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When is Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Required?

Νοέμβριος 6, 2025

As we all know effective compliance management systems and robust internal control mechanisms are essential for mitigating financial crime risks. Companies must perform regular risk assessments, apply sanctions screening, and strengthen their internal control system to protect against legal and reputational threats.

1. Transactions with High Sanctions Risk Countries

If a company operates in jurisdictions that do not comply with EU sanctions (e.g., UAE, Turkey, China), sanctions checks and thorough compliance and risk management are mandatory.

2. High Priority Goods or Dual-Use Technologies

Transactions involving dual-use or high priority goods require documented risk assessments. Compliance with AML regulations and a strong internal control system are essential.

3. Delivery of Services or Software

Services such as logistics, IT, or software that may be linked to sanctions cannot be routed to Russia or Belarus. These cases require compliance software solutions and periodic re-checks.

4. Negative Reputation or Adverse Media Mentions

If a counterparty or its beneficial owners are flagged in adverse media, this indicates reputational risk. Businesses must apply reputation management, adverse media screening, and continuous media analysis.

5. Operations in High-Risk Industries

Sectors like energy, arms production, and financial intermediation are considered higher risk. Here, companies benefit from external compliance services and advice from compliance experts.

6. High-Value or Complex Transactions

Transactions involving unusually large amounts, multiple intermediaries, or “shell” companies require reinforced internal control processes and the involvement of compliance professionals.

How to Conduct Enhanced Due Diligence?

An effective enhanced due diligence process helps reduce sanctions, reputational, and financial risks. Establishing a transparent compliance management system and documenting each verification step are key to regulatory compliance.

1. Risk Assessment

•             Identify the transaction counterparties, end-users, transport routes, type of goods, and end use.

•             Design internal control mechanisms that define how sanctions and reputation risks will be evaluated.

2. Data and Documentation Collection

•             Collect registration documents, customs declarations, transport and export documents, and end-user certificates.

•             Use intelligent software solutions that automate data comparison and sanctions screening.

3. Public Information Cross-Check

•             Verify goods classification and sanctions applicability (EU Regulations 833/2014, 765/2006, etc.).

•             Perform sanctions screening across official lists (EU, UN, OFAC).

•             Conduct media analysis to identify potential reputational risks.

4. End-User Verification

•             Request end-user statements, verify authenticity, and cross-check with public sources.

•             Apply reputation management and adverse media analysis tools to assess possible sanction connections.

5. Ongoing Monitoring

•             For continuous business relationships, repeat due diligence regularly to ensure no change in risk level.

•             Implement ongoing monitoring systems to detect structural or jurisdictional changes.

6. Internal Control System Development

•             Assign a responsible person for sanctions risk management and define “red lines”.

•             Adapt the internal control system to the company’s size, transaction volume, and resources.

•             Ensure documentation and the involvement of compliance professionals.

7. Cooperation with Financial Institutions

•             Banks must verify the effectiveness of the internal control system and timely document submission.

•             Collaboration with compliance experts improves risk management efficiency and corporate reputation.


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