A Quick Start Guide to Adverse Media Screening

A Quick Start Guide to Adverse Media Screening

Meet Jamie—a compliance officer at a U.S. financial services firm regulated by FinCEN, FINRA, and the SEC. Jamie knows the stakes: missing adverse media about a potential client could lead to fines, reputational damage, or worse. But performing these checks manually often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here’s how Jamie’s experience shifts when using iComply’s AML solution.

Manual Adverse Media Screening: A Complex Process

To comply with regulatory expectations, Jamie manually searches online articles, government reports, and social media for red flags like fraud, money laundering, or corruption. Each platform requires tweaking keywords and combing through endless irrelevant hits.

  • Overwhelming Data: Vast amounts of news, blogs, and public records make it easy to miss critical insights.
  • Time-Consuming Tasks: Cross-referencing names with sanctions lists, PEP databases, and legal filings means hours—sometimes days—of effort.
  • Risk of Outdated Info: By the time Jamie compiles findings, new updates might surface, requiring a re-check.

Even after all that, Jamie still has to organize the findings into an audit-ready report for internal review and potential regulatory inspections.

Adverse Media Screening with iComply: A Seamless Workflow

With iComply’s AML platform, Jamie’s adverse media screening becomes faster and more reliable:

  • Real-Time Data Collection: iComply automatically pulls global news, blogs, and regulatory announcements in seconds—including U.S. and international media sources.
  • AI-Driven Precision: Advanced machine learning filters out irrelevant results, significantly reducing false positives while prioritizing high-risk alerts.
  • Automated Cross-Checks: The system compares findings against global watchlists, sanctions databases, and adverse media archives automatically—no manual entry needed.
  • Instant Reports: With one click, Jamie generates a comprehensive, audit-ready report with risk scores, dates, and classifications.

This streamlined process helps Jamie stay compliant with FinCEN’s AML rules, FINRA’s due diligence standards, and the SEC’s anti-fraud requirements—all without the manual guesswork.

The iComply Advantage

For Jamie, manually compiling adverse media reports used to take hours and left room for human error. With iComply, it takes minutes. The result? Faster compliance checks, reduced risks, and more time for strategic oversight.

Is your compliance team ready to simplify adverse media screening? iComply’s AML solution empowers financial institutions to meet FinCEN, FINRA, and SEC standards while making compliance faster, smarter, and more secure. Let’s make it happen.

The Journey of KYC Data: Comparing Legacy Systems to Edge Computing

The Journey of KYC Data: Comparing Legacy Systems to Edge Computing

Meet Emily—a compliance officer managing KYC processes for an international financial firm. Like many businesses, her firm relies on multiple third-party tools, each with its own subprocessors scattered across various countries. Every time a new customer submits their documents, the data embarks on a long and risky journey—hopping across networks, servers, and regions before returning as a completed KYC profile.

But what if that journey could be shorter, safer, and entirely within the organization’s control? Enter edge computing—a game-changer that keeps sensitive data local, secure, and compliant. Here’s a closer look at the difference it makes.

The Legacy KYC Data Journey

Emily’s current KYC process starts with a customer uploading identification documents through a third-party portal. These documents travel to cloud-based services for validation and verification, often crossing borders and passing through international subprocessors.

Each stop introduces new risks:

  • Data Exposure: Sensitive information is transmitted over multiple networks.
  • Jurisdictional Complexity: Different data privacy regulations apply at each stage.
  • Increased Latency: Every transfer adds time, creating frustrating delays for customers and compliance teams alike.

When regulations like GDPR or U.S. Data Privacy Framework require local data storage, this scattered process becomes a compliance headache—and a potential security vulnerability.

The Edge Computing KYC Data Journey

Now imagine the same process using edge computing. When Emily’s customer uploads their documents, something different happens:

  • Local Processing: The data is encrypted, authenticated, and validated on the customer’s device or a nearby edge node before it leaves the network.
  • Direct Transfer: Once verified, only the necessary data is securely sent to Emily’s local server, staying within jurisdictional boundaries.
  • Faster Decision-Making: No detours through third-party subprocessors or distant cloud servers—just fast, secure compliance processing.

With edge computing, Emily’s KYC process is not only faster but also privacy-focused, meeting data localization laws without added complexity​​.

Key Benefits of Edge Computing for KYC Compliance

  1. Data Sovereignty by Design
    Edge computing keeps customer data within required jurisdictions, making compliance with data localization laws seamless. No international subprocessors, no regulatory gray areas—just clear control over where and how data is handled​.
  2. Stronger Security
    By encrypting and validating documents at the source, edge computing minimizes data exposure during transmission. Sensitive information never travels unsecured through multiple systems, drastically reducing the attack surface​​.
  3. Reduced Latency and Costs
    Processing data locally means faster verification times—often within seconds. This eliminates the lag caused by data bouncing between external servers and cuts cloud storage and transmission costs.

The Future of Compliance Is Edge-Based

For Emily’s firm, the switch to edge computing transformed KYC from a risky journey to a secure, streamlined experience. Customers appreciated faster onboarding, while Emily’s team gained confidence in their compliance processes, knowing sensitive data stayed secure and audit-ready.

