The right technology can save time, reduce risk, and ensure consistency across your client onboarding process. But with so many tools on the market, how do you know which one suits your profession?

Here’s a practical guide to some of the most widely used AML tools and who they’re best suited to.

For Estate Agents: Mobile-Friendly and Property-Focused

Estate agents often operate in fast-paced environments, juggling multiple transactions and relying on clients to provide documents quickly.

Recommended Tools:

• Thirdfort
  Designed with estate agents and conveyancers in mind. Offers app-based ID checks, source-of-funds verification via Open Banking, and PEP/sanctions screening. Integrated with HM Land Registry and various CRMs.
• Credas
  Another popular choice in property. Mobile app onboarding, facial recognition, and document verification. Offers real-time reporting and dashboards.
• SmartSearch
  Cloud-based and scalable. Provides electronic verification, ongoing monitoring, and audit trails. Strong UK presence.

Speed and convenience are key. Agents need to reduce admin time while staying compliant, especially when instructions are at risk if onboarding is delayed.

 For Accountants: Corporate Insight and Flexible Checks

Accountants often deal with corporate clients, group structures, and need to assess beneficial ownership as part of due diligence.

Recommended Tools:

• Creditsafe / Experian / Equifax
  Well known for business credit reports, they also offer AML modules that include identity checks and risk assessments for corporate entities.
• Xama
  Built for accountants and finance professionals. Includes AML workflows, file management, client communication, and training logs.
• Onfido
  Strong on ID and document verification. Can be integrated into portals or practice management systems.

Accountants need robust processes for identifying beneficial owners, screening for risk (including PEPs), and documenting recurring services (e.g. payroll, VAT returns).

 For Solicitors: Compliance + Legal Sector Specific Needs

Solicitors must satisfy the Solicitors Regulation Authority AML requirements, often in high-value transactions involving trusts, property, or probate matters.

Recommended Tools:

• Veriphy
  Simple interface with a pay-as-you-go model. Offers ID verification, address checks, and director lookups.
• Amiqus
  Popular in legal services. Offers secure document collection, ID checks, and e-signatures. GDPR-compliant and Solicitors Regulation Authority-aligned.
• Thirdfort (again)
  Especially suited for conveyancing teams. Easy for clients to use and includes source-of-funds verification.

Legal services often involve sensitive data, large sums, and tight turnarounds. AML tools must integrate smoothly with client onboarding and case management systems.

Don’t Forget: Director ID Verification Now Required

As part of the UK’s Companies House reform under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, identity verification for company directors and PSCs is becoming mandatory.

The right AML tools can help streamline this process, especially when integrated with Companies House data and able to verify directors in real-time.

This further reinforces the importance of robust digital ID systems in both regulated and unregulated sectors.

Final Thoughts

No AML tool is perfect, and no one-size-fits-all solution exists. The best system is one that:

• Fits your workflow
• Matches your client base
• Supports your regulatory obligations

As finance professionals, we’re subject to the same AML legislation and we’ve spent time researching and testing what works in different sectors.

If you’re still using spreadsheets and manual ID checks, it might be time to rethink your compliance process. Streamlining AML isn’t just safer, it’s more profitable.