A partial match occurs when a data entry closely resembles, but does not exactly match, another entry in a database or list. For example, in financial crime compliance, a partial match might involve a name or other identifying information that closely aligns with entries on sanctions lists, politically exposed persons (PEPs) lists, or watchlists but does not match precisely. 

Handling partial matches is crucial for effective risk management in financial crime compliance. Financial institutions must investigate partial matches to determine whether they represent a true connection to a sanctioned or high-risk entity. This often involves additional due diligence and verification to assess the level of risk and prevent potential financial crimes. Properly addressing partial matches helps organisations avoid false positives while ensuring they comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regulations.