Context
During a review an unusual pattern surfaced in the profile of a prospective customer. Links to public office and sensitive networks were not fully documented, and there was a risk that the case could move forward without adequate scrutiny.
Approach
- Rechecked external and internal sources for any political connections.
- Mapped related entities, accounts, and owners to build a clearer picture.
- Prepared a detailed memo that presented the risk in clear language for senior review.
- Worked with compliance and legal partners to confirm next steps and documentation.
- Turned the experience into an escalation template for future high risk profiles.
Outcome
- The institution avoided onboarding a customer that presented a serious risk.
- The new template and process improved consistency across future reviews.
- Analysts learned how to recognise subtle patterns that point to political exposure.