How to run PEP and sanctions screening: a workflow guide for UK accountants
Mehmood Rajoka7 min readUpdated May 2026
In brief: To run compliant PEP and sanctions screening, check every client against relevant lists (UK Financial Sanctions List, OFSI consolidated list), document the date, lists checked, and outcome for every screen, and re-screen at regular intervals or on any trigger event.
Key points
- Check the UK Financial Sanctions List and OFSI consolidated list for every client
- Document the date, lists checked, result, and name of person who ran the screen
- Re-screen at regular intervals — at least annually for existing clients
- Screen all beneficial owners and PSCs — not just the named entity
- Any match must be investigated and escalated to the MLRO
A step-by-step workflow for running PEP and sanctions screening — what lists to check, how to document results, and what to do with matches.