Simplified Due Diligence (SDD)
What Simplified Due Diligence means and when reduced verification requirements apply to lower-risk customers.
2 min read
Simplified Due Diligence (SDD) refers to reduced verification requirements applied to demonstrably lower-risk customers or transactions where the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing is minimal.
When SDD May Apply
- Regulated financial institutions: Already subject to oversight
- Publicly traded companies: Transparent ownership
- Government entities: Public accountability
- Long-standing customers: Clean history and known risk profile
- Low-risk products: Simple, standardized services
SDD Is Not “No Due Diligence”
Even with SDD, organizations must still:
- Identify the customer
- Monitor for suspicious activity
- Be prepared to escalate to standard CDD or EDD if risk indicators emerge
SDD reduces the depth of verification, not the requirement to verify.
Documentation Requirements
The risk-based approach requires documented justification for applying SDD:
- Why does this customer qualify as low-risk?
- What reduced measures are being applied?
- What triggers would require escalation?
SDD in the Due Diligence Spectrum
| Level | Risk | Measures |
|---|---|---|
| SDD | Low | Streamlined verification, standard monitoring |
| Standard CDD | Medium | Full verification, regular monitoring |
| EDD | High | Enhanced verification, intensive monitoring |
Related: CDD | EDD | Risk-Based Approach