Are you ready to take control of your compliance data journey? With iComply’s edge computing solutions, you can enhance privacy, reduce risks, and future-proof your compliance strategy. Let’s redefine compliance together.

Beneficial Ownership 101: Navigating Complex Corporate Structures

Beneficial Ownership 101: Navigating Complex Corporate Structures

Meet Alex—a compliance analyst onboarding a new corporate client. The company looks legitimate, but beneficial ownership is often more complex than it appears. With layers of holding companies and indirect stakeholders, missing key details could mean regulatory trouble—or worse. Fortunately, with the right system, Alex’s beneficial ownership reviews can be streamlined, secure, and insightful.

Alex’s Approach to Beneficial Ownership Reviews

Instead of hunting through emails and databases, Alex pulls director filings, shareholder lists, and organizational charts automatically from trusted global sources. This gives him an instant overview of the company’s structure and connections—even across multiple jurisdictions. Once the data is collected, Alex focuses on identifying individuals with 25% or more ownership or control. He cross-checks these key players against watchlists, sanctions, and adverse media to flag potential risks early.

To close the loop, Alex compiles findings into an audit-ready report—no manual spreadsheets or patchwork PDFs. With one click, he generates a detailed summary that tracks every step of his review, making audits painless and ensuring regulatory requirements are met. Real-time alerts and built-in compliance checks mean Alex stays proactive, not reactive.

Key Considerations for Complex Beneficial Ownership

  • Trusts, Shells, and Hidden Layers: Ownership isn’t always direct. Many firms use trusts or shell companies to obscure control. A robust compliance platform helps uncover indirect ownership and manage ownership percentages with transparency.
  • Global Variations in Ownership Laws: Each jurisdiction may have different thresholds and definitions for beneficial ownership. Your system should adapt to local regulations while maintaining a unified global view.
  • Dynamic Ownership Changes: Ownership structures evolve due to mergers, investments, and leadership shifts. Continuous monitoring ensures you catch changes that could impact compliance long after onboarding.

Make Compliance Your Strength

With iComply, beneficial ownership reviews become an integral part of a smarter, more secure due diligence process. Automating data collection and verification saves time, reduces errors, and keeps your compliance team a step ahead. Ready to transform your approach? Let’s get started.

From Setup to Success: A Quick Start Guide to Integrating the iComply Platform

From Setup to Success: A Quick Start Guide to Integrating the iComply Platform

Compliance doesn’t have to be chaos.

Sarah, a compliance manager at a U.S. broker-dealer, had seen it all—delays, endless emails, and frustrated clients. She knew her team needed something better.

That’s when she found iComply.

Step 1: Simplify from Day One
No more patchwork solutions. Sarah’s team set up iComply’s KYC and AML modules in days—not weeks. With custom workflows and a branded client portal, onboarding felt seamless, not stressful​​.

Step 2: Automate the Boring Stuff
Instead of manually tracking sanctions lists or verifying documents, Sarah’s team let iComply handle it. Real-time alerts kept them ahead of risks, while audit-ready reports were just a click away​​.

Step 3: Keep It Secure, Keep It Compliant
Data encryption, secure API integrations, and role-based access meant no more sleepless nights about data breaches or failed audits​​.

Quick-Start Checklist for Compliance Teams

  • Map your current onboarding process.
  • Enable only the compliance features you need.
  • Automate document requests and approvals.
  • Set up real-time alerts for PEPs and sanctions.
  • Customize reports for audit season.

In minutes, not months, Sarah’s team had a smarter compliance process that saved time and improved client trust.

Want the same results? Let’s make compliance seamless together.

Navigating the FATF Travel Rule for FINRA and SEC Firms

Navigating the FATF Travel Rule for FINRA and SEC Firms

Meet James—a compliance officer at a FINRA-regulated firm managing security tokens and tokenized funds. James is used to navigating complex regulations, but the FATF Travel Rule has added a new layer of pressure.

It starts with a client transferring cryptoassets to another platform. James knows the Travel Rule requires his firm to collect and share key information—names, wallet addresses, and account details—every step of the way. But the process quickly becomes overwhelming.

  • First issue: His team is manually verifying transaction details across different tools.
  • Next challenge: There’s no standard way to securely share data with other platforms.
  • Final complication: International transfers bring inconsistent rules that make compliance feel like guesswork.

By the end of the day, James feels more like a crisis manager than a compliance leader.

Now imagine a different scenario—where compliance with the Travel Rule is frictionless, thanks to iComply’s integrated compliance platform.


Simplifying the Travel Rule with iComply

With iComply, James’ compliance process transforms from reactive to proactive. When a client initiates a tokenized fund transfer, the system automatically collects and verifies all required data.

  • Automated Data Collection: Instead of juggling spreadsheets, iComply pulls client data, validates it, and attaches it to the transaction in real time.
  • Secure, Seamless Transmission: Information is shared through secure APIs, ensuring encrypted, standardized communication across platforms.
  • Regulatory Intelligence: iComply stays updated on regulatory changes globally, helping James’ firm remain compliant across jurisdictions.

