funds or influence may pass through them
- Bottom line
- Such persons also undergo enhanced checks
- How to use it
- Disclose the link in advance and explain the sources
In plain words
RCAs (relatives and close associates) are the relatives and close associates of a politically exposed person (PEP). Compliance extends its heightened attention to PEPs not only to the official or politician themselves but also to their circle: spouses, children, parents, business partners and others close to them, because assets, influence or corruption risks linked to the PEP may pass through them.
The logic is simple: if the PEP themselves is under enhanced scrutiny, then their inner circle also needs attention — otherwise funds of dubious origin could easily be “hidden” with those close to them. That is why banks and citizenship programmes establish whether the client is a relative or close associate of a PEP and, where there is such a link, apply enhanced due diligence (EDD), just as to the PEP themselves.
For a person connected with a politically exposed person this means: concealing the link is pointless and harmful — the check will reveal it, and concealment will arouse suspicion. The right strategy is to disclose the link in advance and evidence your own, independent sources of income and funds particularly thoroughly. We help RCA clients prepare a transparent file so that the link with a PEP does not become an obstacle.
Who RCA status concerns
What matters about RCAs
- A PEP’s relatives
- Close associates
- Business partners
- A PEP’s assets through them
- Influence and risks
- Hiding with those close
- Enhanced checks
- As for the PEP
- Attention to sources
- Disclose the link
- Your own sources of funds
- Transparency
How RCAs go through the check
- 01Establish the link with the PEP
- 02Disclose it transparently
- 03Evidence your own sources of funds
- 04Pass the enhanced check
- 05Approval
What you need to know
- RCAs are the relatives and close associates of a PEP
- Heightened attention to PEPs extends to their circle
- Assets and influence may pass through those close to them
- RCAs undergo enhanced checks, just like the PEP
- Concealing the link is pointless — the check will reveal it
Common mistakes
- Concealing kinship or a link with a PEP
- Not evidencing your own independent sources of funds
- Assuming PEP status concerns only the official
- Underestimating the depth of the enhanced check
- Not disclosing business links with a PEP
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We help clients connected with politically exposed persons pass the enhanced check: we disclose the link in advance and thoroughly evidence your own, independent sources of funds. Transparency is the best protection here: it removes suspicion and prevents the link with a PEP becoming an obstacle to an account or a passport.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is an RCA?
Relatives and close associates — the relatives and close associates of a politically exposed person (PEP): spouses, children, parents, business partners.
02 /Why are a PEP’s relatives checked?
Because a PEP’s assets and influence may pass through those close to them. Otherwise funds of dubious origin could be “hidden” with relatives, bypassing controls.
03 /Do RCAs undergo the same check as a PEP?
Yes, where there is a link, enhanced due diligence (EDD) is applied, just as to the PEP themselves — with particular attention to the sources of funds.
04 /Can a link with a PEP be concealed?
No, and it should not be: the check will reveal it, and concealment will arouse suspicion. The right strategy is to disclose the link in advance and evidence your own sources of funds.
05 /Does a link with a PEP prevent obtaining citizenship?
Not by itself, if your income is lawful and transparent. It is important to evidence independent sources of funds. We help prepare such a file.
06 /Who counts as a close associate?
Besides relatives — business partners and persons with close business or financial ties to the PEP. The exact circle depends on the requirements of the particular check.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Connected with a public figure?
We will prepare a transparent file and evidence your independent sources of funds — so that the enhanced check goes smoothly.