Certivus vs CCH iFirm: dedicated AML software vs practice management
CCH iFirm is a practice management platform with AML features built in. Certivus is a dedicated AML compliance tool for UK accountants. The right choice depends on whether deep AML workflow or integrated practice management is the priority.
Answer-first summary
How does Certivus compare with CCH iFirm?
CCH iFirm is a Wolters Kluwer practice management platform — covering billing, time recording, client management, tax, and compliance including AML features. Certivus is a dedicated AML and KYC compliance tool built specifically for HMRC-supervised UK accountancy practices. Both products serve UK accountants, but they solve different primary problems. Certivus is the right choice when deep AML workflow is the priority. CCH iFirm is the right choice when consolidated practice management — with AML as one component — is the goal.
- Choose Certivus when your primary need is a dedicated, HMRC-ready AML compliance workflow.
- Choose CCH iFirm when consolidated practice management is the priority and AML is one module within it.
- Certivus works alongside CCH iFirm — the two products are complementary, not mutually exclusive.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- •Certivus is dedicated AML and KYC software — built for HMRC-supervised UK accountants
- •CCH iFirm is a practice management platform with AML features as part of a broader suite
- •Certivus has transparent public pricing from £0 — CCH iFirm pricing requires a Wolters Kluwer conversation
- •CCH iFirm wins if you need billing, time recording, and AML in one integrated system
Feature
Certivus
CCH iFirm
Primary purpose
Dedicated AML, KYC, and compliance workflow software.
Practice management — billing, clients, tax, time — with AML features.
AML workflow depth
Full workflow: intake → KYC → CDD → screening → risk → evidence vault → checklist.
CDD and client verification available — workflow depth varies by module and configuration.
Pricing
Transparent — from £0/month. Public pricing page.
Subscription pricing — contact Wolters Kluwer for current AML module costs.
Free tier
5 free verifications, always.
Demo available — no public free tier for AML.
PEP and sanctions screening
Unlimited — included in all plans.
Available — verify scope and pricing with CCH.
Practice management
AML-only — works alongside your existing practice software.
Full practice management: billing, tax, time recording, client management.
HMRC-specific design
Built for HMRC-supervised UK accountancy practices.
Broad UK accountancy platform — AML is one module among many.
Audit export
1-click timestamped PDF for HMRC visits.
Reporting available — verify HMRC suitability for AML evidence.
When to choose each platform
Choose Certivus if...
- Your primary need is deep AML workflow — intake, KYC, CDD, screening, evidence, and audit trail.
- Transparent, predictable pricing matters and you want to budget without a sales conversation.
- You don't want your AML compliance tool tied to a practice management contract or bundle.
- Dedicated AML tooling is the priority — you already have practice management software.
Consider CCH iFirm if...
- You are already on CCH iFirm and want to consolidate your toolset rather than run parallel systems.
- Practice management is your primary need and AML is a secondary requirement within it.
- You need billing, tax, time recording, and AML managed under a single Wolters Kluwer subscription.
- Wolters Kluwer integration across your practice tech stack is a strategic requirement.
Certivus vs CCH iFirm — common questions
Does CCH iFirm have AML compliance features?
Yes — CCH iFirm includes client due diligence and identity verification capabilities as part of its broader practice management platform. CCH iFirm is a Wolters Kluwer product that covers billing, time recording, client management, tax, and compliance modules. AML functionality is available, but it operates as one feature set within a wider practice management system rather than as a dedicated compliance workflow tool. Accountants who need deep AML-specific workflows — including risk assessment, PEP screening, evidence vaulting, and HMRC audit exports — should evaluate whether iFirm's AML module meets their specific supervision requirements before making a decision.
Is Certivus better than CCH iFirm for AML?
For accountants whose primary requirement is a dedicated AML compliance workflow, Certivus is built specifically for that purpose. The entire product is designed around the AML obligations faced by HMRC-supervised UK practices: intake through to KYC, CDD, PEP and sanctions screening, risk assessment, evidence vault, and one-click HMRC audit export. CCH iFirm is a practice management platform with AML features — meaning its strengths lie in billing, time recording, and client management. If AML compliance depth and HMRC-readiness are the priority, Certivus is designed with that as its sole focus. If you need practice management that also includes AML, CCH iFirm may be the right fit.
Can Certivus work alongside CCH iFirm?
Yes. Certivus is a standalone AML compliance tool that works alongside any practice management software, including CCH iFirm. Many accountants choose to run their client and billing management in their existing practice software while using Certivus for the AML-specific workflow — identity checks, risk ratings, evidence storage, and HMRC audit exports. The two systems do not conflict. If your firm uses CCH iFirm for practice management but wants deeper AML compliance tooling, Certivus can be adopted without replacing iFirm.
How do the costs of Certivus and CCH iFirm compare?
Certivus publishes its pricing publicly. The free tier provides 5 identity verifications at no cost with no credit card required. Paid plans start from £49 per month. CCH iFirm is a Wolters Kluwer product with subscription pricing that typically requires a conversation with their sales team to obtain current figures — the AML module cost depends on your overall subscription, firm size, and configuration. If pricing transparency and the ability to start free before committing are important to your decision, Certivus's public pricing model is a clear advantage.