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Adverse media check

Calendar Icon 05 August, 2024

It is important to know who you are doing business with in order to avoid negative publicity or criminal activities of (new) employees, customers or business partners. An adverse media screening helps with this by identifying these risks.

This way you avoid a mis-hire, which can save a lot of unforeseen costs and it ensures that your organisation is not seen in a negative light.

People meeting in board room and smiling
adverse media check results on laptop screen
adverse media check results on laptop screen

What is adverse media?


An adverse media check looks at whether a person and/or organisation is in a database where someone has been involved in criminal activities, whether they have a negative reputation and whether they have committed other criminal offences.

The database is maintained and supplemented on a daily basis by a team of researchers who scan news sources or other publications around the world to see if anything new is known. Each screening is a snapshot in time, which is linked to situations and events from the past.

By continuing to screen (potential) partners and employees, you guarantee the quality and integrity within your organization and you stay informed of the current state of affairs.

 

What adverse media checks are there?

There are several adverse media lists. There is a difference per country,  but these are also divided into a number of categories, below are some examples:

  • Financial action task force (FATF)
  • Designated nonfinancial businesses and professions
  • Designated person or entity
  • Domestic wire transfer
  • Financial group or institutions for example FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit)
  • Foreign counterparts
  • Fundamental principles of domestic law
  • Identification data


The above include screening various sources such as law enforcement agencies and news sources. They vary depending on national and international standards.

 

Most common lists

The most frequently consulted sources are lists of:

  • Financial and other regulatory authorities and disciplinary bodies
  • Law enforcement authorities and anti-corruption agencies such as Interpol, Europol, FBI, etc.
  • Additional lists of individuals disqualified as directors of an organisation


Prevention is always better than cure. It is advisable to check PEP & Sanctions lists and Adverse Media when filing an integrity-sensitive position, because in this way you can minimise reputational damage and/or risks and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

 

To whom does the adverse media check apply


The adverse media check is important for organisations in the financial sector and beyond. The check is conducted on potential employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure that there are no links to criminal activity or negative publicity. This protects the integrity and reputation of your organisation.

woman viewing Media Screening Report on laptop.
woman viewing Media Screening Report on laptop.

 

Two women discussing adverse media results
Two women discussing adverse media results

Check on Adverse Media


To check if someone is in the Adverse media database, you need a valid reason. This is often based on anti-money laundering laws and international sanctions regulations. It ensures that the organisation does not do business with individuals or entities that are subject to economic sanctions.

 

 

Screening employees with DISA

DISA offers a comprehensive screening solution, including adverse media checks, PEP checks and sanction list checks. Thanks to our international network, we can deliver screening results quickly and accurately, unburdening your organisation and meeting all compliance requirements.

  • Easy and efficient screening: DISA uses user-friendly technologies for an efficient screening process.
  • International network: We provide extensive international coverage by consulting various sources by consulting various sources worldwide.
  • DISA takes care of everything: We take care of the communication for screening, so that organisations can focus on their core activities with confidence in their partners and employees.