Quick Answer
A global watch list search compares an applicant's name and identifiers against sanctions and watch lists such as the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. It helps employers, especially in financial services and government contracting, avoid hiring a sanctioned person. Possible matches should be reviewed carefully, because names alone can match the wrong person.
What the Search Covers
The Global Security Watch List search covers OFAC and international watch lists. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) publishes the SDN list, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with people and entities on it.
Who Needs It
- Financial services and fintech employers.
- Government contractors.
- Employers with international operations or payments.
- Any employer that wants the search as part of a standard package; it is already included in every SaffHire standard package.
Healthcare Exclusion Lists Are Different
Healthcare employers usually also need exclusion screening, which checks the HHS OIG exclusion list and the SAM database. That is a separate search; see Healthcare Sanctions and OIG Checks.
Ordering
The National Criminal Database search is usually SaffHire's minimum package and includes the Global Security Watch List, SSN Trace, Sex Offender registry search and the national database search. These usually return in minutes. There are no setup fees and no minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is a global watch list search?
It usually returns in minutes.
Is it included in standard packages?
Yes. Every SaffHire standard package includes the Global Security Watch List.
Is this the same as an OIG check?
No. OIG and SAM exclusion screening for healthcare is a separate search. See Healthcare Sanctions and OIG Checks.