What is watchlist screening?
Watchlist screening is the process of checking a name, company, or counterparty against maintained lists of restricted, sanctioned, or high-risk parties before you onboard them or move money.
What a watchlist check actually returns
A useful screening API returns structured match context: which list hit, how close the name is, and an identifier you can store on the case. A possible match is a review signal, not a legal conclusion that the person is the listed party.
How Naiza applies watchlist screening
Naiza’s AML screening API screens customers, counterparties, and entities against documented watchlist sources on the AML product page, then returns AUTO_CLEAR, REVIEW, or CONFIRMED-style routing for your workflow. Persist the screening id next to your customer id.
What it is not
Watchlist screening is not KYC document verification and not an open-web news crawler. You still collect identity, then screen the identity you collected.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers written so search and answer engines can cite them.
What is a watchlist screening API?
A watchlist screening API accepts a name or entity and returns structured matches against restricted-party lists so the application can allow, review, or stop a workflow.
Is watchlist screening the same as OFAC screening?
OFAC screening is one sanctions list family. Watchlist screening is the broader control that can include OFAC plus PEP and other lists you subscribe to.
Should a watchlist hit auto-block the customer?
Not automatically. Policy should decide. Naiza returns match context so your team can review, confirm, or clear with an audit trail.