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Sanctions Screening Vendors (2025)

Last Updated: 2025-12-28 Status: Complete

This page provides a comparison of sanctions screening vendors for PayFac implementations.

Vendor Comparison​

VendorTierStrengthsBest ForPricing
Dow Jones Risk & ComplianceTier 1Highest quality data, extensive coverage, low false positivesLarge enterprises, banksEnterprise
Refinitiv World-Check (LSEG)Tier 1Most comprehensive dataset, global coverage, advanced analyticsLarge financial institutionsEnterprise
LexisNexis BridgerTier 1Unmatched data depth, due diligence capabilities, entity resolutionLarge banks, global operationsEnterprise
ComplyAdvantageMid-rangeAI-driven, real-time updates, API-first, modern UXFintechs, PayFacs, digital-firstMid-range
Accuity (LexisNexis)Tier 2Payment screening focus, good coverage, reliableMid-sized companies, regional banksMid-range
Chainalysis KYTSpecializedCrypto-native, blockchain screening, transaction monitoringCrypto exchanges, DeFi platformsMid-range

Pricing Considerations​

Tier 1 (Enterprise)​

  • Typically $50,000 - $500,000+ annually
  • Per-user licensing + API call pricing
  • Minimum commitments often required
  • Comprehensive support and training
  • Prohibitively expensive for small/mid-sized fintechs

Mid-Range​

  • $10,000 - $100,000 annually
  • More flexible pricing models
  • API-first with usage-based pricing
  • Faster implementation
  • Better fit for PayFacs and fintechs

API-Based Pricing Models​

Pricing ComponentTypical Range
Per-screening fee$0.10 - $2.00 per check
Monthly minimums$500 - $5,000
Volume discounts20-50% at scale
Real-time vs. batchReal-time 1.5-2x batch pricing

Vendor Selection Criteria​

Must-Have Features​

  1. Real-time screening (sub-second response times)
  2. Automatic SDN list updates (at least daily)
  3. Fuzzy matching with configurable thresholds
  4. RESTful API for integration
  5. Audit trail of all screening activity
  6. Match resolution workflow
  7. Multiple list coverage (OFAC, UN, EU, UK)

Nice-to-Have Features​

  • PEP screening
  • Adverse media screening
  • Entity resolution/disambiguation
  • Risk scoring
  • Ongoing monitoring automation
  • Case management system
  • Reporting and analytics

Integration Considerations​

  • API documentation quality
  • Webhook support for list updates
  • Batch screening capabilities
  • Rate limits and SLAs
  • Sandbox environment for testing
  • Technical support responsiveness

Vendor Deep Dives​

Dow Jones Risk & Compliance​

Best for: Organizations requiring highest data quality

  • Data Sources: Proprietary research team, extensive global coverage
  • False Positive Rate: Industry-leading low rates
  • Coverage: 2.5M+ profiles, 300+ sanctions programs
  • Implementation: Longer, requires dedicated team
  • Pricing: Enterprise contracts only

Refinitiv World-Check (LSEG)​

Best for: Global financial institutions

  • Data Sources: Largest sanctions database globally
  • Coverage: 3M+ entities, comprehensive PEP coverage
  • Integration: Strong API, case management included
  • Pricing: Enterprise, multi-year contracts typical

ComplyAdvantage​

Best for: Modern fintechs and PayFacs

  • Technology: AI-powered matching and risk scoring
  • Updates: Real-time list updates
  • Integration: Modern API, quick implementation
  • Pricing: Usage-based, fintech-friendly
  • Differentiator: Built for digital-first companies

Chainalysis KYT​

Best for: Cryptocurrency-related businesses

  • Specialization: Blockchain transaction analysis
  • Coverage: Crypto wallets, exchanges, DeFi protocols
  • Unique: On-chain sanctions screening
  • Pricing: Volume-based

Vendor Due Diligence Checklist​

Before selecting a vendor:

  • Request trial/sandbox access
  • Test API response times
  • Verify list update frequency
  • Review false positive rates (request metrics)
  • Check SOC 2 / ISO 27001 certification
  • Understand contract terms (minimums, termination)
  • Evaluate customer support quality
  • Review implementation timeline
  • Assess ongoing cost scalability
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