We provide a comprehensive solution for clients seeking a risk-based approach to vetting a series of third parties. We agree in advance a series of checks at varying levels of intensity, so that higher-risk subjects receive more scrutiny than lower-risk ones. We can also pre-agree fee rates and timescales for the different levels, giving greater certainty as to the cost and time implications.

We are also able to advise clients as to how to risk-rate subjects, taking into account the country, industry, ownership structure, the nature of the proposed relationship and other factors.

All solutions are tailored to clients’ particular concerns and requirements, but a typical layered approach might take the following form:

LEVEL ONE –  ‘red flag report’ (5-10 working days)

Issues addressed

• That the company exists
• Identities of directors and shareholders
• Whether the company, its directors and/or shareholders feature on regulators’ watchlists
• Signs that the company’s directors or shareholders are foreign government officials or politically exposed persons
• Signs of trading with sanctioned entities or countries
• Signs of financial difficulties
• Signs of involvement in litigation
• Whether the company has been criticised for wrongdoing

Scope of investigation

• Check company registration and status
• Search regulators’ watchlists
• Search lists of sanctioned entities
• Credit checks
• Search of bankruptcy / liquidation records
• Search of online litigation records
• Search of media databases and internet for evidence of critical coverage

LEVEL TWO (10-15 working days)

As above plus:

• Comprehensive account of public domain information linking the company to allegations of:
• Bribery, corruption or other unethical business practices
• An overly aggressive or litigious approach
• Overly close links to government officials
• Unverifiable sources of wealth
• Signs of investigations and/or sanctions from regulatory authorities
• Other regulatory or reputational issues of potential concern
• Incomplete or inaccurate disclosure by subject to client

Scope of investigation

All of the above plus:

• Review and summary of all media and internet references
• Review and summary of corporate records, including local archives
• Review and summary of litigation filings, including local archives
• Analysis and cross-referencing of all findings
• Comparison between subject’s public domain imprint and information disclosed to client by subject

LEVEL THREE (15-25 working days)

As above, but seeking fuller answers to questions posed by drawing on a much wider range of information sources – and / or addressing specific issues of potential concern already identified

Scope of investigation

All of the above plus:

• Enquiries with Risk Advisory’s network of in-country contacts
• Enquiries with Risk Advisory’s network of industry sector experts
• Enquiries with people identified during the assignment as being likely to have relevant insights into the subject and/or particular issues