The result? No more manual checks, last-minute fixes, or uncertainty during audits.


Turning the Travel Rule Into a Competitive Edge

The FATF Travel Rule is a reality for SEC and FINRA-regulated firms—and non-compliance isn’t an option. But firms that adopt smart solutions like iComply can:

  • Enhance data security: Protect sensitive client information with automated, encrypted verification.
  • Simplify workflows: Replace manual steps with streamlined processes that save time and reduce costs.
  • Build trust: Show clients and regulators that your firm is proactive, not reactive, about compliance.

James no longer spends his day scrambling to keep up with regulatory demands. Instead, he has confidence that his compliance framework is future-proofed and built to scale.

The Travel Rule doesn’t have to be a burden—it can be a chance to lead. With iComply, your firm can turn complexity into confidence. Ready to make compliance a competitive advantage? Let’s talk.

A Quick Start Guide to Beneficial Ownership Reviews

A Quick Start Guide to Beneficial Ownership Reviews

Meet Alex—a compliance analyst onboarding a new corporate client. On the surface, the company seems legitimate, but Alex knows due diligence requires digging deeper to identify the true owners behind the business. The process can feel like chasing puzzle pieces across multiple data sources and emails. Time-consuming, frustrating—and risky if something slips through the cracks.

But with the right system, Alex’s beneficial ownership review can be simple, thorough, and fast.


Alex’s Checklist for Beneficial Ownership Reviews

  1. Gather Ownership Data: Enter company details and automatically pull director filings, beneficial owner lists, and corporate structures from trusted sources.
  2. Verify Beneficial Owners: Identify individuals with 25% or more ownership and cross-check them against global watchlists, sanctions databases, and adverse media reports.
  3. Document and Report: Compile findings and generate a complete audit-ready report in one click—no spreadsheets, no manual stitching of data.

A Better Way Forward

With iComply, Alex’s review is seamless, secure, and efficient. Automated data collection and verification help him spot risks faster, store everything in one place, and stay compliant with confidence. Beneficial ownership reviews don’t have to be a headache—they can be a key part of a smarter compliance strategy.

Ready to streamline your due diligence? Let’s make it easier to do the right thing. Contact iComply today.

Vaidyanathan Chandrashekhar

Vaidyanathan Chandrashekhar

Advisors

“Chandy,” is a technology and risk expert with executive experience at Boston Consulting Group, Citi, and PwC. With over two decades in financial services, digital transformation, and enterprise risk, he advises iComply on scalable compliance infrastructure for global markets.
Thomas Linder

Thomas Linder

Advisors

Thomas is a global tax and compliance expert with deep specialization in digital assets, blockchain, and tokenization. As a partner at MME Legal | Tax | Compliance, he advises iComply on regulatory strategy, cross-border compliance, and digital finance innovation.
Thomas Hardjono

Thomas Hardjono

Advisors

Thomas is a renowned identity and cybersecurity expert, serving as CTO of Connection Science at MIT. With deep expertise in decentralized identity, zero trust, and secure data exchange, he advises iComply on cutting-edge technology and privacy-first compliance architecture.
Rodney Dobson

Rodney Dobson

Advisors

Rodney is the former President of ADP Canada and international executive with over two decades of leadership in global HR and enterprise technology. He advises iComply with deep expertise in international service delivery, M&A, and scaling high-growth operations across regulated markets.
Praveen Mandal

Praveen Mandal

Advisors

Praveen is a serial entrepreneur and technology innovator, known for leadership roles at Lucent Bell Labs, ChargePoint, and the Stanford Linear Accelerator. He advises iComply on advanced computing, scalable infrastructure, and the intersection of AI, energy, and compliance tech.
Paul Childerhose

Paul Childerhose

Advisors

Paul is a Canadian RegTech leader and founder of Maple Peak Group, with extensive experience in financial services compliance, AML, and digital transformation. He advises iComply on regulatory alignment, operational strategy, and scaling compliance programs in complex markets.
John Engle

John Engle

Advisors

John is a seasoned business executive with senior leadership experience at CIBC, UBS, and Accenture. With deep expertise in investment banking, private equity, and digital transformation, he advises iComply on strategic growth, partnerships, and global market expansion.
Jeff Bandman

Jeff Bandman

Advisors

Jeff is a former CFTC official and globally recognized expert in financial regulation, fintech, and digital assets. As founder of Bandman Advisors, he brings deep insight into regulatory policy, market infrastructure, and innovation to guide iComply’s global compliance strategy.
Greg Pearlman

Greg Pearlman

Advisors

Greg is a seasoned investment banker with over 35 years of experience, including leadership roles at BMO Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup. Greg brings deep expertise in financial strategy and growth to support iComply's expansion in the RegTech sector.
Deven Sharma

Deven Sharma

Advisors

Deven is the former President of S&P and a globally respected authority in risk, data, and capital markets. With decades of leadership across financial services and tech, he advises iComply on strategic growth, governance, and the future of trusted data in AML compliance.