N
The Daily Insight

How can you tell if someone is politically exposed?

Author

Abigail Rogers

Updated on March 20, 2026

Identifying a PEP
  1. heads of state, heads of government, ministers, and deputy or assistant ministers.
  2. members of Parliament.
  3. members of courts of auditors or of the boards of central banks.
  4. ambassadors, chargés d'affaires and high-ranking officers in the armed forces.

Thereof, what is a politically exposed person?

A politically exposed person (PEP) is defined by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as an individual who is or has been entrusted with a prominent public function. The FATF first issued mandatory requirements covering foreign PEPs, their family members and close associates1 in June 2003.

Also, who is classed as a politically exposed person pep? A politically exposed person (PEP) is someone who's been appointed by a community institution, an international body or a state, including the UK, to a high-profile position within the last 12 months.

Keeping this in view, are you politically exposed Meaning?

In basic terms, a Politically Exposed Person is someone who, through their prominent position or influence, is more susceptible to being involved in bribery or corruption.

How long is a person considered a PEP?

12 months

Related Question Answers

What are the three types of politically exposed persons?

The AML/CTF Act identifies three types of PEPs.
  • Domestic PEP – someone who holds a prominent public position or role in an Australian government body.
  • Foreign PEP – someone who holds a prominent public position or role with a government body in a country other than Australia.

Is a diplomat a politically exposed person?

The PEP meaning according to FATF: Senior government official: executive bodies, diplomatic roles, legislative bodies, judiciary bodies Close family members: are individuals who are related to a PEP either directly (consanguinity) or through marriage or similar (civil) forms of partnership.

Are PEPs high risk?

PEP Risk

Relationships with PEPs may represent increased risks due to the possibility that individuals holding such positions may misuse their power and influence for personal gain or advantage, or for the personal gain or advantage of close family members and close associates.

Why are politically exposed persons high risk?

The definition of politically exposed person (PEP) is an individual with a high profile political role, or who has been entrusted with a prominent public function. They present a higher risk for involvement in money laundering and/or terrorist financing because of the position they hold.

How do you check if someone is a PEP?

You can check to see if your name is on a PEP register by viewing your Multi Agency Credit Report with checkmyfile.

Why are PEPs considered high risk?

PEPs are higher-risk clients for institutions and financial firms to onboard, simply because they are exposed to more opportunities to accept bribes, be involved in corruption by virtue of their position and launder money.

What is CDD and EDD?

The second step is Customer Due Diligence (“CDD”) which requires the bank to obtain information to verify the customer's identity and assess the risk. If the CDD inquiry leads to a high risk determination, the bank has to conduct an Enhanced Due Diligence (“EDD”).

What is a high risk customer?

Higher Risk Customers are those who are engaged in certain professions or avail the banking products and services where money laundering possibilities are high. Financial Institutions conduct enhanced due diligence (EDD) and ongoing monitoring for the higher risk customers.

What is PEP screening?

Organizations need to perform a detailed politically exposed person (PEP) and sanction check when onboarding new customers, as well as during the ongoing review of clients, to ensure that the organization's reputation, revenue and capital are protected.

What does PEPS mean?

Summary of Key Points
PEPS
Definition: People
Type: Abbreviation
Guessability: 3: Guessable
Typical Users: Adults and Teenagers

What is PEP account?

In financial regulation, a politically exposed person (PEP) is one who has been entrusted with a prominent public function. A PEP generally presents a higher risk for potential involvement in bribery and corruption by virtue of their position and the influence that they may hold.

Are state owned entities PEPs?

State-owned enterprises, including central banks, should not be considered PEPs. All state-owned enterprises are not necessarily low risk; such entities should be assessed using appropriate risk factors.

What does PEP stand for in Python?

Python Enhancement Proposal

Are local Councillors PEPs?

Anyone entrusted with a public office—and individuals who are closely associated to them—can be considered a PEP. Therefore, PEPs can be anyone ranging from town or village councillors up to the national cabinet level or the senior management for state-owned enterprises.

Are diplomats PEPs?

Diplomatic roles such as Ambassadors and Charges D'Affaires present a higher financial crime risk and are classified as PEPs.

What is PEP in money laundering?

Politically exposed persons (PEPs) are individuals whose prominent position in public life may make them vulnerable to corruption. The full definition of a PEP is set out in the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.

What are the 3 ways that money is laundered?

The process of laundering money typically involves three steps: placement, layering, and integration. Placement puts the "dirty money" into the legitimate financial system.