RCA - Relative and Close Associate (PEP relatives)

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.