AML vs Sanctions Screening
The distinction between AML monitoring and sanctions screening — and why agents need the deterministic layer.
The distinction
| Layer | Question | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| AML | Is this activity suspicious? | Behavioral monitoring, ongoing |
| Sanctions screening | May we deal with this party? | List check, every transaction |
Why the difference matters
AML is probabilistic — scoring and monitoring for red flags. Sanctions screening is deterministic — a wallet or name is either listed or not. Mixing them means neither works well.
The agent angle
An agent payment needs the deterministic screen every time; AML monitoring then layers behavior scoring on top. SanctionsAI is the deterministic layer.