Sanctions screening is a crucial process in financial crime compliance, designed to prevent illegal transactions and ensure adherence to international laws and regulations. It involves the systematic checking of individuals, entities, and transactions against various sanctions lists issued by governments, international organisations, and regulatory bodies. These lists include individuals, groups, and countries that are subject to economic or trade restrictions due to their involvement in activities such as terrorism, money laundering, or human rights violations. 

The purpose of sanctions screening is to identify and block any dealings with sanctioned parties, thereby mitigating the risk of financial institutions being used to facilitate illegal activities. Effective sanctions screening is vital for maintaining the integrity of the global financial system and for financial institutions to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage.