Compare AML Solutions

SmartSearch focuses primarily on identity verification and electronic checks, offering KYC and sanctions screening across multiple industries. However, it stops short of providing full AML compliance management as there’s no built-in firm-wide and client risk assessment, AML education, AML policies, task oversight, or audit-ready record keeping. For accounting firms, this means SmartSearch handles verification well but leaves key compliance responsibilities scattered across other systems.

While SmartSearch delivers quick identity verification, its user experience reflects a system built for many industries rather than one tailored to accountants. Key AML tasks like client onboarding, monitoring, and risk management sit in separate areas, forcing teams to juggle spreadsheets, emails, and disconnected tools. The result is extra admin, limited visibility, and more room for things to slip through the cracks, exactly the kind of fragmentation firms are trying to escape.

SmartSearch doesn’t publish its pricing, and firms often find hidden costs for extra checks, users, or monitoring. On top of that, many get locked into long contracts that make it hard to adapt or switch as their needs change. Combined with the time lost managing AML across different systems, what seems like a simple verification solution can quickly become an expensive and inflexible way to stay compliant.

First AML offers a broad AML, KYC, and KYB platform covering onboarding, entity structure analysis, alerts, and ongoing monitoring across many jurisdictions. However, it lacks depth in areas that matter most to UK accounting firms, such as firm-wide risk assessments, MLRO audit trails, and onboarding built specifically for accountants. For firms seeking a compliance system built around UK accountancy AML obligations, that gap can lead to additional work or the need for other tools.

First AML simplifies many verification and entity structure processes, and users appreciate its automation of CDD workflows and global data integrations. However, some reviews note that its user experience and configuration flexibility are not ideal for specialised workflows, mentioning that it can be hard to understand initially and lacks flexibility in risk assessment setup. For firms expecting a plug-and-play solution designed for accounting practice AML, these gaps can mean more training and adaptation than anticipated.

First AML’s pricing is not publicly available and is provided on request, meaning potential customers must engage with sales to understand full costs. In addition to subscription fees, there are often hidden costs related to configuration, integrations, ongoing monitoring, and managing multiple systems. For accounting firms seeking a streamlined, all-in-one AML platform, these extra layers can make the true cost of ownership higher than expected.

Some practice management systems now include small AML add-ons that handle basic ID checks or risk assessments. While convenient, these tools are often limited to the onboarding stage and don’t provide full-lifecycle compliance — such as ongoing monitoring, firm-wide risk assessments, or detailed audit trails for MLROs. As a result, firms relying solely on these add-ons still need to manage key compliance responsibilities through other systems or manual processes.

Embedding AML checks within a practice management platform sounds efficient, but in reality, these add-ons often create more complexity over time. They tend to cover only a slice of the AML workflow, forcing teams to toggle between systems for different tasks like monitoring, training, and reporting. This fragmented experience adds friction, reduces visibility, and increases the chance of missed compliance steps.

The appeal of low-cost AML add-ons quickly fades once firms factor in the hidden costs of managing compliance across multiple disconnected tools. Limited functionality means teams spend more time reconciling data, duplicating work, and preparing for audits manually. What begins as a simple add-on can end up costing far more in time, effort, and operational risk than a dedicated AML compliance solution.

Firms that manage AML manually often rely on spreadsheets, shared drives, and email trails to track checks and risk assessments. While this approach can feel familiar, it makes it difficult to maintain a consistent, audit-ready record of compliance activities. Without automated reminders, centralised records, or real-time monitoring, important updates or document renewals can easily be missed, creating unnecessary compliance risk.

Manual AML management quickly becomes a daily frustration for busy teams. Each step, from onboarding clients to updating risk reviews, requires switching between documents and chasing colleagues for information. This not only wastes time but also creates uncertainty, as no one has a single, reliable view of what is complete and what is overdue.

Running AML manually might seem cost-effective at first, but the hidden costs add up fast. Hours lost to admin, duplicated work, and re-checking records all eat into billable time and productivity. When audits come around, the scramble to find evidence and fill gaps can cost far more than investing in a centralised AML system.

Firmcheck is built for UK accounting firms that want to meet AML obligations fully and confidently. It covers the entire compliance journey, from client onboarding and risk assessments to ongoing monitoring and audit readiness, all within one platform. If a firm is only looking for simple ID checks rather than complete AML compliance aligned with UK supervisory expectations, Firmcheck may be more comprehensive than they need.

Firmcheck is designed to make AML as easy and intuitive as possible, even for complex firms with multiple users and branches. Automated workflows, bulk actions, and progress tracking help teams stay efficient and consistent without losing control. For firms used to lightweight ID tools, Firmcheck’s depth may feel more structured at first, but that is what ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Firmcheck brings all AML features into one subscription, removing the need for separate tools and hidden add-ons. Firmcheck delivers the full scope of AML compliance in one affordable subscription, giving firms far more capability than a simple ID verification tool. For practices that want to do AML properly, not ID checks, the total return far outweighs the cost.