Updated
GL-W-03
Glossary · Due Diligence and compliance
World-Check and Dow Jones - the databases banks and governments check your name against
International databases for screening clients: sanctions, PEP, negative media, wanted persons. Banks and governments use them to check an applicant during Due Diligence and account opening.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- International databases for screening clients: sanctions, PEPs, adverse media, wanted lists
- Where it applies
- Due diligence, opening accounts, compliance
- Who uses them
- Banks, states, screening firms
- What they show
- Whether there are risk records and connections about you
- Can you prepare
- Yes: check yourself in advance and close contentious records
02 / In plain words
What World-Check / Dow Jones means
World-Check (as well as Dow Jones and similar services) is an international database for screening clients. It gathers sanctions and wanted lists, politically exposed persons (PEPs) and their associates, negative media mentions, links with crime and other risks. A bank or a state runs you through it during a check.
How it works: in due diligence or when an account is opened, the reviewer enters your details and looks for matches. Appearing in the database does not always mean guilt — there are errors, namesakes, out-of-date or contentious records. But any match is a reason for questions and additional documents.
That is why it makes sense to check yourself first — using the same logic compliance uses — and prepare explanations of any contentious records in advance. Then a match in the database will not be a surprise that stalls an application or an account opening.
A case from practice
When an applicant is screened, the system finds a surname match with a record in the database — in reality a namesake. Without an explanation, this would have delayed the application. With documents prepared in advance confirming that the record is not about them, the question is closed at once.
Where the databases are used
- Due diligence for citizenship and residence
- Opening a bank account
- Checking business partners
- Enhanced PEP due diligence
- Compliance at funds and brokers
- Large transactions
03 / What it covers
What the databases contain
Lists
- Sanctions lists
- Wanted lists
- PEPs and associates
Reputation
- Adverse media
- Links with crime
- Contentious records
Who administers it
- World-Check
- Dow Jones
- Similar services
How it affects you
- A match is a reason for questions
- Not always guilt
- Explanations are needed
04 / How it works
How the screening works
Entering your details
The reviewer enters your name, date of birth and nationality.
Searching for matches
The system shows possible records.
Assessing the risk of the record
Whether the record is yours and how serious it is.
Requesting explanations
The bank or state asks for explanations and documents.
Decision
The check is passed or needs further review.
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01What they are
Databases of risk records
Sanctions, wanted lists, politically exposed persons and their circle, adverse media, links to crime.
02Who uses them
Banks, governments, screening firms
For citizenship and residence due diligence, account opening and compliance.
03A match
Not proof of guilt
There are errors, namesakes, outdated and disputed records. But any match raises questions.
04What to do
Check yourself first
Find records about yourself in advance and prepare explanations with documents.
Common mistakes
Learning of a record from a refusal
Check yourself before applying, the way compliance does.
Ignoring an incorrect record
Prepare documents showing the record is not you or is outdated.
Hiding an episode that is in the database
Disclose it upfront with context.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
It makes sense to check yourself first — using the same logic compliance uses — and prepare in advance explanations of any contentious records: errors, namesakes, out-of-date or unfair mentions. Then a match in the database will not be a surprise that stalls an application or an account.
What we do for you. BRIDGES GLOBAL checks you in advance against the same databases and logic compliance uses, finds possible matches and prepares explanations. That way screening against World-Check and similar services goes through without surprises.
Dmitry NagyTax consultant, international taxation and compliance (ex-Big4)
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
An international database for screening clients: sanctions, wanted lists, PEPs, adverse media and connections. Banks and states screen applicants against it in due diligence.
No. A match is a reason for questions and documents. There are errors, namesakes and out-of-date records; they need to be explained, not feared.
Yes, and it makes sense. We run you through the same logic compliance uses, so as to find matches in advance and prepare explanations.
Errors and out-of-date data are challenged through the database operator, but it takes time. It is quicker to prepare documents that settle the question during the check.
Private providers — World-Check (Refinitiv), Dow Jones and their equivalents. They are used by banks, funds, screening firms and states.
Yes, negative media mentions are part of such databases. World-Check aggregates sanctions, PEPs and adverse media in one place.
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