Certivus vs First AML: which AML software is right for UK accountants?
Certivus offers transparent pricing from £0 and same-day setup built around UK accounting practices. First AML is an enterprise-grade global platform — typically priced for larger firms on a volume or implementation basis.
Answer-first summary
How does Certivus compare with First AML?
Certivus is purpose-built for UK HMRC-supervised accounting practices. It delivers transparent, self-serve pricing (free tier of 5 checks with no card, then plans from £49/mo to £499/mo), PEP and sanctions screening in every plan, ongoing monitoring included on every client you check — which firms can bill back to their own clients — and one-click PDF audit exports, all with same-day setup. First AML is an enterprise AML platform founded in New Zealand that serves larger accountancy and legal firms; its pricing is quote-only with a reported ~400-check annual minimum and no self-serve signup or free tier. It is available in the UK but is aimed at larger firms rather than the client volumes and self-serve buying of a typical UK accounting practice.
- Choose Certivus for transparent pricing, fast setup, and a workflow built around UK accountants.
- Consider First AML if your firm is large, enterprise-scale, or requires a global multi-jurisdiction platform.
- Verify First AML's current pricing direct with their team before making a final decision.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- •Certivus pricing is public and self-serve from £0 (free tier) to £499/mo — First AML is quote-only with a reported ~400-check annual minimum.
- •Certivus is same-day, self-serve setup; First AML is a sales-led, project-based implementation with no free tier.
- •Both include PEP and sanctions screening; both include ongoing monitoring — with Certivus, monitoring is included on every client you check and can be billed back to your clients.
- •Certivus was built by a UK accountant for UK practices; First AML is an enterprise platform aimed at larger accountancy and legal firms.
Feature
Certivus
First AML
Pricing
Public, self-serve pricing — free tier then £49–£499/mo. No sales call.
Quote-only (POA), aimed at larger firms with a reported ~400-check annual minimum — verify current pricing with First AML.
Free tier
5 free checks to get started. No credit card required.
No public free tier or self-serve signup.
PEP/Sanctions screening
Included in every plan.
Included.
Ongoing monitoring
Included on every client you check — and billable back to your clients (recommended ~£15/client/yr).
Included in the managed service.
Target customer
UK accountants managing 10–500 clients.
Mid-to-large firms and corporates. Global platform.
Setup time
Same-day setup. Import clients and start checking today.
Implementation project — varies by firm size.
Audit export
One-click PDF audit report per client.
Yes — export available.
UK-specific compliance
Built specifically for UK HMRC-supervised accountants.
Global platform with UK clients.
Founder background
Built by a UK accountant — workflow reflects practice reality.
Founded in New Zealand — global corporate AML focus.
When to choose each platform
Choose Certivus if...
- You run a UK accounting practice with 10–500 clients and want software built for that exact context.
- Transparent, public pricing matters — you want to budget without a sales call.
- You need to be up and running today, not after a multi-week implementation project.
- You want a free tier to test the workflow before committing to a paid plan.
Consider First AML if...
- Your firm is large or enterprise-scale, and a dedicated implementation project is standard process.
- You operate across multiple jurisdictions and need a global AML platform.
- You have already evaluated current pricing and it fits your volume.
- Your procurement process requires an established international vendor.
First AML is quote-only with a reported ~400-check annual minimum aimed at larger firms; Certivus is self-serve from £49/mo with a free tier and no minimum — and ongoing monitoring is included on every client you check, which you can bill back to your clients (recommended ~£15/client/yr). See the full pricing ladder →
Who should compare Certivus with First AML?
The best AML software choice changes depending on who carries the risk, who controls the budget, and who has to run the work every week.
Managing partner
Compare predictable cost, inspection exposure, client acceptance risk, and whether the tool will be adopted across the firm.
ContinueMLRO / MLCO
Compare evidence quality, risk decisions, escalation routes, sanctions audit trail, and SAR-ready record keeping.
ContinueOperations lead
Compare setup time, client friction, staff training load, exports, and how cleanly the workflow fits day-to-day onboarding.
ContinueDecision checklist before choosing Certivus or First AML
- Ask for the current pricing model in writing, including checks, screening, users, exports, and support.
- Run one realistic client file through each workflow: individual, company, higher-risk client, and evidence export.
- Check whether the AML record would satisfy HMRC, SRA, or professional-body inspection without manual reconstruction.
- Use First AML where human-assisted review of complex corporate structures or concierge-led international entity verification is the priority; use Certivus where UK-accountancy workflow, transparent pricing, and audit-ready evidence are the deciding factors.
Certivus vs First AML — common questions
How does Certivus compare with First AML for UK accountants?
Certivus is built specifically for UK HMRC-supervised accounting practices. It offers transparent public pricing from £0, same-day setup, unlimited PEP and sanctions screening, and one-click PDF audit reports. First AML is a global platform founded in New Zealand, typically targeting mid-to-large firms and corporates. UK accountants with smaller client books often find Certivus easier to adopt and more cost-predictable.
Is First AML available in the UK?
Yes — First AML operates in the UK and serves UK clients. However, the platform is a global corporate AML tool rather than one designed around UK accounting practice workflows, HMRC supervision requirements, or the self-assessment and business-account CDD work that most accountants carry out daily.
What is First AML's pricing?
First AML typically uses enterprise or volume-based pricing. You should contact First AML directly to obtain current figures for your firm size. Certivus publishes its pricing publicly — starting with a free tier of 5 checks and paid plans from £49 per month.
Can I switch from First AML to Certivus?
Yes. Certivus supports CSV client import so you can migrate your existing client list quickly. The same-day setup means you can have staff running live checks within hours. If you have historical AML evidence you need to retain, export it from First AML before closing your account.