Batch screening is a process used in anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime compliance to review large volumes of customer data at once, rather than individually. This method is often employed by financial institutions to check existing customer databases against sanctions lists, politically exposed persons (PEP) lists, and adverse media databases. By running a “batch” of customer records through automated systems, organisations can efficiently identify potential risks associated with money laundering, terrorism financing, or other illegal activities. 

Batch screening is particularly useful for ongoing monitoring, allowing companies to ensure compliance without having to manually screen each customer. It provides a cost-effective way to manage large-scale data and helps ensure that institutions meet regulatory requirements by flagging suspicious individuals or entities that may pose a risk to the financial system.