What does AML mean?
AML stands for Anti-Money Laundering. It refers to laws, regulations and processes designed to prevent money from criminal activity from entering the legitimate financial system.
Money laundering is today a widespread and global issue. According to the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen), it likely involves billions of SEK each year in Sweden, and efforts to combat money laundering are a key part of maintaining a stable and trustworthy financial system.
Traditionally, AML has mainly been associated with banks and financial institutions. Today, the perspective is broader. More sectors are affected, and the requirements for control and transparency are increasing – particularly when it comes to the individuals and partners a company chooses to work with.
What is an AML check?
An AML check involves assessing whether a person or organisation may be linked to financial crime, sanctions or other risk factors.
This may include checking whether the individual appears on sanctions lists, whether there are links to money laundering or terrorist financing, whether the person is a so-called PEP (politically exposed person), and whether there is any adverse media or legal proceedings connected to the individual.
For companies recruiting for roles involving financial responsibility or access to sensitive information, this becomes particularly relevant.
Why companies should use AML checks in recruitment
Hiring the right person is not only about skills and experience. It is also about ensuring that the individual does not pose a risk to the organisation.
A well-considered process for AML checks can help reduce the risk of internal fraud, protect the company’s brand, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. At the same time, it contributes to greater trust among both customers and employees.
In many cases, AML checks become a natural part of a broader background check, where several aspects of a candidate’s background are reviewed.
Not sure if AML checks are relevant for your recruitment processes?
When are AML checks relevant in recruitment?
AML checks are particularly relevant when recruiting for roles that involve increased risk related to financial responsibility, decision-making, or access to sensitive information. This includes positions within finance, senior leadership roles, or roles where individuals have insight into business-critical processes.
They are also relevant for organisations operating in, or working with, regulated industries, as well as in international contexts where requirements for compliance and transparency are higher. In these cases, AML checks can help identify risks linked to sanctions, political exposure (PEPs), or adverse media.
When are AML checks not necessary?
For roles with limited responsibility and low risk, the need for AML checks is often lower. For more junior or operational roles where candidates do not have access to financial resources, sensitive information, or strategic decision-making, basic background checks—such as verification of education and references—are often sufficient.
It is important to make a proportionate assessment based on the role. AML checks should be used where they add clear value to the risk assessment, rather than as a standard step in every recruitment process.
Not sure if AML checks are relevant for your organisation?
We can help you assess your needs based on your organisation and recruitment processes. Get clear guidance on when AML checks add value—and how they can be integrated into your workflow.
AML checks as part of background screening
For companies that already work with background checks, AML checks are a logical next step. They provide a more complete picture of the candidate and help identify risks that might otherwise be difficult to detect.
Here, experience and the right tools play an important role. With digital solutions and access to international databases, checks can be carried out efficiently without compromising quality or integrity.
At the same time, it is important that the entire process is conducted in line with GDPR and other relevant regulations. Being transparent with the candidate about which checks are carried out and why is a central part of an AML check.
How credit checks can complement an AML check
An AML check provides important insight into potential links to financial crime, sanctions, or other compliance-related risk factors. However, in some recruitment processes, it can also be valuable to gain an understanding of a candidate’s financial situation.
A credit check focuses on factors such as payment remarks, outstanding debts, and overall financial stability. For roles involving financial responsibility, access to company resources, or sensitive information, this can be a relevant part of the overall risk assessment. In some cases, financial vulnerability may indicate a higher risk of misconduct, which is why credit checks can serve as a valuable complement to AML checks.
Strengthen your recruitment process with AML checks
Working with AML can be complex. Regulations evolve, requirements vary between countries, and the amount of data to manage can be significant. This is where the right partner makes a difference.
DISA has supported over 55,000 organisations worldwide in carrying out more than 17 million background checks. With this experience, DISA has developed efficient and scalable processes that make AML checks a natural part of a modern recruitment process.
By combining global data coverage with local regulatory expertise, DISA helps organisations identify potential risks at an early stage. The result is more reliable decision-making and a safer recruitment process.
How do background checks work in practice?
In a demo, we’ll walk you through how to work proactively with AML checks and build a more reliable decision-making process in recruitment.
Do you have questions about background checks in recruitment?
Fill in the form and we’ll get back to you to help you further—whether you want to learn more about regulations, processes, or how this could work in your recruitment.
Frequently asked questions about AML checks
An AML check involves reviewing a person or organisation to identify any potential links to money laundering, sanctions or other financial crime. This often includes searching international databases, sanctions lists and news sources to build a clearer picture of risk.
Although AML has traditionally been associated with banks and financial institutions, an increasing number of sectors benefit from AML checks. Companies recruiting for roles involving financial responsibility, senior positions or access to sensitive information should particularly consider this as part of their background checks.
Yes, AML checks can be carried out in accordance with GDPR, provided they are conducted in a transparent and appropriate manner. This includes informing the candidate about the check and ensuring that only relevant information is collected and handled securely.
The time required can vary depending on the scope and the checks involved. With the right systems and processes in place, many AML checks can be carried out quickly and efficiently, often as an integrated part of a broader background check.