Manual lookup & batch screening
Updated on 14.11.25
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Overview
On the Manual Lookup page, you can perform AML checks without the need for an API integration. This is ideal for situations where you want to screen specific customers, transactions or entities manually, without flagging them on global watchlists, politically exposed persons (PEP) databases or adverse media sources.
How to run an AML lookup
1. Head to the Manual Lookup page.
2. Open the AML tab.
3. Enter screening details.
4. Select a search profile.
5. After filling in the required details, click the Run AML lookup button.
Best practices for manual AML lookups
- Double-check data inputs: Always ensure that the information entered for the lookup is correct. Mistakes can lead to incorrect results.
- Review matches thoroughly: Examine the details of any matches carefully, including reasoning and match strength. A high-risk match (e.g., a direct sanction match) warrants immediate action.
- Maintain compliance records: Keep detailed records of your AML lookup process and any decisions made for auditing and reporting purposes. For this purpose, use our case management system.
- Regularly perform manual lookups: Even if you're using automated AML tools, it's advisable to conduct regular manual checks on high-risk individuals or entities for added security.
Limitations of manual AML lookups
- Manual process: This method requires human input and review, which can be time-consuming for large volumes of checks.
- No automated alerts: Unlike automated systems, manual lookups do not provide automatic notifications or real-time alerts about new updates on watchlists or databases.
When to use manual AML lookup
- Small-scale operations: If your business handles a relatively small volume of AML checks, the manual lookup option provides a simple, effective solution.
- High-risk or complex cases: Use manual AML lookups for specific cases that require careful analysis or when the automated systems flag something for further review.
- Ad-hoc investigations: When you need to quickly verify the status of a customer or entity outside of automated processes.
Next steps after a manual AML lookup
- Escalate for further review: If you find a high-risk match, escalate the case for more thorough investigation by your compliance or legal team.
- Integrate with other AML tools: For more complex needs, consider integrating SEON’s Fraud API with AML settings for automated, scalable AML checks.
- Monitor for changes: If the result is clear but there is ongoing risk, regularly recheck the individual or entity as part of your ongoing monitoring program
Batch test
The Batch test feature is an efficient solution designed for businesses that need to conduct large-scale AML checks on multiple individuals or entities without the need for coding or technical integration. This option allows for bulk processing, making it ideal for high-volume operations that require frequent AML screening.
- Handle large volumes of AML checks to save time and resources.
- Simplify the process by uploading bulk data directly to SEON. No coding required.
- Get fast feedback on multiple individuals or entities simultaneously, allowing for quicker decision-making.
- Ensure your organization remains compliant with AML regulations.
How to perform a batch upload for AML checks
Prepare the data file
- The first step is to prepare a CSV file containing the details of the individuals or entities you wish to screen. Each row should include the necessary information, such as:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth (for individuals)
- Country
- Entity Information (for companies, such as registration number or legal name)
Make sure the file is properly formatted.
Download sample files: CSV, XLSX
Upload the file to SEON
1. Head to the Manual Lookup page.
2. Open the Batch test tab.
3. Upload your file.
Best practices for batch uploads
- Data quality: Ensure that the data you upload is accurate and formatted correctly to prevent errors in the lookup process.
- Regular uploads: For ongoing compliance, schedule regular batch uploads, especially for new customers, transactions, or business partners.
- Data segmentation: If necessary, break your batch into smaller files for easier management and quicker processing.
Limitations of batch uploads
- Manual review required: Although the batch upload feature speeds up the screening process, high-risk cases will still need to be reviewed manually by your compliance team.
- Limited customization: The batch upload method does not offer advanced customization. For that, consider integrating the Fraud API with AML settings.
Handling lookup results
After the lookup is complete, you will see the results on the screen.
Based on the lookup results, you can make decisions about the individual or entity:
- No hit: No matches are found. You may proceed with the transaction or onboarding process. Set the status to Reviewed.
- Reopened: If new information is found later, the case can be reopened and reviewed again.
- Reviewed: If the case has been examined and no further action is needed, set the status to Reviewed.
- Confirmed hit: If critical matches are found, such as a direct match with a PEP or a sanctions list, the status should be set to Confirmed hit.
- False match: The match is a false positive.
Later on, you can filter cases by these statuses. If you need a more robust investigation handling, you can use SEON’s case management system to configure custom workflows, set up escalation steps and add investigation notes and decision nodes. Additionally, the system provides an audit trail to handle AML results within the case management system.