Certivus vs SmartSearch: which AML software is right for UK accountants?
Certivus offers flat monthly pricing from £0 with unlimited PEP and sanctions screening. SmartSearch is a UK AML and KYC platform with usage-based per-check pricing — costs that can escalate as your client volume grows.
Answer-first summary
How does Certivus compare with SmartSearch?
Certivus is purpose-built for UK HMRC-supervised accounting practices with flat monthly pricing, a permanent free tier, and unlimited PEP and sanctions screening across all plans. SmartSearch is a well-established UK AML and electronic ID verification platform serving accountants, law firms, financial businesses, and estate agents — but its usage-based per-check model means costs can grow alongside your client volume. For accountancy practices that run regular checks, Certivus typically offers more predictable costs and a more focused workflow.
- Choose Certivus for flat pricing, unlimited PEP screening, and same-day setup built around UK accountants.
- Consider SmartSearch if you operate across multiple regulated sectors or prefer usage-based pricing at low volume.
- Verify SmartSearch's current pricing direct with their team before making a final decision.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- •Certivus charges a flat monthly fee from £0 — SmartSearch charges per check, which increases with volume.
- •Certivus includes unlimited PEP and sanctions screening on all plans — SmartSearch applies per-check pricing to screenings.
- •Certivus is same-day setup; SmartSearch requires account activation of typically 1–2 business days.
- •Certivus was built by a UK accountant for accountancy practices; SmartSearch serves multiple regulated sectors.
Feature
Certivus
SmartSearch
Pricing
Flat monthly — from £0. No per-check fees.
Usage-based per-check pricing — costs can escalate with volume.
Free tier
5 free checks, always.
Trial available — verify current terms.
PEP/Sanctions screening
Unlimited — included in all plans.
Per-check pricing applies — costs increase with screening volume.
Target customer
UK accountants managing 10–500 clients.
Broader market — accountants, law firms, financial businesses, estate agents.
Setup
Same-day — sign up, import, verify.
Account setup required — typically 1–2 business days.
Audit export
1-click PDF — timestamped, HMRC-ready.
Reports available — verify format and HMRC suitability.
UK-specific design
Built for UK HMRC-supervised accountancy practices.
UK platform — serves multiple regulated sectors.
Founder background
Built by a UK accountant.
Founded by compliance and technology specialists.
When to choose each platform
Choose Certivus if...
- Transparent flat pricing matters — you want to budget without worrying about per-check costs.
- You want unlimited PEP and sanctions screening without paying more as your client volume grows.
- Quick same-day setup is important — no waiting for account activation.
- Your practice needs AML workflows built specifically for accountancy, not a multi-sector platform.
Consider SmartSearch if...
- You operate across multiple regulated sectors — not just accountancy — and need a platform that covers all of them.
- You prefer usage-based pricing for months when check volume is low.
- You need electronic verification for non-standard ID types beyond the typical accountancy client.
- You require integration with broader property or financial services workflows.
Certivus vs SmartSearch — common questions
Is Certivus cheaper than SmartSearch?
Certivus uses flat monthly pricing starting with a permanent free tier of 5 checks and paid plans from £49 per month — with no per-check fees. SmartSearch charges on a per-check basis, which means costs can increase as you run more AML checks or PEP and sanctions screenings. For most accountancy practices running regular checks across a client book, Certivus tends to be more cost-predictable and often cheaper at volume.
Does SmartSearch charge per PEP/sanctions check?
SmartSearch's standard model is usage-based, which typically means PEP and sanctions screening contributes to your per-check costs. You should verify current pricing directly with SmartSearch. With Certivus, PEP and sanctions screening is included and unlimited across all plans — including the free tier.
Which is better for a UK accountancy practice?
Certivus is purpose-built for UK HMRC-supervised accountancy practices. The workflows, audit trail, and evidence vault are designed around what UK accountants need to demonstrate AML compliance. SmartSearch is a strong UK platform but serves multiple regulated sectors — accountants, law firms, estate agents, and financial businesses — so the product is broader in scope. If accountancy AML is your primary use case, Certivus is the more focused fit.
Can I switch from SmartSearch to Certivus?
Yes. Certivus supports CSV client import so you can migrate your existing client list quickly. Same-day setup means your team can be running live checks within hours of signing up. Export any historical AML evidence from SmartSearch before closing your account to ensure you retain your compliance records.